Top 5 NBA Stars Who Could Change Teams by the 2025 Trade Deadline

The 2024-2025 season will be no exception, and we can already predict which league stars might find themselves on new teams by the trade deadline, significantly altering team dynamics and bookmakers’ odds, including Mostbet, regarding championship chances.

In this article, we will examine five players whose moves could significantly impact the power balance in the NBA.

Jerami Grant

Jerami Grant signing a five-year, $160 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers in the summer of 2023 seemed like a logical step for a team aiming to remain competitive. However, Damian Lillard’s trade request the very next day after this agreement drastically changed the situation.

Now, the Blazers are in the process of rebuilding, and having a 30-year-old forward with a large contract on the roster is not the most optimal solution for a young team. Grant himself likely does not want to spend his prime years with a team far from contending for high spots.

Grant’s versatility makes him an attractive option for teams focused on winning “here and now”. His ability to effectively play as the second or third offensive option and defend against various positions could be a key factor for championship contenders.

Brandon Ingram

The situation with Brandon Ingram at the New Orleans Pelicans is becoming increasingly intriguing. Despite his status as a former All-Star and consistent improvement in his game, the 26-year-old forward’s future with the team remains uncertain.

Ingram is part of an elite group of NBA players averaging at least 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists over the past three seasons. His diverse skills and potential for further growth make him a valuable asset. However, the Pelicans face a dilemma: on one hand, they recognize Ingram’s value; on the other, they understand that his playing style might not perfectly complement Zion Williamson, their main star.

Ingram’s contract situation adds another layer of complexity. He is up for a new deal, and there is a possibility he might demand a maximum contract. For the Pelicans, this means making a crucial decision: are they ready to invest heavily in the Ingram-Williamson duo, or is trading one of them the better option?

Zach LaVine

Zach LaVine and the Chicago Bulls seem stuck in an uncomfortable partnership that benefits neither side. The two-time All-Star has been the subject of various trade rumors for a long time, and it appears that his departure from the team is just a matter of time.

Despite LaVine’s impressive individual stats, the Bulls have not achieved significant success with him as the team leader. This, combined with his large contract and injury history, creates challenges for a potential trade.

However, LaVine’s talent is undeniable. When healthy, he remains one of the most efficient offensive players in the league. This means there will always be teams willing to take a risk and try to integrate him into their system.

D’Angelo Russell

The relationship between D’Angelo Russell and the Los Angeles Lakers can be described as complicated. Despite signing a new contract in the offseason, it seems the team is not entirely confident in his long-term role.

Russell’s playoff performance in 2024 (14.2 points on 38.4% shooting) raised concerns among the Lakers’ management. While he remains a talented point guard capable of high stats during the regular season, his inconsistency in crucial games prompts doubts about his future with the team.

The Lakers, looking to maximize the remaining years of LeBron James’ career, might consider trading Russell to strengthen the roster with a more reliable player at the point guard position. His $18.7 million contract makes him a convenient asset for potential deals.

Anfernee Simons

Anfernee Simons represents an interesting case in the context of the Portland Trail Blazers’ rebuild. On one hand, he is a young (25 years old) and talented player showing constant progress. On the other, his presence on the roster might hinder the development of even younger prospects like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe.

In the 2023-2024 season, Simons posted impressive stats: 22.6 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.4 three-pointers per game on 38.5% shooting from beyond the arc. These numbers make him an attractive asset for both playoff-contending teams and those in the rebuilding process.

Simons’ contract situation adds extra intrigue. He is up for a new deal in 2026, which might prompt the Blazers to trade him earlier to maximize his market value.