Predicting the next NBA star to request a trade

We’ve seen more and more stars flex their power through trade requests in recent years. Who will be the next NBA star to ask out of their current situation?

In the last two years alone, we’ve seen household NBA names like Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Davis, Jimmy Butler, and Kristaps Porzingis all request trades from their previous homes.

And it’s always from teams who are suffering to some extent. Davis played for the rare playoff appearing New Orleans Pelicans, Butler for a poverty-stricken Minnesota Timberwolves team, and Porzingis for the New York Knicks (which needs no explanation). 

Leonard was the lone exception, and rightfully so. He felt they were mismanaging his quad injury. That’s a justifiable reason to feel as if it’s time to move on, and exactly why he hasn’t had trouble finding suitors since his exit from the San Antonio Spurs.

But it’s gotten to the point, in this era of player empowerment, that trade requests have become as frequent as an annual event. Fans and front offices alike have come to expect them, either in the offseason or within the months ahead of the February trade deadline.

With the NBA on hiatus and some team’s seasons having been cut short, tensions could be rising behind the scenes between players and their respective franchises. Who will be the next NBA star to ask out, or even demand, a trade? A look at four potential names to watch.