All are big fish! US media exploded: There are 8 most likely epic deals this summer

The second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs is in full swing, but it can be foreseeable that the offseason earthquake-scale trades have been undercurrent this summer. The early exit of strong teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and Miami Heat can't help but question the competitiveness of their existing core lineups. Meanwhile, rebuilding teams like the Brooklyn Nets are waiting for an opportunity to take advantage of their capacities and draft picks, eager to introduce superstars to the team. This summer, the trading market may set off a more violent "storm" than in previous years, and the names of many big-name stars may be involved.

Antetokounmpo's playoff journey with the Milwaukee Bucks has been disappointing again, and his future is becoming confusing; Kevin Durant is likely to change his club again, and the Phoenix Suns are facing reconstruction; and stars such as Zion Williamson and Zach Laven are also frequently seen in trading rumors. After all, those teams that are determined to compete for the championship now have no choice but to adopt radical trading reinforcement strategies, otherwise they may fall behind in the increasingly competitive East-West league. The following are 8 major trading plans that are likely to happen this summer by authoritative US media BR Sports.

①, New York Knicks: Introducing Giannis Antetokounmpo

Trade details

New York Knicks get: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Milwaukee Bucks get: Carl - Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, 2025 first-round draft pick (from the Washington Wizards), 2026 second-round draft pick (from the Detroit Pistons/Milwaukee Bucks/Orlando Magic with the lower pick)

Once this deal is reached, it will completely change the power map of the NBA. If the Knicks can sign the two-time MVP winner (30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists per game), they will undoubtedly be among the top favorites in the championship. If Giannis leaves Milwaukee, the Knicks will undoubtedly be one of his favorite next homes. However, the Knicks are not Giannis' only choice, and the Lakers also have enough chips to take him away from Milwaukee without sacrificing LeBron James or Luka Doncic.

Combining Giannis with Jaylen Brunson and OG Anunobi will bring a perfect blend of offensive, defensive and playoff resilience to New York. The Knicks performed well in the regular season and were only one superstar away from becoming a true strong team. Of course, if the Knicks can win the NBA championship this season, the situation may be different, but if they fail to break out of the Eastern Conference this year, they will still hope to complete the deal in the offseason, which may allow the team to quickly form a team with the ability to win the championship.

For the Milwaukee Bucks, Antetokounmpo's departure is painful, but it is not a desperate situation. Carl Anthony Towns has excellent space abilities as a center (averages 24.4 points per game this season and shooting 42.0% from the field), while Mikal Bridges is one of the league’s top two-way wingers with high attendance and outstanding defensive skills. Coupled with draft assets, the Bucks will take this opportunity to restructure the roster rather than completely rebuild. The deal is a big bet for both parties, but considering the uncertainty of Giannis' future, it's worth a try.

②, Houston Rockets: Introducing Kevin Durant

Details of the deal

Houston Rockets get: Kevin Durant

Phoenix Suns get: Jaylen Green, Jabarry Smith Jr., Cameron Whitmore, 2027 first-round draft pick (from the Phoenix Suns), 2029 first-round draft pick (from the Dallas Mavericks/Phoenix Suns with the lower pick)

This can be called a "nuclear weapon" level deal. Despite Kevin Durant’s 36-year-old, he still performed well with the Suns (52.7% shooting percentage and 26.6 points per game), proving that he is still the league’s top offensive weapon. For the Rockets, adding Durant to Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Dillon Brooks and rising star Shinkyung will put them among the elite teams in the Western Conference. The Rockets won 52 wins this season, but they had a very difficult time playing against the Warriors in the rear wheel. After the first round, they were eager to accelerate their rise in the new season. General Manager Rafael Stone can make the Rockets a championship team through this deal. There is no doubt that the Rockets are in desperate need of a top scorer in the series against the Warriors, and Durant’s potential interest in joining Houston coincides with the team’s needs.

Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns were finally able to re-plan the future. Jaylen Green (21.0 points per game), Jabbarry Smith Jr. (has grown into a great two-way forward) and Cameron Whitmore (season-year athletic player) give the Suns one of the league's most promising young cores. These two future first-round picks are even more icing on the cake, helping the Suns replenish their scarce draft assets. Although the deal ended Durant's era in Phoenix, it laid a solid foundation for the Suns' future.

③, Miami Heat: Bet on Embiid

Details

Miami Heat gets: Joel Embiid

Philadelphia 76ers get: Wiggins, Duncan Robinson (signed first and then exchange), Nikola Jovic, Jaime Jacques Jr.

Pat Riley made the bold decision to introduce Joel Embiid, which is in line with the Heat's usual bold style, especially after the team was eliminated by the Cleveland Cavaliers early. Embiid remains one of the league’s most dominant players when he is healthy (playing only 19 games this season, averaging 23.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game), but durability and playoff performance have been hidden dangers. What the Miami Heat bet is that their physical training and team system can inspire Embiid to dominate the playoffs. In return, the 76ers were given a group of players who helped the team rebuild while remaining competitive.

Wiggins has extensive playoff experience and excellent defensive ability; Duncan Robinson's three-point shooting ability can create more offensive space for Tyres Maxi, Paul George, as well as young players Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jacques Jr. (who have shown some potential). If the Philadelphia 76ers think that the Embiid-Maxi combination has a hard time breaking the bottleneck, the deal will be an opportunity for the team to transform. This is risky, but it is also a plan worth trying.

