NBA Surprise Trade Candidates: Zion Williamson, Trae Young Among Potential Shock Moves

One year ago, the NBA world was rocked when the Minnesota Timberwolves traded Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks. The timing — just before training camp — made it feel even more shocking, as two All-Stars at the same position were swapped for each other.

This year, the conditions for a blockbuster of that magnitude aren’t quite in place. Boston, Phoenix, and other teams with financial pressure have already acted, and there isn’t the same level of desperation. Still, the NBA is unpredictable, and surprise trades are always lurking. Here are some names who could unexpectedly hit the trade market.

Rudy Gobert: Could Minnesota Hit Reset Again?

The Timberwolves shocked the league last year with the Towns deal. Now, Gobert could be next. Despite reaching the Western Conference Finals, Minnesota still looks further from contention than before. Gobert is older, expensive, and the team just drafted a young center in Joan Beringer.

With rising competition in the West and Naz Reid on a $125 million deal, the Wolves may consider moving Gobert for youth and flexibility. GM Tim Connelly has already shown he’s not afraid to swing big.

Pascal Siakam: Short Window in Indiana

Pascal Siakam fit beautifully next to Tyrese Haliburton, but Haliburton’s long-term injury has changed Indiana’s outlook. At 31, Siakam is entering the back half of his prime. By the time Haliburton is fully himself again, Siakam may no longer be the same star.

With Indiana’s frugal approach and their eyes on the future, moving Siakam while his value is still high could bring back draft capital and help reset the timeline.

Derrick White: Boston’s Quiet Trade Chip

Jaylen Brown is nearly impossible to trade midseason due to his massive contract. Derrick White, however, is both affordable and universally valued. His shooting, defense, and playmaking make him a seamless fit anywhere.

At 31, White’s trade value may never be higher. For Boston, flipping him for younger assets could help balance a roster that’s starting to age around Jayson Tatum.

Zion Williamson: The High-Risk, High-Reward Star

Zion’s off-court issues and injury history make him difficult to move right now. But his talent is undeniable, and teams will always be tempted by his upside.

The Pelicans’ roster construction doesn’t suggest a long-term commitment to Zion, especially with overlapping skillsets alongside rookie Derik Queen. If he strings together a healthy, dominant stretch, his trade value could spike, making him one of the most fascinating names to watch.

The Point Guard Dilemma

Outside of true superstars like Luka Dončić or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, many high-usage guards face tricky markets. They put up numbers but don’t always fit into winning environments. Still, a few stand out as possible surprises:

Trae Young: Atlanta has already explored trades and hasn’t offered him a max extension. His defensive flaws and ball dominance limit his market, but a team in need of star power could take the gamble.
Ja Morant: Injuries and off-court issues have clouded his future. Memphis may eventually need to reconsider building entirely around him.
De’Aaron Fox: San Antonio’s backcourt is suddenly crowded after drafting Dylan Harper. Fox has been loyal, but eventually, one guard may need to go.
Tyler Herro: Miami looks directionless without Jimmy Butler. Herro could be the odd man out if the Heat pivot toward a rebuild.
Other Watch Names: Darius Garland in Cleveland and LaMelo Ball in Charlotte — both could surface if their franchises stall.

SUMMARY

These players aren’t on the trade block right now, but circumstances shift quickly in the NBA. A few good (or bad) months could turn whispers into real discussions. While moving names like Zion Williamson or Trae Young would shock fans, history shows us one thing: no star is ever truly untouchable.