Lakers

5 Big Trades to Keep an Eye On, Including Kevin Durant and the Warriors

**5 Potential Blockbuster Trades to Watch Including Kevin Durant, Warriors, and More**

The NBA is always full of surprises, with big trades happening when least expected. This past weekend alone saw two jaw-dropping moves—Luka Doncic being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers and De’Aaron Fox joining the San Antonio Spurs to pair up with Victor Wembanyama.

With the February 6th trade deadline looming, teams across the league are under pressure to either double down on their championship pursuits or retool for the future. So, who could be on the move next?

When a big trade happens, it often sets off a chain reaction. Contending teams are looking for reinforcements, while fringe playoff teams must decide whether to buy or sell. Here are five blockbuster trades that could alter the NBA landscape before the deadline.

**Warriors Pull Off a Shocking Trade for Kevin Durant**

 

**Proposed Trade Details**

*Golden State Warriors Receive*: Kevin Durant

*Phoenix Suns Receive*: Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Gary Payton II, Moses Moody, 2025 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2029 First-Round Pick (GSW)

The Warriors bringing back Kevin Durant would be a monumental move in NBA history. Golden State, with Stephen Curry still playing at an elite level, would aim to maximize its remaining championship window by adding Durant.

Durant, averaging 26.9 points on 52.4% shooting, is still one of the league’s top offensive players. Pairing him with Curry and Draymond Green would rejuvenate the Warriors’ offense and help them contend with the best in the West.

However, concerns remain about Durant’s fit, considering his previous exit from Golden State in 2019. The Warriors would need to ensure Durant feels valued, especially since Curry is the team leader. If Durant embraces this return, he could be the perfect complement to Curry’s game.

For Phoenix, the trade package—led by Wiggins and Kuminga—would provide young talent and added depth. Kuminga has potential as a two-way player, while Wiggins brings experience as a scorer and defender. The draft picks give Phoenix additional flexibility for future moves.

**Phoenix Suns Secure Jimmy Butler**

 

**Proposed Trade Details**

 

*Phoenix Suns Receive*: Jimmy Butler

*Miami Heat Receive*: Kyle Kuzma, Jonas Valanciunas, Saddiq Bey, Anthony Gill, 2031 Second-Round Pick (DEN)

*Washington Wizards Receive*: Bradley Beal, 2031 First-Round Pick (CLE)

The Phoenix Suns finally land Jimmy Butler, a star who is keen to join the team. Butler’s departure from Miami seems imminent after a turbulent season in South Beach, where his behavior caused tension.

 

Butler would be a massive addition for the Suns, giving them the playoff-ready leader they need. His scoring ability, defense, and basketball IQ would complement Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, filling the gaps that hurt Phoenix in last year’s postseason.

 

Miami gets Kuzma, Valanciunas, and Bey—three players who can help the Heat now while maintaining flexibility for the future. Kuzma adds scoring, Valanciunas brings rebounding and post presence, and Bey adds 3-and-D versatility. Miami also clears cap space and gains a future second-round pick.

For Washington, bringing back Bradley Beal gives the Wizards a familiar face and another asset in the form of a future first-round pick from Cleveland. Though the Wizards remain in rebuilding mode, acquiring Beal and a future pick offers some value.

**Detroit Pistons Go Big for Brandon Ingram**

 

**Proposed Trade Details**

 

*Detroit Pistons Receive*: Brandon Ingram

*New Orleans Pelicans Receive*: Tim Hardaway Jr., Tobias Harris, 2027 First-Round Pick (DET), 2029 Second-Round Pick (MIL)

 

The Detroit Pistons continue their bold rebuild by trading for Brandon Ingram, a talented scorer who can ease the burden on Cade Cunningham. Ingram has been a consistent 20+ PPG scorer, and his addition will make Detroit more competitive in the Eastern Conference.

The Pistons are looking to move beyond being a fringe playoff team and adding an established star like Ingram could accelerate their progress. Though Ingram is set to become a free agent after this season, his talent makes this trade worth the risk.

For New Orleans, this trade signals a reset rather than a complete rebuild. The Pelicans receive veteran players in Hardaway and Harris who can help in the short term, along with a future first-round pick from Detroit, which could turn into a valuable asset if the Pistons don’t develop their roster as expected.

 

**Lakers Add Nic Claxton to Their Lineup**

 

**Proposed Trade Details**

 

*Los Angeles Lakers Receive*: Nic Claxton

*Brooklyn Nets Receive*: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2023 First-Round Pick Swap (LAL)

The Los Angeles Lakers are in search of a defensive-minded big man, and Nic Claxton could be the perfect fit. The 25-year-old is averaging 9.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. He would provide rim protection, a much-needed skill after trading Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic.

Claxton would also be an excellent pick-and-roll partner for Doncic and LeBron James, offering elite defense and the ability to switch on multiple positions. His three-year contract adds stability to the Lakers’ long-term plans.

For Brooklyn, the addition of Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and a 2023 first-round pick swap gives them valuable pieces to build around while staying competitive. Hachimura and Vincent add depth, while the pick swap could be useful down the line if the Lakers decline after LeBron.

 

**Bucks Target Kyle Kuzma for Title Push**

 

**Proposed Trade Details**

*Milwaukee Bucks Receive*: Kyle Kuzma, Anthony Gill

*Washington Wizards Receive*: Khris Middleton

The Milwaukee Bucks are looking to bolster their roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Kyle Kuzma, who can stretch the floor and create his own shot, would be a great addition to their title-contending squad.

Kuzma, averaging 15.2 points and 5.8 rebounds this season, brings offensive versatility, something the Bucks have lacked outside of their superstars. The trade would also add depth and youth to the roster, with the inclusion of Anthony Gill to match salaries.

For Washington, dealing Kuzma would mean receiving Khris Middleton, a former All-Star who could be a key piece in their rebuilding process. The Bucks’ lack of future first-round picks could mean a three-team deal might be needed to make this happen, but it could be a creative solution to get Kuzma to Milwaukee.

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