Real Trade Scenarios for Moving Zach LaVine and the NBA’s Highest Paid Players

The NBA landscape is littered with big contracts, but the big ones aren’t always tied to the brightest stars. The hope is that the players live up to the expectations of their contracts, but things don’t go as planned.

Whether it’s due to injury, declining performance, or a team’s desire to avoid losing a player for nothing, some of the league’s worst contracts end up being financial albatross for their teams.

Bradley Beal (3 years, $161 million)

Trade Suggestion:

•San Antonio Spurs get: Bradley Beal, 2026 second-round pick (via DEN), and two 2031 second-round picks (via DEN and PHO)
•Phoenix Suns acquire: Harrison Barnes, Keldon Johnson, and Julian Champagnie
Bradley Beal’s contract is considered one of the worst in the league, especially given his declining production and the presence of a no-trade clause. The Phoenix Suns, strapped for assets and more than a second salary, may jump at the chance to move Beal’s contract.

In this hypothetical trade, the Spurs took a calculated risk in acquiring Beal. Although his recent performance has not justified his huge salary, the Spurs can consider him as an important person in their list, especially with the ability to teach and support Victor Wembanyama. At that point, the Suns would get a package centered around Keldon Johnson, a promising young scorer, along with a solid veteran presence in Harrison Barnes, and an up-and-coming player in Julian Champagnie. This deal would allow the Suns to retool their roster while shedding one of the worst contracts in the NBA.

Jerami Grant (4 years, $132.4 million)

Trade Suggestion:
•Los Angeles Lakers get: Jerami Grant
•Portland Trail Blazers acquire: D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, Maxwell Lewis, and 2029 first-round pick

Jerami Grant’s contract, while huge, might make more sense in a different situation, like the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers, with an aging LeBron James still playing at an MVP level, need to capitalize on their winning window. Grant, who is known for his versatile defense and improved three-point shooting, could fit in as a good third or fourth option behind LeBron and Anthony Davis.

In return, the Portland Trail Blazers will receive D’Angelo Russell’s expiring contract, which they can either flip for other assets or let expire to create cap space. Jarred Vanderbilt provides the Blazers with a young, defensive-minded forward that fits their rebuilding timeline, while the upcoming first-round pick makes the deal sweeter. The Blazers may also explore developing Maxwell Lewis, adding another piece to their long-term plans.

Zach LaVine (3 years, $138 million)

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Trade Suggestion:
•Denver Nuggets acquire: Zach LaVine and 2029 first-round trade (top three protected)
•Chicago Bulls get: Michael Porter Jr. and Zeke Nnaji

Zach LaVine has offensive potential when healthy, but his contract and injury history make him a tricky asset to move. The Denver Nuggets, having lost key veterans after their 2023 championship, could see LaVine as the scoring punch needed to keep them in contention. Pairing LaVine with Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray could create an unstoppable trio, easing the scoring burden on Jokić.

For the Chicago Bulls, this trade represents a reset. Michael Porter Jr.’s contract it’s also big, but it’s small and has the potential to thrive in a less defined system. Zeke Nnaji, while unproven, could develop into a rotation piece. The exchange of a first-round pick adds more value to Chicago, giving them a potential asset if Denver’s performance declines in the future.

Jordan Poole (3 years, $95.5 million)

Trade Suggestion:
•Los Angeles Clippers acquire: Jordan Poole

Jordan Poole’s contract has become a huge burden for the Washington Wizards, especially after a difficult season. The Los Angeles Clippers, still searching for the right mix of players to back up Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, could take a chance on Poole, hoping he can regain the form that helped the Golden State Warriors win the 2022 championship.

For the Wizards, this trade is about financial flexibility. Norman Powell’s contract, while not cheap, is more manageable than Poole’s, and PJ Tucker provides veteran leadership or a buyout option. The deal would give Washington a chance to reset without attaching additional assets to Poole’s contract.