Domantas Sabonis to Washington
The Wizards' youth movement is ahead of schedule. Tre Johnson, Kyshawn George, and Alex Sarr have exceeded expectations with Johnson and George shooting an efficient 44% from the field and 39% from three-point range. These aren't empty numbers from a tanking team. They represent real growth that's caught the front office's attention.
Washington already made waves by acquiring Trae Young, signaling their intention to accelerate the rebuild and compete for a playoff spot next season. Now imagine pairing Young with Domantas Sabonis, one of the league's most effective screeners. Sabonis would give Sarr a veteran mentor in the frontcourt while setting bone-crushing picks that create the space Young thrives in. Both Sabonis and Young elevate everyone around them offensively, which could fast-track the development of Washington's promising young core.
The framework makes sense financially. The Wizards could package Kris Middleton, Malaki Branham, and Bub Carrington along with their 2027 first-round pick. For Sacramento, it's an exit strategy. Middleton and Branham come off the books this summer, which would create $38.2 million in cap relief. Carrington, just 20 years old, gives them a young piece to develop during their rebuild. The extra first-rounder sweetens a deal that helps both franchises move in their desired directions.
Ja Morant to Cleveland
Cleveland's regular-season success has become playoff disappointment two years running. Darius Garland has shouldered much of the blame. His inability to deliver signature playoff scoring performances has left Donovan Mitchell isolated as the lone offensive engine when it matters most.
Garland and Ja Morant were both selected in the 2019 draft and went on to become two-time All-Stars. They carry identical contracts, so a straight swap works cleanly. Memphis would acquire an elite shooter who fits seamlessly alongside Jaylen Wells, Cedric Coward, Zach Edey, and Jaren Jackson Jr. without requiring a complete overhaul. Garland's shooting gravity would open lanes for Memphis, so Edey can take advantage of mismatches downlow.
Cleveland would gain a point guard who attacks the rim relentlessly. Morant's ability to penetrate the paint and break down defenses would allow Mitchell to operate as a deadly off-ball scorer. His explosiveness and energy would also give the Cavs more versatility on defense and transition. Perhaps most importantly, Morant has carried the load as the number one option on a legitimate playoff contender. That experience could be the difference between another second-round exit and a genuine championship run for the Cavs.
Anfernee Simons to Utah
Anfernee Simons has thrived in Boston's winning culture. He's shooting 43.9% from the field and 40% from three while contributing 14 points per game. The competitive environment has sharpened his defensive focus and overall intensity. But his contract expires this summer, and Boston's frontcourt situation remains precarious after losing their veteran big men in the offseason.
A deal sending Jusuf Nurkic and Georges Niang to Boston for Simons addresses the Celtics' most glaring need. Nurkic would replicate much of what Al Horford provided: solid screening, consistent rebounding, and passing that keep the offense flowing. Niang offers the defensive versatility Horford brought while spacing the floor like Kristaps Porzingis once did. Together, they could stabilize a thin frontcourt rotation until Jayson Tatum returns.
For Utah, Simons would form a dynamic backcourt partnership with Keyonte George. Lauri Markkanen remains, which gives the Jazz three legitimate NBA players to build around. Kyle Filipowski would slide into the starting center role for the season, which would keep them bad enough to protect their draft pick from going to OKC. This summer, the Jazz can re-sign Simons, draft the best available prospect, and decide whether Simons starts or anchors the second unit as a sixth man.
Nikola Vucevic to Golden State
Golden State has spent a decade talking about finding Stephen Curry a stretch five. That conversation ends with Nikola Vucevic. His age doesn't matter on a roster that already features Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, and Curry himself. Vucevic is averaging 16.8 points on 50.4% shooting from the field and 37.3% from three. That's a legitimate second scoring option behind Curry, who can punish defenses for trapping and overcommitting.
The ripple effects matter just as much as the raw numbers. With Vucevic handling a chunk of the offensive burden, Draymond and Butler (when healthy from his torn ACL) can commit fully to defense without worrying about providing consistent scoring. The Warriors would no longer need Buddy Hield, Brandon Podziemski, or Moses Moody to deliver game-changing performances every single night. They would have consistency, which beats heroics over an 82-game season.
Chicago would receive Jonathan Kuminga, who is exactly the type of high-upside player they typically target in trades. Kuminga's ceiling remains mysterious because he's never had serious offensive responsibility. He has shooting concerns similar to Josh Giddey's when Giddey first joined Chicago. If Kuminga makes similar improvements, the Bulls would have another versatile starter to accelerate a rebuild that desperately needs young talent with star potential.
Anthony Davis to New York
Reports indicate that Rich Paul has requested a trade for Anthony Davis, and the move benefits everyone involved. Given his pedigree and competitive nature, Davis is likely looking for an opportunity to win a championship, outperform Luka, and prove that the move was a mistake by the Lakers
The framework would send Anthony Davis and Dwight Powell to New York for Karl-Anthony Towns with Guerschon Yabusele likely rerouted to a third team. The injury risks would be high for the Knicks, but imagine the defensive potential. Mitchell Robinson, Anthony Davis, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges sharing the floor would rival Oklahoma City's defensive dominance. Add Jalen Brunson's crunch-time scoring, and you have the 2004 Pistons blueprint. An elite defense and a point guard who never flinches in big moments.
Dallas acquires a floor-spacing center who fits perfectly alongside Cooper Flagg. Towns proved over the past two seasons that he can contribute to winning basketball when surrounded by the right pieces. His ability to stretch defenses as a center or play power forward next to a traditional big gives Dallas roster flexibility they've lacked. After evaluating his fit this season, the Mavericks can decide whether Towns is a long-term piece or a trade chip. They can also trade him to a third team immediately for assets to rebuild around Cooper Flagg long-term.