As the 2024-25 NBA season looms, the league has been rocked by a flurry of blockbuster trades that have fans and analysts buzzing. Just days before teams’ training camps opened, the New York Knicks made a seismic move, solving their frontcourt dilemma by landing four-time All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns in a stunning late-night deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves. In a trade that reverberates across both conferences, the Knicks sent former All-NBA forward Julius Randle and Villanova alum Donte DiVincenzo to the Timberwolves, signaling a clear shift in their NBA championship ambitions.
But the Knicks aren’t the only NBA team making waves this offseason. From the New Orleans Pelicans pulling off a coup by acquiring star guard Dejounte Murray to the Sacramento Kings adding veteran presence in DeMar DeRozan, teams are reshaping their rosters in a race to contend. Even before draft night, the Brooklyn Nets shook up the New York landscape by sending star Mikal Bridges to the Knicks in a blockbuster that’s still sending shockwaves through the city.
Here are the most exciting NBA trades of the summer so far!
Best NBA Trades of the Summer
Karl Anthony-Towns to the New York Knicks
The Knicks are going all-in, and acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns signals a major push toward contention. In a blockbuster trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves, New York sent former All-NBA forward Julius Randle and fan-favorite Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesota. Towns, a versatile center with a career average of 23 points and 11 rebounds, brings much-needed five-out spacing to the Knicks. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc (career 39.8% from three) alongside Jalen Brunson’s playmaking should make for a dangerous offensive duo. The deal frees up more room for wings like Mikal Bridges to thrive in closing lineups while addressing the Knicks’ long-standing center concerns.
Knicks receive: Karl-Anthony Towns
Timberwolves receive: Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, a 2025 first-round pick (top-13 protected)
Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks
In a city already captivated by the Knicks, this trade made waves. Yet it always seemed inevitable. The Vilanova boys are back together. Publically Bridges declared his desire to play for the Nets, but deep down everyone knew he wanted to be a Knick.
Just weeks before the Towns deal, the Knicks made an aggressive move by trading for Mikal Bridges in a cross-town blockbuster with the Brooklyn Nets. Bridges, coming off a strong year where he averaged 19.6 points per game while shooting 37% from three, brings elite defense and two-way versatility to the Knicks. His acquisition, along with Towns, positions New York as one of the most balanced teams in the East, with solid contributors at every position.
Knicks receive: Mikal Bridges
Nets receive: Bojan Bogdanovic, multiple first-round picks (2025, 2027, 2029, 2031), a 2028 first-round swap, 2025 second-round pick
DeMar DeRozan to the Sacramento Kings
DeMar DeRozan is back in California! Kendrick Lamar is delighted right now *Not Like Us reference*.
Sacramento has quietly been building a contender, and the addition of DeMar DeRozan could be the piece that propels them forward. The Kings acquired the veteran in a three-team deal, shipping out Harrison Barnes in the process. DeRozan’s midrange prowess and playmaking (5.3 assists per game last season) should complement De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, giving Sacramento a legitimate third option. The Kings sacrificed some floor spacing by moving Barnes, but DeRozan’s clutch scoring and leadership could be invaluable come playoff time.
Kings receive: DeMar DeRozan
Spurs receive: Harrison Barnes, 2031 first-round pick swap
Bulls receive: Chris Duarte, two second-round picks
Klay Thompson to Golden State Warriors
One of the most emotional trades of the offseason saw Klay Thompson leave the Golden State Warriors after 13 seasons. Thompson, who ranks sixth in NBA history in three-pointers made, will bring his shooting and championship experience to the Dallas Mavericks. Although his defensive abilities have waned since his injuries, Thompson’s ability to stretch the floor and knock down contested threes makes him a perfect fit alongside Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. In return, Golden State acquired Josh Green, a promising young wing, while also creating a trade exception to give them more flexibility moving forward.
Mavericks receive: Klay Thompson
Warriors receive: Josh Green, 2025 second-round pick, 2031 second-round pick
Deni Avdija to the Portland Trail Blazers
In a move geared toward building around their young core, the Portland Trail Blazers acquired forward Deni Avdija from the Washington Wizards. Avdija, a versatile wing known for his defense and improved shooting (38% from three last season), should fit well alongside Portland’s emerging stars, Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. Washington, meanwhile, picked up veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon and additional draft picks to further fuel their rebuild.
Blazers receive: Deni Avdija
Wizards receive: Malcolm Brogdon, 2024 No. 14 pick, 2029 first-round pick, two future second-round picks
Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder have been steadily stockpiling talent, and adding Alex Caruso from the Chicago Bulls was a savvy move. Caruso’s tenacious defense earned him All-Defensive Second Team honors last season, and his ability to guard multiple positions makes him a great fit for Oklahoma City’s switch-heavy defense. While Caruso’s contract is modest, his impact could be enormous, especially for a young Thunder team looking to take the next step in the West.
Thunder receive: Alex Caruso
Bulls receive: Josh Giddey
Russell Westbrook to the Denver Nuggets
The 2023 NBA champions bolstered their depth by bringing in Russell Westbrook, who will add energy and playmaking to Denver’s bench unit. While no longer the MVP-caliber player he once was, Westbrook’s explosiveness and ability to create off the dribble make him a perfect sixth man for the Nuggets. He will give the team a new look when Nikola Jokić is off the floor, keeping defenses on their heels with his aggressive drives and relentless pace.
Nuggets receive: Russell Westbrook
Clippers receive: Future draft compensation (second-round picks)
Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans added a dynamic backcourt partner for Zion Williamson by trading for 2022 All-Star guard Dejounte Murray. Known for his defense and ability to fill up the stat sheet (22.5 points, 6.4 assists, 5.3 rebounds per game last season), Murray should pair nicely with Williamson in fast breaks and pick-and-roll situations. The Pelicans sent Larry Nance Jr. and Dyson Daniels to Atlanta along with draft picks, a price they were willing to pay to bring in another star to complement their already talented roster.
Pelicans receive: Dejounte Murray
Hawks receive: Larry Nance Jr., Dyson Daniels, 2025 and 2027 first-round picks
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyHelfgott1 on Twitter (X)
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