NBA Offseason Trade Targets: A Team-by-Team Look at Potential Moves

As the 2026 NBA offseason approaches, analysis is focusing on potential trades for all thirty franchises. Bleacher Report has compiled a list of three primary trade targets for each team, considering their current direction, salary cap situations, available assets, internal free agents, and draft positioning.

Eastern Conference

In the Eastern Conference, the Atlanta Hawks are among the most intriguing teams. Following the departure of Trae Young, the team is finding offensive contributions but continues to struggle with consistent half-court execution. The front office is reportedly interested in players like Andrew Nembhard, Ryan Rollins, and Scotty Pippen Jr.

Nembhard represents the most ambitious target, but acquiring him from the Indiana Pacers won’t be easy. However, Indiana’s potential proximity to the luxury tax could force them to consider some player movement. Rollins, meanwhile, could become more accessible if the Milwaukee Bucks decide to initiate a rebuild centered around the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Pippen Jr., currently with the Memphis Grizzlies, is viewed as an ideal stabilizer, capable of contributing as a starter or leading the second unit.

Celtics Seeking a Long-Term Center

The Boston Celtics are evaluating long-term solutions at the center position, viewing Nikola Vučević as a temporary fix. Onyeka Okongwu is considered a top target, a modern big man with a reliable three-point shot that would allow for versatile lineups alongside Neemias Queta. Boston also possesses the financial flexibility to absorb Okongwu’s contract without sacrificing key rotation players like Derrick White or Payton Pritchard.

More affordable alternatives include Daniel Gafford and Day’Ron Sharpe, both of whom would provide defensive presence and rim protection without a significant impact on the salary cap.

Brooklyn Nets and Charlotte Hornets: Teams to Watch

The Brooklyn Nets remain a significant wildcard in the league. After a trade deadline lacking long-term acquisitions and with their first-round pick in 2027 heading to the Houston Rockets, the franchise could accelerate a rebuild or continue a more gradual approach.

Potential targets include defensive perimeter players Cason Wallace and Jalen Suggs, both capable of making an impact defensively with flashes of offensive potential. Cody Williams of the Utah Jazz is another name to watch, potentially available in a “second draft” given Utah’s increasing roster depth following the arrival of Jaren Jackson Jr.

The Charlotte Hornets also appear ready to make decisive moves in the market. Their priority is to bolster the combo forward position. Tari Eason is considered an ideal fit, a versatile defender capable of running the floor and hitting three-pointers. The Houston Rockets might be open to a sign-and-trade involving Eason.

An intriguing alternative is Jabari Smith Jr., who would offer defensive versatility alongside LaMelo Ball and Kon Knueppel, with a five-year contract worth $122 million representing less than 15% of the salary cap. Naji Marshall, however, represents a more cautious option.

Bulls and Cavaliers: Targeted Reinforcements

The Chicago Bulls may pursue a gradual strategy, utilizing cap space to absorb undesirable contracts in exchange for draft picks and identifying a center to become a future cornerstone. Dereck Lively II is a name of interest, potentially available from Dallas due to his injury history. Other monitored players include Yang Hansen of the Portland Trail Blazers and Yves Missi.

The Cleveland Cavaliers, meanwhile, need to improve their wing defense, ideally with a player capable of playing power forward in lineups featuring Evan Mobley at center. Justin Champagnie appears to be a strong fit, a reliable catch-and-shoot threat and a solid defender with a contract under $3 million. Alternatives include Ron Holland II of the Detroit Pistons and Derrick Jones Jr., known for his defensive versatility.

Western Conference

The Dallas Mavericks, lacking their own first-round picks through 2030, should focus on acquiring draft assets. With Kyrie Irving returning from a serious injury at age 34, they also need immediate offensive solutions. Cam Spencer, a playmaker with a good three-point shot, and Grayson Allen of the Phoenix Suns are potential targets.

The Los Angeles Lakers are seeking significant reinforcements on the wings and in the frontcourt. A top target remains Bam Adebayo; if the Miami Heat decide to rebuild, the center could become available despite his recent contract extension.

Other potential scenarios involve OG Anunoby, who could become available if the New York Knicks are able to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Lu Dort, should the Oklahoma City Thunder decide to reduce their payroll.

Memphis, Spurs, and Raptors: Shifting the Balance

The Memphis Grizzlies are looking for a playmaker with more upside than Ty Jerome or Scotty Pippen Jr. If they were to move Ja Morant, their priority would be to obtain Kasparas Jakučionis in return.

Another intriguing option is Scoot Henderson of the Portland Trail Blazers, while Christian Braun of the Denver Nuggets could become available due to the pressure of the second apron on Denver’s cap.

The San Antonio Spurs may already be ready to contend for a title, but could further improve by adding high-level role players. Trey Murphy III is considered an ideal fit, an elite shooter who would amplify the offense built around Victor Wembanyama. San Antonio could also insert themselves as a third team in a potential trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, obtaining OG Anunoby from the Knicks: a perfect addition for shooting, defense, and physicality.

The Toronto Raptors, meanwhile, likely need more offensive dynamism. Trey Murphy III also represents an compelling target for them alongside Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes.

Other options include Nickeil Alexander-Walker, considered a good value relative to his offensive performance, and Michael Porter Jr., whose contract of over $40 million could be absorbed by Toronto without sacrificing Immanuel Quickley.

Utah Jazz Accelerate Timeline

The Utah Jazz have decided to accelerate their rebuild with the acquisition of Jaren Jackson Jr. The next step will be to find high-level perimeter defenders capable of containing opposing guards and completing a roster that now aims to return to competitiveness in the short term.

The next step for all these teams will be the NBA Draft on June 26-27, 2026, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Maintain an eye on Archysport for continued coverage of the NBA offseason as teams prepare for the 2026-27 season.