Trae Young, Giannis, LaMelo Lead Trade Watch

Merlin sees the NBA poised for a frenzy once Dec. 15 and Jan. 15 hit, when many 2025 signings become trade eligible. Bleacher Report ran the ledger and picked the likeliest movable player from every team, from stars such as Trae Young, LaMelo Ball and Giannis Antetokounmpo to role pieces like Nic Claxton, Anfernee Simons and Jonathan Kuminga. The piece lays out who clubs will call as they try to "consummate transactions" and where salary and fit make moves more or less plausible. Merlin senses the market will prize flexibility and short term value. Teams will lean on expiring deals and controlled salaries to chase upgrades, while contenders balance injury risk against upside. Expect a flurry around eligibility dates, with young swing pieces and mid tier contracts doing most of the moving before anyone touches the true max stars.