It’s rumor season in the NBA. There’s plenty of speculation – and little else. At this point, you know the names in the rumor mill. Damian Lillard has requested a trade. He wants to join the Miami Heat. 

James Harden wants to join the Los Angeles Clippers. Pascal Siakam…well, apparently he wants to stay with the Toronto Raptors. They may trade him anyway – who knows? 

Who cares? By now, you must be sick of the same old names in the rumor mill: Here are three fresh ones. 

Trade No. 1 — Joel Embiid to New York Knicks 

Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, C Mitchell Robinson, G Immanuel Quickley, 2024 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2025 First-Round Pick (Swap – NYK), 2026 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2028 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2029 First-Round Pick (Swap- NYK), 2030 First-Round Pick (NYK) 

New York Knicks Receive: C Joel Embiid 

OK, fine. Joel Embiid being dealt to the New York Knicks isn’t necessarily novel either. Still, it’s a little less prominent than, say, Lillard-to-Miami rumors. Embiid hasn’t requested a trade. At this point, we can only speculate as to whether Embiid would want out of Philadelphia. 

Still, there’s reason to speculate. Harden’s trade request looms over the reigning MVP. If the Philadelphia 76ers can’t replace Harden’s production, they’re likely to decline. That’s likely to lead to an Embiid request. 

NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & New York Knicks Updates

If it does, this deal works for both sides. The Sixers receive two intriguing young players in addition to four first-round picks and three swaps. On the other hand, the Knicks land the league’s reigning MVP. Of course, Embiid isn’t the only star that’s been linked to the Knicks. 

Trade No. 2 — Donovan Mitchell to Brooklyn Nets

Cleveland Cavaliers Receive:  G Spencer Dinwiddie, F Dorian Finney-Smith, F Royce O’Neale, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN), 2027 First-Round Pick (PHI via BKN), 2029 First-Round Pick (DAL via BKN) 

Brooklyn Nets Receive: G Donovan Mitchell 

In the industry, that’s what we call a bait and switch. Did you think we’d link Donovan Mitchell to the New York Knicks? That’s what we wanted you to think. After all, he’s been associated with the Knicks in the past. 

Partly, that’s because he’s a New York native. So? The Knicks aren’t the only NBA team in New York. Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets have a more pressing need for an offensive guard like Mitchell. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers need wings.

NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & Brooklyn Nets Updates

This deal has the Cavs landing a pair of them. It’s also got them landing three unprotected first-rounders. If it’s true that Mitchell could eventually leave Cleveland, they might want to get ahead of the problem by trading him now. Is there another superstar who could be on the move? 

Trade No. 3 — Zion Williamson to Oklahoma City Thunder

New Orleans Pelicans Receive: F Davis Bertans, G/F Luguentz Dort, 2024 First-Round Pick (UTA via OKC), 2025 First-Round Pick (MIA via OKC), 2026 First-Round Pick (LAC via OKC) 

Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: F Zion Williamson 

We’re not the first to suggest a Zion Williamson trade, either. In fact, he was arguably the hottest name on the rumor market leading up to the NBA draft. Recently, that hype has died down. The New Orleans Pelicans couldn’t find a taker in the high lottery – will they find one at all? 

We think so. They may have to lower their price. Williamson’s track record of health concerns makes him a depreciated asset. With that in mind, a quality player like Dort and a trio of unprotected firsts is a good return. 

NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans & Oklahoma City Thunder Updates

For the Oklahoma City Thunder, this is a buy-low opportunity. Williamson and Chet Holmgren would make for a dynamic frontcourt duo for years to come. If Williamson can get his body right, they should win this deal by a longshot. If he can’t, we’ll start speculating about his future again. 

Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.