10 Blockbuster Trades We Wanted To See But Didn't Happen In The 2024 Summer

The summer of 2024 was a wild ride for NBA fans, with countless rumors swirling about potential blockbuster trades. While a few deals went down, a lot of big names stayed put. 

From Stephen Curry possibly joining LeBron James to Jimmy Butler reuniting with Joel Embiid, we saw endless "what if" scenarios. Let’s break down the top 10 trades we all wanted to see but didn’t happen.

1. Stephen Curry Joining The Lakers

The idea of Stephen Curry teaming up with LeBron James in Los Angeles sparked some wild trade speculation in the offseason. With LeBron’s son Bronny joining the Lakers through the draft, rumors began swirling that Curry might request a trade after the Olympics to create a super team. While the Warriors weren’t looking to trade their superstar, a hypothetical package from the Lakers could’ve included D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, rookie Dalton Knecht, and two future first-round picks.

Though fun to think about, this trade was highly unrealistic. The Warriors have been adamant about keeping their dynasty together, especially with Curry still being their franchise centerpiece. For Curry, leaving the only team he’s ever played for would have been a massive move, and it’s doubtful he would push for that just for one final ride with LeBron.

Still, the idea of Curry and LeBron linking up in Los Angeles intrigued fans everywhere. The Lakers were in a unique position, with LeBron’s son joining the team, creating an interesting dynamic that made people wonder how far they could push their chips to win another title. Curry, however, has always been about the Warriors’ culture, and leaving that would’ve been a seismic shift.

In the end, as fun as it was to imagine Curry and LeBron together, the chances of the Warriors trading their all-time greatest player were next to none. This blockbuster was simply one of those “what ifs” that basketball fans love to dream about but knew deep down was never going to happen.

2. LeBron James To The Warriors

This was one of the wildest rumors during the 2024 NBA trade deadline. Reports surfaced that the Warriors had inquired about LeBron James, with owner Joe Lacob reaching out to the Lakers to see if there was a chance to acquire the superstar. However, the Lakers were quick to reject any offer, clearly stating they had no interest in moving their franchise icon.

Draymond Green, LeBron's close friend, even tried to convince James and their shared agent, Rich Paul, of the benefits of joining Golden State. However, LeBron's camp, as well as James himself, expressed no desire to leave Los Angeles. In fact, LeBron admitted he only found out about the potential trade when it hit the media, meaning the talks never reached him personally.

For the Warriors, this trade would have meant breaking up key parts of their core, such as Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, and multiple picks, to even have a chance at landing LeBron. But the deal always felt like a long shot, given LeBron's focus on playing with his son Bronny and his connection to the Lakers.

In the end, this was one of those “what if” moments that stirred up excitement but never had any real legs. The Warriors tried to test the waters, but the idea of LeBron wearing blue and gold was never really in the cards, as both sides swiftly shut down the talks.

3. Joel Embiid And The Miami Heat

One of the most tantalizing trade rumors of 2024 was the possibility of Joel Embiid joining the Miami Heat. Embiid's close friendship with Jimmy Butler fueled these rumors, with Butler publicly stating numerous times how much he admired Embiid. The two briefly played together in Philadelphia in 2019 and have remained close ever since. Butler has frequently called Embiid "his guy" and mentioned how he would love to team up again.

The idea gained traction when the 76ers were knocked out in the first round of the playoffs yet again. Frustrations were mounting, and there was speculation that if the Sixers didn’t make significant improvements in free agency, Embiid might consider forcing a trade. The Heat were seen as a prime destination due to the Butler connection and Miami’s win-now mentality.

The Philadelphia 76ers did address some concerns by signing Paul George in the offseason, forming a new Big Three with George, Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey. This move kept Embiid in Philly, at least for now, as he just signed a brand new extension to stay for 5 seasons. But the idea of him eventually reuniting with Butler in Miami remains a possibility down the line, especially if the 76ers fail to reach the Finals in the coming years.

The Heat, meanwhile, remain a team that’s always lurking for a big-name acquisition. If things don’t work out in Philadelphia, you can bet that Pat Riley and Miami will keep their eyes on Embiid, leveraging his friendship with Butler to make a potential blockbuster deal happen in the future.

4. Kawhi Leonard Landing In The Bay

The idea of Kawhi Leonard joining the Warriors picked up steam after Paul George left the Clippers in free agency in the summer. With the Clippers' championship window closing and Leonard's availability always in question due to injuries, speculation grew that they might finally pull the trigger on a rebuild. The Warriors, looking to extend Stephen Curry’s prime and fill the void left by Klay Thompson’s departure, became a logical trade destination.

