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The 2026 NBA Draft has arrived, giving at least 60 young players their start at the highest level of professional basketball. It could also lead to some established NBA stars shifting allegiances.
As the first significant chapter of the offseason, the NBA Draft is a prime opportunity for teams to get ahead of some roster changes they're anticipating when free agency opens on July 6.
Could we be in for another league-shifting trade on draft night? Let's take a look at some potential targets.
Fox had a brutal NBA Finals while Dylan Harper, the franchise's future at point guard, outplayed him for much of San Antonio's playoff run. The former Sacramento Kings star is under contract for the next four seasons with an average salary of $55.4 million, so moving him won't be easy. However, the two-time All-Star is only 28 and has elite athletic traits, so perhaps a team like the Houston Rockets could covet him.
Butler's title-chasing opportunity with the Golden State Warriors got cut short by a torn ACL he suffered in January. His return for the 2026-27 season remains uncertain, increasing the urgency for Golden State to make a move around 38-year-old Stephen Curry. The Warriors could look to deal Butler's expiring $56.8 million contract for a couple role players who could help fill out a roster that's gotten stale over the years, particularly in the backcourt.
It's been largely a disastrous run for George in Philadelphia. He's played only 78 games over the last two seasons due to injuries and an anti-drug suspension, collecting over $100 million in the process. With the 76ers beginning to build around younger stars Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe, it doesn't make much sense to hold onto George and even Joel Embiid. However, with George signed through 2027-28, a deal may be hard to find unless Philadelphia is willing to attach player or draft capital.
The Clippers have been consistently good but not good enough with Leonard leading the way. Leonard has an expiring $50.3 million contract that should be relatively easy to move, barring any league punishment over the Aspiration scandal that's been clouding the franchise. If the Miami Heat strike out on Giannis Antetokounmpo, perhaps they go after Leonard, whose two-way ability is exactly what Erik Spoelstra values most.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: 4 NBA stars who could be traded during draft, including Spurs' De'Aaron Fox
Continue reading...
As the first significant chapter of the offseason, the NBA Draft is a prime opportunity for teams to get ahead of some roster changes they're anticipating when free agency opens on July 6.
Could we be in for another league-shifting trade on draft night? Let's take a look at some potential targets.
De'Aaron Fox, San Antonio Spurs
Fox had a brutal NBA Finals while Dylan Harper, the franchise's future at point guard, outplayed him for much of San Antonio's playoff run. The former Sacramento Kings star is under contract for the next four seasons with an average salary of $55.4 million, so moving him won't be easy. However, the two-time All-Star is only 28 and has elite athletic traits, so perhaps a team like the Houston Rockets could covet him.
Jimmy Butler, Golden State Warriors
Butler's title-chasing opportunity with the Golden State Warriors got cut short by a torn ACL he suffered in January. His return for the 2026-27 season remains uncertain, increasing the urgency for Golden State to make a move around 38-year-old Stephen Curry. The Warriors could look to deal Butler's expiring $56.8 million contract for a couple role players who could help fill out a roster that's gotten stale over the years, particularly in the backcourt.
Paul George, Philadelphia 76ers
It's been largely a disastrous run for George in Philadelphia. He's played only 78 games over the last two seasons due to injuries and an anti-drug suspension, collecting over $100 million in the process. With the 76ers beginning to build around younger stars Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe, it doesn't make much sense to hold onto George and even Joel Embiid. However, with George signed through 2027-28, a deal may be hard to find unless Philadelphia is willing to attach player or draft capital.
Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers have been consistently good but not good enough with Leonard leading the way. Leonard has an expiring $50.3 million contract that should be relatively easy to move, barring any league punishment over the Aspiration scandal that's been clouding the franchise. If the Miami Heat strike out on Giannis Antetokounmpo, perhaps they go after Leonard, whose two-way ability is exactly what Erik Spoelstra values most.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: 4 NBA stars who could be traded during draft, including Spurs' De'Aaron Fox
Continue reading...
