Predicting where the NBA's top 5 rumored trade targets will end up in 2024–25
By Ismail Sy
The NBA offseason has been relatively quiet. With training camp set to begin next month, we have likely seen the end of big moves being made. However, we have seen blockbusters in the month of September before, like when the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired Donovan Mitchell in 2022, mere weeks before training camp opened. Even just last season, the Milwakuee Bucks acquired Damian Lillard in September as well.
The bottom line is that late-offseason trades can happen and are not uncommon in the NBA. There have been a lot of trade rumors this summer and while those rumors have quieted, there is still a chance we see some more new faces in new places come opening night. With that said, here are the best fits for five players who have been at the center of NBA trade rumors this summer.
5) Brandon Ingram- Best fit: Golden State Warriors
The Warriors have made it no secret that they are looking to improve their team this offseason. Despite losing franchise great Klay Thompson, Golden State had an active free agency, signing Buddy Hield, Kyle Anderson, and De’Anthony Melton. They also tried to trade for star Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen, but were unable to reach a deal with Utah and that led to Markkanen signing a lucrative extension.
While the Warriors have done a good job adding to their depth, they still need more of a scoring punch on the roster next to Steph Curry. They do have young forward Jonathan Kuminga, who showed last season that he is ready to take a leap, but Golden State needs more. Enter Ingram.
Ingram is the three level scorer that the Warriors need next to Curry. Ingram averaged 21/5/6 on 49 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range. He showed strides as a playmaker and ball handler as well for the Pelicans.
He would also be a huge offensive upgrade over Andrew Wiggins, who has struggled over the last two seasons after a stellar 2022 season and playoff run. If the Warriors want to maximize Curry’s window, Ingram would be the perfect fit in their frontcourt, in addition to the moves they made in the offseason.