A proposed deal would have sent Leonard to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for a package centered around Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II, Kevon Looney, Moses Moody, and a collection of future first-round picks. For Golden State, Leonard would offer a huge defensive and offensive boost, and they could afford to take the risk, hoping that Leonard would stay healthy enough to make a deep playoff run. With Curry’s championship window closing, adding a two-time Finals MVP like Leonard would have been a game-changer.

On the Clippers' side, they would have gained much-needed flexibility, as Wiggins' contract was cheaper and he played more games than Leonard in recent years. Plus, with Looney and Payton on expiring contracts, it would have set the Clippers up to retool their roster for the future. The potential to stack draft picks after losing George would have made this deal appealing for the Clippers.

Still, Leonard’s injury history and the risk involved were major concerns for both teams. As exciting as it would’ve been to see Curry and Leonard on the same team, this trade was filled with uncertainty. In the end, it stayed in the realm of rumors, as the Warriors decided to stay cautious, and the Clippers held onto their star.

5. DeMar DeRozan Finally Going Home

DeMar DeRozan has been linked to the Lakers for years, and 2024 was no exception. As a Southern California native, DeRozan always dreamed of playing for his hometown Lakers, and there were rumors throughout the summer that a sign-and-trade deal could finally make that happen. LeBron James and Anthony Davis reportedly pushed for the move, even willing to adjust salaries to bring DeRozan in.

The deal seemed more plausible after DeRozan entered free agency following his successful stint with the Chicago Bulls. DeRozan averaged 24.0 points and 5.3 assists during the 2023-24 season, proving he could still contribute at a high level. The Lakers, meanwhile, were looking to bolster their roster, and DeRozan was a perfect fit, potentially slotting in as a secondary scorer behind LeBron.

Anyway, several complications stalled the trade. The Lakers would have needed to offload significant salaries in the process, including players like D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, or Jarred Vanderbilt, to make the numbers work. While the Bulls were open to a sign-and-trade, it became clear that the logistics were challenging, and DeRozan eventually signed with the Sacramento Kings on a three-year deal, ending the Lakers' pursuit.

The dream of DeRozan playing in the purple and gold still lingered for many fans, but it wasn’t meant to be this offseason, despite all the chatter.

6. Trae Young Would Have Been Great For The Spurs

The 2024 offseason saw Trae Young's name thrown into several trade rumors, with the San Antonio Spurs emerging as a surprising potential landing spot. After the Atlanta Hawks won the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery, rumors surfaced that the team might shift towards a full rebuild, which could involve trading Young to focus on their new core, as they dealt Dejounte Murray to the Pelicans and selected Zaccarie Risacher in the Draft. With Young’s hefty contract and the Hawks aiming for a future with a young roster, many believed a trade was possible.

For the Spurs, adding Young to a team built around Victor Wembanyama could’ve been a blockbuster move. The combination of Wembanyama’s size and Young’s playmaking abilities would have formed one of the most dynamic young duos in the NBA. The Spurs, known for their patient approach to building teams, would have been banking on Young to accelerate their return to contention.

However, there were financial hurdles to overcome. Trae Young is in the third year of a five-year, $215 million contract, and his salary alone posed a significant challenge for a team like San Antonio. The Spurs were reportedly hesitant to make such a massive commitment to Young, particularly given the focus on developing their young core and maintaining long-term financial flexibility.

In the end, the Spurs decided to stick with their patient rebuild strategy, choosing not to go all-in on Young, and signing veteran Chris Paul in his place. While the move would have been exciting, the risks involved in such a trade, especially with Young’s contract, led San Antonio to pass on the opportunity, leaving Young’s future with the Hawks still up in the air.

7. Paul George’s Near Move To The Warriors

One of the biggest near-blockbuster trades of the 2024 offseason was the Golden State Warriors’ pursuit of Paul George. The Warriors were reportedly deep in negotiations with the Clippers, hoping to land the All-Star forward before he hit free agency. Golden State had even prepared to offer George a four-year max extension, with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green both supporting the idea. The team believed that adding George could help them extend their championship window as Klay Thompson’s future with the franchise appeared uncertain before leaving to Dallas.

The proposed deal would have involved sending Andrew Wiggins, Chris Paul, Jonathan Kuminga, and Moses Moody, along with future first-round picks, to the Clippers. Golden State was willing to go all-in to make it happen, but the trade ultimately fell apart when George declined his $48.8 million player option, opting to test free agency instead. Without cap space to sign him outright, the Warriors missed out on securing the nine-time All-Star.

