Six proposed star trades could jolt the 2026 NBA offseason
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ESPN’s NBA insider team outlined six hypothetical deals that could headline the 2026 summer transaction market. The proposals involve the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Brooklyn Nets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Memphis Grizzlies, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons and Philadelphia 76ers, with front-office analyst Bobby Marks weighing the financial and roster impact of each scenario.
Lakers pursue Daniel Gafford
Los Angeles would receive: Daniel Gafford
Dallas would receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, the No. 25 pick in the 2026 draft
The move reunites Gafford with Luka Doncic and addresses the Lakers’ center vacancy. Dallas would trim future salary and add youth after its front-office overhaul. Marks noted that the outgoing and incoming salaries are nearly identical, preserving Los Angeles’ cap flexibility.
Thunder send Jalen Williams to Brooklyn
Brooklyn would receive: Jalen Williams
Oklahoma City would receive: Michael Porter Jr., the least favorable 2027 first-rounder between OKC and Houston, plus unprotected first-rounders in 2029 and 2031
Rising payroll pressures prompted the proposal, which mirrors Oklahoma City’s 2012 James Harden trade. The Nets would gain a franchise cornerstone, while the Thunder would lower future costs and stockpile picks. Marks pointed out that OKC’s priority is depth, not a single star, and that Brooklyn still has room to add talent after the swap.
Timberwolves create an Edwards-Morant backcourt
Minnesota would receive: Ja Morant
Memphis would receive: Julius Randle, Terrence Shannon Jr., Joan Beringer
Pairing Morant with Anthony Edwards aims to raise Minnesota’s ceiling. The Grizzlies would pick up a veteran forward and two young prospects. Marks cautioned that the Wolves would sacrifice depth and face first-apron constraints by taking on Morant’s salary.
Suns take their own swing at Morant
Phoenix would receive: Ja Morant
Memphis would receive: Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, Haywood Highsmith, Jamaree Bouyea, second-round picks in 2029 and 2032
Phoenix would shift Devin Booker back to shooting guard and add another marquee name after a play-in exit. Memphis would shed Morant’s contract, acquire movable veterans and gather additional draft capital. Marks highlighted that the Suns would be hard-capped at the first apron, risking the loss of several free agents.
Pistons chase playmaking with Kyrie Irving
Detroit would receive: Kyrie Irving
Dallas would receive: Isaiah Stewart, Caris LeVert, Ron Holland, the No. 21 pick in 2026
Detroit’s 60-win club needs secondary scoring next to Cade Cunningham. Irving’s age, ACL recovery and $82 million owed over two seasons lower his trade price. Dallas would add front-court depth, a recent No. 5 pick in Holland and another first-rounder. Marks called the Pistons’ risk “a no-brainer,” while noting that new Mavericks executive Masai Ujiri has publicly praised Irving’s fit in Dallas.
Paul George to Detroit, depth to Philadelphia
Detroit would receive: Paul George and a future first-round pick
Philadelphia would receive: Isaiah Stewart, Duncan Robinson, Caris LeVert
George, 36, would become Detroit’s secondary scorer and defensive staple. Philadelphia would gain rotation shooters and a backup big man for Joel Embiid. Marks suggested swapping the first-rounder for four second-round picks because the 76ers’ next tradable first is in 2030. The trade would still let Detroit re-sign Tobias Harris, extend Ausar Thompson and use the mid-level exception.
Marks concluded that adding Gafford without compromising cap room gives the Lakers the clearest path to building around Doncic, while each proposed deal could significantly reshape rosters and salary structures across the league.
Source: ESPN.com
