The NBA offseason could get off to a strong start, with some very important movements and trades stirring up. We have crowned a first-time NBA champion with the Denver Nuggets as Nikola Jokic nonchalantly captured the Finals MVP award. While the Nuggets will be running back the same team that won it all this year, the rest of the NBA will be aiming to get to where Denver ended up next season. This summer is absolutely critical for a host of teams and All-Star players who could be involved in countless trade talks.
There could be five blockbuster deals that could happen this summer that could make teams instant contenders. The Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and Dallas Mavericks can make a big splash in the offseason. Each one of these trades would shake up the NBA completely, as there will be new contenders and enhanced competition next season. The Denver Nuggets want to “run it back” next year, but it won’t be too simple for them, considering there could be some new superteams in the making. Without further ado, here are the five blockbuster deals that could happen this summer.
Deandre Ayton Trade To Dallas Mavericks
Credit: Fadeaway World
The Dallas Mavericks can strike a deal to keep Luka Doncic in town for the long term and also convince Kyrie Irving to remain with the Mavericks going forward. A Big Three could be created with Doncic and Irving, and it involved former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton.
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Deandre Ayton
Phoenix Suns Receive: Christian Wood, Davis Bertans, No. 10 Overall Pick
Deandre Ayton is among the most valuable players that could be in the trade market because he is only 24 years old with some experience in the playoffs already. He can score inside, shoot the ball from mid-range, and play solid defense in the post. Ayton was the No. 1 overall pick in 2018 and has a lot left in the tank as he continues to improve as a two-way star. This season, the big man posted 18.0 PPG, 10.0 RPG, and 0.8 BPG while shooting 58.9% FG and 76.0% FT.
The big man did decently well in Phoenix, even if he did have three superstars alongside him. Ayton can do a lot well alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, with the motivation to prove that he can be an All-Star someday instead of being somewhat of a disappointment. Ayton made the NBA Finals in 2021 with the Suns as the third-best player behind Devin Booker and Chris Paul. As a third option, Ayton can be a valuable addition to a roster that has two elite offensive players in Doncic and Irving.
The big man can focus on playing defense, rebounding, and even being the go-to player in the post because, at 6’11” and 250 lbs, Ayton is hard to stop when he has a look at the basket. Since the Phoenix Suns did not even make the Eastern Conference Finals this year, Ayton could be on the move, and the Mavericks could capitalize. Dallas is desperate for another star player, and since it is not a major free-agent destination, Ayton could be the long-term answer alongside 24-year-old Doncic and 31-year-old Irving.
LeBron James Finally Unites With Chris Paul
Credit: Fadeaway World
The Lakers, like every other team on this list, did not have their season end as expected. Despite having LeBron James and Anthony Davis lead the team to the Western Conference Finals, they need another star player with championship-level experience to gift The King his fifth championship.
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Chris Paul
Phoenix Suns Receive: D’Angelo Russell (Sign and Trade)
The perfect way to create a Big Three in Los Angeles without gutting the depth of the team is by acquiring Chris Paul. Paul has made 12 All-Star Team appearances and even at age 38, he can still be effective offensively after posting 13.9 PPG and 8.9 APG this season. Regardless of the “Point God’s” age and countless injuries, he would be a massive upgrade at the point guard spot for the Lakers and there is no doubt about that. D’Angelo Russell is a talented scorer, but he is nowhere near Paul’s level as a playmaker and Dennis Schroder is better suited as a 6th man who can come off the bench and be a designated hitter.
Paul is a veteran point guard who has proven himself to be one of the best in the league in terms of being an on-court leader who can improve the play of others around him. He has a wealth of experience and knowledge that he can bring to any team, and the Lakers would be no exception. With his leadership and playmaking abilities, he could help the Lakers become a more cohesive and effective team. Los Angeles will have enough scoring with Davis, James, and the likely returning Austin Reaves, so playmaking and leadership are necessary.
Chris Paul would be a perfect fit for the team, as he is a s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ed ball-handler and passer who can create scoring opportunities for his teammates. He would also be able to take some of the pressure off of LeBron James, who has been playing point guard for the Lakers in recent years. No doubt, the Lakers have a strong chance of winning a championship next season, and Chris Paul could be the missing piece that helps them get there. Their sacrifice of Russell is almost a perfect way to create a superteam in Los Angeles.
The reports of Paul always wanting to play with LeBron James is another example of why the Lakers and the future Hall of Fame point guard would be the best fit at the end of their careers. There is no secret that James and Paul are close friends, and their playing styles are suited for each other because the team can hold onto Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura without gutting the team in terms of depth and bench play.
Celtics Add More Scoring With Bradley Beal
Credit: Fadeaway World
The Boston Celtics suffered through a disastrous ending to their playoff run this year, losing to the underdog Miami Heat in seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals. The team needs to acquire a third All-Star to get over the hump, and Bradley Beal could be the answer, with a host of trade rumors heating up.
Boston Celtics Receive: Bradley Beal
Washington Wizards Receive: Marcus Smart, Derrick White, Grant Williams, 2024 First-Round Pick, 2026 First-Round Pick
The Celtics failed to win a title again despite having All-Star talent, and going all-in next year for another big-name player could be the missing ingredient. Bradley Beal is a proven All-Star and one of the best offensive players in the league, as they have reportedly been linked to trade talks involving Beal in recent years. Adding Beal to the Celtics would instantly provide them with a reliable scorer and playmaker. Beal has averaged over 22 PPG for the past seven seasons and has improved his assist and rebounding numbers over the years as well. His shooting ability is also highly valuable, having shot 37.2% from three-point range throughout his career. These offensive s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s would make him an excellent complement to All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, forming a formidable “Big Three” for the Celtics.