For the Clippers, the possibility of moving on from George was real, especially after Paul George and the team couldn’t reach an agreement on a new contract. The Clippers were reportedly open to the trade, but the two sides couldn’t finalize the deal in time. While the Warriors felt they were close to landing George, the opportunity slipped away, leaving them to search elsewhere for roster upgrades.

8. Zach LaVine Was A Good Option For The Lakers

Throughout the 2024 offseason, Zach LaVine’s name kept popping up in trade rumors, with the Lakers frequently mentioned as a potential landing spot. LaVine, who is on a massive contract with the Chicago Bulls, became an intriguing option for Los Angeles, especially as they sought a third star to pair with LeBron James and Anthony Davis after missing out on a ton of free agents. The Bulls were reportedly open to trading LaVine, but making the financials work was always going to be tricky for the Lakers.

A proposed deal that would have sent LaVine to the Lakers involved a package centered around D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and potentially Jarred Vanderbilt. The challenge for the Lakers was assembling a trade that met LaVine’s $43 million salary while keeping key contributors like Austin Reaves out of the deal. The Lakers were determined not to include Reaves, given his value to the team’s future.

While the fit was there, and LaVine’s scoring prowess would have added much-needed firepower to the Lakers' lineup, the complexities of navigating the NBA’s salary cap and apron restrictions ultimately made this trade difficult. The Bulls were looking for more future assets, and the Lakers were hesitant to give up too much depth, particularly players like Hachimura and Vanderbilt, who had become integral parts of the team.

As of now, LaVine remains in Chicago, but with the Lakers always looking to upgrade, the door may not be fully closed on this possibility. If the Bulls decide to fully embrace a rebuild, LaVine to L.A. could still be revisited during the season.

9. Lauri Markkanen Was A Key Target For The Warriors

The Warriors were all in on Lauri Markkanen during the 2024 offseason. They saw him as a perfect addition to extend Stephen Curry's prime and help fill the gap left by Klay Thompson's departure. Golden State offered a package involving Moses Moody, multiple first-round picks, and pick swaps. But Utah wanted more—Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski were key pieces they demanded, and that’s where things got tricky.

Markkanen, after breaking out as an All-Star in Utah, had solidified himself as one of the league's top forwards. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and shot 40% from deep, making him a hot commodity. The Jazz weren't willing to part ways with him unless they got a huge return. Additionally, after the talks cooled off, Markkanen signed a five-year, $238 million extension with the Jazz, which not only locked him in as part of Utah’s future but also made him ineligible for trade for the entire 2024-25 season.

For the Warriors, adding Markkanen would've provided a versatile scorer and shooter who could spread the floor alongside Curry and Draymond Green. He seemed like the perfect fit to bring another title to the Bay. But the Jazz played hardball, knowing his value as an All-Star and a crucial piece for their rebuilding efforts. While Golden State pushed hard, offering picks and young players, they couldn’t meet Utah’s high price, and the talks eventually fizzled out.

In the end, the deal never materialized, and Markkanen stayed put in Utah, where he's set to continue being their franchise cornerstone for years to come. It was one of those "what if" trades that could’ve changed the dynamic of the Western Conference, but the Warriors had to walk away without their coveted star.

 10. Karl-Anthony Towns Linked To The Knicks

Karl-Anthony Towns has long been linked to the New York Knicks, especially given his ties to New Jersey and his representation under Leon Rose’s former agency, CAA. The rumor mill picked up steam again in the offseason when the Knicks, after trading for Mikal Bridges, were reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing in Towns to form a new Big Three with Jalen Brunson and moving Julius Randle. Towns, with his size, shooting ability, and prime years, looked like a potential game-changer for the Knicks.

The Timberwolves have been hesitant to move their star big man, particularly after a strong 2024 season where they found themselves in the Conference Finals. Towns has been crucial for Minnesota, averaging 21.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game in the 2023-24 season, while shooting over 41.6% from three. Despite that, speculation about a potential trade remains, with many wondering if the Timberwolves would consider moving Towns to recoup some of the assets they lost in the Rudy Gobert trade.

For the New York Knicks, making this deal work would likely mean including Julius Randle in the trade, as his salary would help match Towns’ massive contract, which jumps to $49 million in 2024-25 with his four-year, $224 million supermax extension kicking in. The Knicks also have some first-round picks at their disposal, which could sweeten the deal. However, pulling off a trade of this magnitude would be complex due to salary cap rules and the luxury tax.

If a Towns trade were to happen, it would mark a huge step for the Knicks in their bid to become true contenders in the Eastern Conference. Towns’ ability to stretch the floor and his fit alongside Brunson and Bridges could give the Knicks one of the most balanced rosters in the league, capable of taking on the top teams in the East.