NBA Trades: 12 stars that will likely change teams by next season

June 30th will mark the official beginning of the NBA’s much-anticipated free agency, and every year it somehow manages to ratchet up the level of intrigue. More than any other league, the NBA is known for top-talent changing teams, which draws plenty of interest from even casual fans. The off-season is often characterized by big signings and even bigger trades, and this year’s free agency period figures to be the biggest yet.

Just days before the offseason is set to begin, the Washington Wizards and Phoenix Suns have already agreed to the first major trade of the season, with four-time all-star Bradley Beal being dealt for a package that included future Hall of Famer Chris Paul. They won’t be the last stars to change teams either.

Actually, there are at least 12 stars who could change teams this summer, so let’s start with a player that teams will closely be watching to see if this star will be traded.

NBA Star #12: Jaylen Brown

Many people who follow the NBA are well aware of the Boston Celtics’ looming tough decision that they will have to make this summer. That tough decision is whether to sign All-Star Jaylen Brown to a supermax contract extension worth around $290 million. Paying anyone nearly $60 million a season would warrant serious consideration, particularly with the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) now in place.

The new CBA was designed to hammer teams with massive payrolls, like the Celtics, who already have $120 million committed for the 2024–25 season, without even factoring in Brown’s extension, which would kick in that year. Boston is seemingly ready to offer a supermax contract extension to Brown, but this offseason could present them with several intriguing trade options that might make them think twice.

Both the Portland Trail Blazers and Houston Rockets have plenty of trade assets to offer, including picks in the top four of this year’s draft. And even if nothing happens at the NBA Draft, there is always a small possibility of a deal getting done, especially with October 31st set as the deadline to extend Brown’s contract.