The 2024-25 NBA season provided one of the craziest trade deadlines of all time. All-NBA talents such as Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis, De’Aaron Fox and Jimmy Butler were all moved in the past week.
Other All-Stars such as Zach Lavine, Khris Middleton, Andrew Wiggins and Brandon Ingram were also moved in the busy trade deadline.
Many players avoided getting traded, but their respective teams probably should have let them go. Here are the players who survived (but shouldn’t have) the deadline.
Paul George
George has had his worst season in over a decade. He is posting just 16.9 points per game on 42.5 percent from the field. He is under a massive 4-year, $221 million contract from the Philadelphia 76ers, and they should’ve traded him to dump that contract.
Myles Turner
Turner has survived many trade deadlines, and Indiana is still hesitant to finally let him go. The 6’11” center is straying away further from playing a center position, as he’s only averaging 6.7 rebounds per game. The Pacers should’ve flipped him for a more dominant big.
Bradley Beal
Even though he has a no-trade clause, Beal should’ve waived it. Phoenix is being held back by his contract, out of position fit and poor play. The Suns invested a lot into acquiring Beal, and it hasn’t worked out thus far in the valley.
Kevin Durant
The Warriors tried very hard to get KD, and he would’ve been the better option over Jimmy Butler. Durant still has disdain for the organization, but him and Stephen Curry would’ve instantly given championship aspirations for Golden State once again.
Cam Johnson
Johnson was involved in numerous trade rumors throughout the season, and he would’ve been a huge piece on a championship contending team. He will continue to rot on a tanking Brooklyn Nets team.
Joel Embiid
As crazy as it sounds, Philadelphia should’ve moved off of Embiid. His injury history is absurd, and having him under a massive contract will continue to hurt them for years to come. A package for Embiid will give them a head start of a great rebuild.
Zion Williamson
The Zion experiment in New Orleans simply isn’t working out. It seems like voodoo is suddenly real when it comes to the Pelicans. He struggles to stay healthy, and they are losing games at an excessive rate. Trading him now will help the franchise find a new direction and a cornerstone with the keys to the franchise.
