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Taking stock of the top five stars in the trading market this year, Antetokounmpo was robbed and Durant s departure was a foregone conclusion!

7:21pm, 16 May 2025【Basketball】

The second round of the NBA playoffs is in full swing. For many teams, they have ended their journey this season and are preparing for reinforcement for next season. For the trading market this summer, it is particularly lively, and many stars may change teams, among which these five are particularly prominent.

1. Antetokounmpo

For Antetokounmpo, he is experiencing difficult moments in his career. After two consecutive seasons ended in the first round of the playoffs, Antetokounmpo's patience with the team's management gradually lost. After Lillard suffered from a torn Achilles tendon injury, the future of the Bucks was full of unknowns, which also strengthened Antetokounmpo's determination to leave the team. According to famous reporter Shams, Antetokounmpo is currently seriously considering where he will go on off-season, and he will prioritize teams without state income tax. As soon as this news broke out, it instantly caused heated discussion. Teams such as the Spurs, Rockets, Mavericks, Magic, etc. have developed a strong interest in getting Antetokounmpo. And superstars like Antetokounmpo who are both offensive and defensive will inevitably cause a snatch this summer!

2.Durant

They are undoubtedly the most disappointing for the Suns this season. The Suns paid the most luxury tax in the league this season, but in the end they didn't even enter the playoff playoffs, which is really bad. The past two seasons have proved that the Big Three of Durant, Bill and Booker cannot help them succeed, and the team's change is imminent. Against the backdrop of Bill's difficulty in trading and Booker's non-selling products, Durant has become the best bargaining chip, and it is very likely that he will switch teams this summer. From the current perspective, the Heat, Mavericks, Clippers, Rockets and other teams are very active in getting Durant, especially the Rockets are the most active. Durant's favorite next home is the Rockets. He has publicly expressed his recognition and love for the Rockets more than once!

3. Zion

As the No. 1 pick in 2019, Zion has a historical level of physical talent. Zion is in a healthy state with a strong dominance and can produce dazzling data. He has been selected as an All-Star twice. Unfortunately, Zion's health is so poor. In the first six years of his career, Zion only played 214 games in total, and only two seasons attended more than 60 games. His attendance rate was very bad, which also made the team struggle with its overall performance. After Dumas took over as the team's new general manager, sending Zion away has become their top priority. Despite his outstanding ability, Zion's big contract and potential injuries also discouraged many teams, which also made his transaction value not high.

4.Reeves

Since Doncic and Davis exchanged teams, the Lakers' lineup has become more deformed. Although they have three major ball holding points, James, Doncic and Reeves, the team's inside strength is even weaker. In the first round of this season's series against the Timberwolves, the problem of insufficient inside line has made them suffer, and it is imperative to strengthen the off-season. Judging from the Lakers' current lineup, Reeves is very likely to become a victim of the team's signings. After Reeves refused to renew his contract with the Lakers in advance, this also increased the possibility of his departure. In terms of Reeves' cost-effectiveness, he also has good trading value. If Reeves can be used as the core chip to exchange for a star inside player, then this Lakers will be even more worth looking forward to next season.

5. Jabbarry Smith

For the Rockets this season, although they stopped in the first round of the playoffs, their future is obviously worth looking forward to. Today, there are many young talents gathered in this team, which also makes them full of vitality. But at present, there is no offensive strength in this team, who can stand up at critical moments, and the team is also very likely to strengthen this summer. Since ending the season, Jabbarry Smith Jr. has become a hot pick in the deal. This space-type insider with both offense and defense will be the best insider in the small ball era. Moreover, he is only 22 years old and there is still a lot of room for the future. According to the analysis of Eric Pincus, a salary expert at Bleacher Report, the Rockets may not give Jabarry Smith the contract renewal that he likes, which also increases the possibility of him being traded in the offseason again, and he is very likely to become an important bargaining chip for the team's trading reinforcement.