With the NBA Playoffs nearing the final stages and the 2024 Draft set to begin in a month, there is a lot of intrigue surrounding the upcoming offseason.
While the Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks remain alive in the postseason, the rest of the league has already begun preparing for the draft and free agency, which will begin on July 6.
The free agent class isn’t filled with superstars, but some notable names could become available on the open market or via trade. There’s also a lot more drama surrounding the top of the draft than there was a year ago, when Victor Wembanyama was the obvious No. 1 pick.
Let’s dive into some of the latest trade rumors ahead of the 2024 NBA draft.
Donovan Mitchell Maddie Meyer//Keynote USA/Getty Images
Cleveland Cavaliers standout guard Donovan Mitchell is arguably the best player who could be available on the trade market this offseason. The 27-year-old is entering the final year of his contract and could become available if he does not agree to an extension.
“I’m told the Cavs would either sign him to an extension this summer or trade him,” Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com wrote. “They have no intention of opening the 2024-25 season with Mitchell ahead of his free agent year.”
If Mitchell is available, there should be no shortage of interested teams. The Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers are expected to be among them.
Jason Lloyd of The Athletic reported on May 14 that Los Angeles would be “one of the teams at the front of the line” if Mitchell can be landed. More recently, Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported that Philadelphia would also be interested:
“Without an extension with the Cavaliers, you can add Philadelphia to any proverbial group of suitors interested in Mitchell’s services, sources said.”
Of course, Fischer noted that Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George is probably Philadelphia’s top option if he hits free agency. Additionally, there’s no guarantee Cleveland won’t reach a deal with Mitchell.
However, if Mitchell isn’t extended, expect the Lakers and Sixers to at least make some phone calls to Cavaliers president Koby Altman.
Dejounte Murray Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via /Keynote USA/Getty Images
The Atlanta Hawks reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021, but have not won a playoff series since. Last season, Atlanta won just 36 games and failed to advance beyond the play-in round. Now, the Hawks could be considering a complete rebuild.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported on May 13 that Atlanta could look to trade Dejounte Murray or Trae Young.
“In years past, there was strong resistance to moving Young, but rival executives believe Atlanta will be more open than ever to that conversation this offseason,” Scotto wrote.
More recently, Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus reported that the Hawks considered trading Murray at the deadline but ultimately couldn’t come to an agreement with the Lakers:
“Multiple sources say that before trading for Dennis Schröder, the Brooklyn Nets were in talks with the Lakers for Russell (with Los Angeles acquiring Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks). That deal died between the Lakers and Hawks, but the Nets They still need a starter. -Caliber guard.”
If Atlanta is truly interested in breaking up the Young-Murray duo, the Lakers could once again emerge as a potential trade partner. The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Jovan Buha and Sam Amick reported on April 30 that Los Angeles is expected to be “aggressive” in the market and that Young is “one of many names expected to be discussed.”
Julius RandleJim McIsaac//Keynote USA/Getty Images
The New York Knicks made it interesting against the Pacers, but ultimately couldn’t overcome a series of key injuries. They’re unlikely to significantly change the roster this offseason, but they’re reportedly looking to add another playmaker alongside Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby and Julius Randle.
“The Knicks are now, as always, in a perpetual search for another dazzling star, and (franchise owner James) Dolan, as always, is hoping for one,” wrote The Ringer’s Howard Beck.
However, before the Knicks begin scouring the free agent market for trade inquiries, they will likely lock up Anunoby, who has a $19.9 million player option for next season. If New York needs to create cap space to add high-end talent, it could consider moving Randle, who is coming off season-ending shoulder surgery.
However, according to Fred Katz of The Athletic, the Knick would prefer not to trade Randle unless absolutely necessary.
“The Knicks are not trying to trade Randle, but recognize that their search for a star might require doing so,” Katz wrote. “If a suitable target doesn’t appear this summer, then they could look ahead to the 2025 trade deadline, hoping to land one then.”
Randle will be eligible for an extension on August 3, and New York may prefer to retain him long-term. Much will likely depend on the caliber of player the Knicks find available and whether they feel trading Randle for him is a positive for the roster.
*Contract information via Spotrac.
Keynote USA
For the Latest Sports News, Follow @Keynote USA Sports on Twitter.