Beal could help guide players like Tatum and Jaylen Brown in situations where they need to come up big in crunch time while also providing veteran leadership to the entire team. The Celtics have had championship aspirations in recent years but have fallen short, including the latest Game 7 against the Miami Heat. There are massive doubts about Tatum and Brown’s ability in the clutch, and Beal could be the go-to scorer in those situations. Adding Beal to their roster could be the missing piece they need to become legitimate contenders.
Losing Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart and two-way players such as Derrick White and Grant Williams is not ideal, but a Big Three could complete a very talented starting lineup that features Malcolm Brogdon, Bradley Beal, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Al Horford with Robert Williams and Danilo Gallinari being the designated hitters off the bench. The Celtics might need to re-sign Jaylen Brown, but that also means they need to add a third star to relieve pressure off Tatum and Brown.
Zion Williamson Becomes The Star In New York
Credit: Fadeaway World
Zion Williamson must belong in New York because he fits the bill as a box-office player who can dominate inside and also be the face of a franchise. Not to mention, the player needs to be motivated to keep in shape and compete for a title with proper players around him. By most accounts, Williamson belongs in New York.
New York Knicks Receive: Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Julius Randle, Obi Toppin, 2024 First-Round Pick from Detroit Pistons, 2024 First-Round Pick from Washington Wizards, 2025 First-Round Pick
New York Knicks fans across the globe were hoping and praying that the franchise would land the No. 1 overall pick back in the 2019 draft. Of course, the goal was to draft Zion Williamson and kickstart a new era in New York. But that didn’t happen as the Knicks ended up with the No. 3 pick and with Williamson going No. 1 to the Pelicans, the Knicks drafted RJ Barrett who has been an excellent starter for the team.
Barrett performed exceptionally well this season (19.6 PPG) alongside All-Star Julius Randle (25.1 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 4.1 APG) and Jalen Brunson (24.0 PPG, 6.2 APG), as the Knicks made it to the second round of the playoffs. But Zion Williamson can take the franchise to another level because he is one of the most likely players to challenge for the face of the NBA someday if he can stay healthy. That means the Pelicans need to part ways with Julius Randle and upgrade the power-forward spot.
The New York Knicks are slowly becoming an attractive franchise again for top players. The coaching is top-notch, the talent is there, and the team plays very hard on both ends. Tom Thibodeau is one of the best defensive coaches in the NBA, and the Knicks made it to the second round. A pairing of Brunson and Zion would be incredibly special to watch, and no other team matches up with them on a talent level in terms of pick-n-roll ability. Jalen Brunson, a blossoming All-Star point guard, is good enough to be a championship-level floor general and Zion can be the new star in New York.
As great as Randle has been, Zion has the potential to be one of the ten best players in the world. Williamson will also have the motivation and desire to impress New York fans and get in elite shape to become a superstar player. Zion is not prospering in New Orleans because he isn’t motivated so maybe he can get his head straight with a Knicks franchise that also has a no-nonsense coach in Tom Thibodeau.
Damian Lillard Makes Miami The Favorite
Credit: Fadeaway World
Miami Heat and Damian Lillard are a match made in heaven because they need each other. The Heat need a third star who can score at a superstar player, and Dame needs a supporting cast of All-Stars to actually win a championship. Lillard’s time in Portland could be up, and a trade could be coming that could be the start of a superteam in Miami.
Miami Heat Receive: Damian Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Tyler Herro, Kyle Lowry, Nikola Jovic, 2026 First-Round Pick
The Miami Heat had their season end in the 2022-23 NBA Finals, despite a fairytale run in the postseason. Not to mention, they made the Finals in 2020 and almost made the Finals last year before the Boston Celtics took them out before the Finals. No doubt, adding Damian Lillard to their roster would give them a dynamic scoring threat and a leader on the court. Pairing him with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo would create a formidable Big Three that could compete with any team in the league.
Lillard is one of the best point guards in the NBA, and his ability to score from anywhere on the court would make him a perfect fit for the Heat’s offensive system. Posting 32.2 PPG and 7.3 APG, Dame is a superstar player who can lead other All-Stars to a championship in the right situation. Pairing Lillard with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo would create a Big Three that could rival any in the league. Butler is a tenacious defender and a great scorer, while Adebayo is one of the best big men in the NBA.
The Heat would have to give up some assets to acquire Lillard, but it would be worth it in the long run. Lillard is only 32 years old and has several years of elite play left in him when considering the fact he will always be an elite shooter, as evidenced by the fact he won the 3-Point Contest. The Heat would also have to give up some young players and draft picks, but they have shown in the past that they are willing to make bold moves to improve their team.
The new starting lineup would become Damian Lillard, Duncan Robinson, Jimmy Butler, Kevin Love, and Bam Adebayo under an elite head coach in Erik Spoelstra. Losing Tyler Herro and Kyle Lowry are necessary sacrifices that Miami needs to make because they clearly struggled in the Finals when the team did not score at least 100 points once.
