The NBA season is winding down! The playoffs have commenced, and teams continue to get eliminated with each passing day. However, only a few of the league's top stars remain in the playoffs.
As the title contenders trickle down and the off-season dwindles closer, more teams will be forced into tough predicaments regarding their franchise's future. With that in mind, let's take a look at possible stars on the move this summer.
8) Anthony Davis could become a trade chip if Dallas elects to rebuild
After acquiring future Hall of Famer Anthony Davis for Luka Dončić, the NBA 75 member arrived in Dallas determined to make the playoffs. Those hopes came to a crushing halt with Kyrie Irving's torn ACL, combined with injuries along the way for AD, PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively II.
With the season lost, Dallas was still able to squeak into the play-in and win a game, but fell short of the postseason in the '8-9' game. Now, Dallas faces some franchise-altering roster decisions ahead.
Initially intended to be a shorter but stronger championship window post-Dončić, the Mavericks built their new-look roster around size, defense, and playoff basketball. But with no Irving until mid-to-late next season, the Mavericks lack any form of guard play.
Their best course of action appears to be a rebuild, but Nico Harrison's trade of Dončić resembles a 'win now' mindset. Unless Harrison can pull off a trade for Kevin Durant, Davis could see his time in Dallas end before it even started.
Veterans on the roster (Klay Thompson and Anthony Davis) become trade pieces for Dallas, while Irving's pending free agency is worth monitoring this offseason. Brandon Williams, Naji Marshall, and Max Christie helped provide unexpected production as players to consider building with moving forward. The next few months officially serve as the 'make-or-break' offseason for the franchise.
7) Ja Morant's future overshadows incoming roster decisions
We head to Memphis, where another situation is quietly brewing. Just a few seasons ago, the Grizzlies were the 'young team on the rise,' poised to contend in the Western Conference for years to come. But the combination of injuries, Ja Morant's antics, and an increasingly tough conference has made life difficult for Memphis. With so much time missed from injuries and suspensions, Morant could suddenly be on the trade block this offseason.
Morant was regarded as one of the most NBA-ready guards when he entered the league in 2019. With an explosive, downhill, slashing playstyle, many felt Morant would take a superstar leap after winning Most Improved Player in 2021-22, earning MVP votes, an All-Star berth, and All-NBA second team honors. But that ascension has not come from Morant yet, who's concluded his sixth season. When Ja's missed time, Scotty Pippen Jr. and Jaylen Wells have provided a big spark to the Grizzlies.
Financially, the internal clock is ticking for Memphis. Jaren Jackson Jr. is due for a contract extension before the 2026-27 free agency cycle, while Desmond Bane has entered the beginning of his five-year, $207 million max contract.
With the deadly second apron looming, the organization has to consider the possibility of moving Morant. With questions surrounding Morant's maturity, play style, and schematic fit, there's uncertainty about his value in league circles.