④, Orlando Magic: Welcome Ja Morant

Details

Orlando Magic gets: Ja Morant

Memphis Grizzlies gets: Jaren Sages, Tristan Da Silva, 2026 first-round picks, 2027 first-round picks swaps, 2030 first-round picks, 2025 second-round picks and 2026 second-round picks

Ja Morant joins the Orlando Magic, which will boost the Eastern Conference. The Magic were originally a defensive team, led by Paul Bancello and Franz Wagner, and Ja Morant (23.2 points, 7.3 assists, 4.1 rebounds per game in the playoffs) brought the team much needed offensive creativity. With Morant's athletic talent and scoring ability, the Magic are not only expected to advance to the playoffs, but may even become a dark horse. After all, the team is not performing well offensively (28th in offensive efficiency, 105.4 points per game) and a player who can score is in desperate need.

This is a massive reset for the Memphis Grizzlies. But for the team’s star point guard, it’s a wise choice after years of injuries and off-court issues. Jaylen Sages' all-around will add resilience and defensive ability to the Grizzlies, while draft picks will make the Grizzlies' development prospects clearer in the next five years. After the twists and turns of Ja Morant's era, the Grizzlies were able to open a new chapter while remaining competitive. Although this deal is bold, it may be the best time to realize the team's potential.

⑤, Brooklyn Nets: Securing Zion Williamson

Details

Brooklyn Nets get: Zion Williamson

New Orleans Pelicans get: Cameron Johnson, Ziel Williams (signed first and then exchange), 2026 first-round draft pick (from Brooklyn Nets), 2030 first-round draft pick (from Brooklyn Nets)

Since the end of the Durant-Irving era, the Brooklyn Nets have been wandering in the NBA. Despite health issues, Zion Williamson averaged 24.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game this season, and his joining will bring a young superstar to the Nets to build a team around him. In a market that is eager for stars, Zion's ability to attract audiences and improve his backcourt strength has allowed Nets general manager Sean Max to make a decision without hesitation. The Nets have been looking for a team core, and Zion has the ability to take on that task, even though he has played in just 30 games this season.

For the New Orleans Pelicans, this is a timely stop loss before Zion's value declines. Cameron Johnson (averages 18.8 points and 39.0% from three) is a plug-and-play shooter, while Ziel Williams has the potential to rise. More importantly, the Pelicans have won two future first-round picks, helping the team continue to build around Trey Murphy III, Herbert Jones and Yves Missy. It was a gentle reconstruction and did not completely break up the team.

⑥, San Antonio Spurs: Formation of Laurie Markanen Double Towers

Details of the deal

San Antonio Spurs get: Laurie Markanen

Utah Jazz gets: Devin Wassell, Kelden Johnson, 2025 first-round draft pick (from the Hawks), 2027 first-round draft pick (from the Hawks). Matching Markanen with Vinban Yama will undoubtedly make other teams in the league frightened. Markanen, who averaged 19 points this season, has excellent outside shooting ability, while Vinban Yama is extremely destructive at the defensive end. For the Spurs, it is time to make the playoffs around the talented players in the team. Signing the 27-year-old All-Star forward is radical, but it is also a necessary deal that the Spurs have to make. This will form a Big Three lineup led by Wenban, Fox and Marca.

Meanwhile, the Utah Jazz are given a trusted roster. Devin Wassel (averages 16.3 points this season) is a young two-way winger, with Kelden Johnson having explosive scoring. These two first-round picks add valuable assets to Danny Angie for his follow-up operations. This is Anji's classic operation: sell Markanin at a high price and reserve assets to make arrangements for future development.

⑦, Detroit Pistons: Introducing Zach Laven

Detroit Pistons Get: Zach Laven

Kings Get: Tobias Harris, Jaden Ivey, 2027 first-round draft pick (top 5 protected), 2027 second-round draft pick

This deal seems to be a complex gamble, but it is necessary. Trading rumors have affected Zach Lavin's performance in the 2024-25 season, but in a healthy state, his scoring ability of 23.3 points per game is still at the elite level (44.6% shooting percentage). For the Detroit Pistons, the introduction of Raven has equipped Cunningham with a dynamic backcourt partner who can put pressure on the defensive end, which is what the Pistons lack this season. After losing to the New York Knicks six games in the first round, the Pistons need to make a bold move.

At the same time, the Kings used this transaction to cash out and start the reconstruction process. Tobias Harris is experienced, Jaden Ivey (averages 17.6 points per game, showing star potential) has injected youthful vitality into the team, and draft picks have added hope to the future. This is a win-win gamble for the Pistons and an opportunity for the Kings to set off again.

⑧, Los Angeles Lakers: Signing Nick Clarkston

Details

Los Angeles Lakers get: Nick Clarkston

Brooklyn Nets get: Hachimura Base, Gabe Vincent, 2031 first-round draft pick

This may be one of the smartest moves for the Los Angeles Lakers this summer. Nick Clarkston (10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.4 blocks per game) provides the Lakers with the athleticism and switchable big guys that they lack this season. Clarkston is one of the main targets of the Lakers' roster that we examined. He works well with LeBron James and Doncic and can play an important role in protecting the basket and opening up space without a lot of ball rights. The deal puts the Lakers roster bigger and tougher, laying the foundation for the 2025-26 playoffs, and the team doesn’t need to trade Austin Reeves to get a new center.

On the other hand, the Brooklyn Nets scored a young and versatile Hachimura base (13.1 points per game) and Gabe Vincent who increased the depth of the defender. More importantly, they earned a 2031 first-round draft pick, a long-term asset that could significantly increase in value when the Lakers’ super-team era ends. The deal can not only bring short-term help to the Nets, but also bet on uncertainty about the future of the Los Angeles Lakers.