The NBA offseason is a major source of activity where teams scrabble to find the missing pieces that they need to be championship contenders. This NBA offseason has been one of the most eventful in years, as many big-name players have moved to new teams.

In this article, we will break down the top 10 most impactful trades and signings throughout the 2023-24 NBA offseason.

10. Grant Williams to the Dallas Mavericks

When the Luka Donic and Kyrie Irving duo missed the playoffs, the Mavericks made it obvious that their roster needed to rediscover their defensive capabilities, which fueled their Western Conference finals run in 2022.

Enter Grant Williams. On July 12, 2023, Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams, signed a four-year $54 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks. Williams stands at 6-foot-6 with many defensive skills in his arsenal. His appearance on the Mavericks will change the dynamic of the team’s frontcourt, as the offensive-centered Christian Wood won’t make a return to the team.

Williams doesn’t just bring defense to the team, as he also is a reliable player having played in 79 out of 82 games last season, per NBA.com.

The Mavericks acquired Grant Williams through a three-team deal, which included the San Antonio Spurs, the Boston Celtics, and the Dallas Mavericks.

Mavs receive: 

• Grant Williams
• 2025 second-round pick (via San Antonio)
• 2028 second-round pick (from San Antonio)

Celtics receive: 

• 2024 second-round pick (via San Antonio)
• 2025 second-round pick swap (via Mavs)
• 2030 second-round pick (via Mavs)

Spurs receive: 

• Reggie Bullock (via Mavs)
• Unprotected 2030 first-round pick swap (via Mavs)

This trade allows the Mavericks to strengthen their starting lineup and allows them to rediscover their defense-focused front court, which helped fuel a Western Conference Finals run in 2022. This trade also adds to the Celtics’ vast inventory of future draft picks.

9. Dillon Brooks to the Houston Rockets

After only winning 22 games last year, the Houston Rockets proved that they needed to find the missing pieces that made them so successful in past seasons. Dillon Brooks, 27, may soon prove himself to be that very missing piece.

Following a horrific playoff series against the 7th-seeded Lakers, the Grizzlies management team is finally done with all the controversy that comes with Brooks and is hungry for young talent. In fact, Grizzlies management said Brooks will not be brought back “under any circumstances.”

Brooks joined the Rockets through a sign-and-trade deal with the Rockets, Grizzlies, Hawks, Clippers, and Thunder. He signed a 4-year $80 million deal with the Rockets.

Even though Brooks has been in many controversies, (e.g. fighting a cameraman, hitting Donovan Mitchel, and calling Theo Pinson a bench warmer) he is still a solid role-player that brings both offense and defense wherever he goes. Brooks is also a consistent scorer, having played in 73 games and averaged 14.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, per NBA.com

Rockets get: 

• Dillon Brooks (via sign-and-trade with Grizzlies)
• Draft rights to Alpha Kaba (via Hawks)
• Two future second-round picks (via Clippers)

Thunder get: 

• Patty Mills (via Rockets)
• 2024 second-round pick (via Rockets)
• 2029 second-round pick (via Rockets)
• 2030 second-round pick (via Rockets)

Hawks get:

• Usman Garuba (via Rockets)
• TyTy Washington Jr. (via Rockets)
• Two future second-round picks (via Rockets)
• Cash considerations (via Thunder)

Grizzlies get: 

• Josh Christopher (via Rockets)

Clippers get:

• Kenyon Martin Jr. (via Thunder)

This trade allowed the Grizzlies to get rid of Dillon Brooks and gain young talent in 21-year-old Josh Christopher, However, this could prove itself as a problem to the Rockets, as Brooks’s violent tendencies usually cause him to be the center of controversy.

8. John Collins to the Utah Jazz

After finishing the 22-23 season as the 12th seed, the Jazz needed to focus on strengthening their defense and overall lineup.

Forward/center John Collins, who spent six seasons with the Atlanta Hawks, is headed to the Utah Jazz.

In Utah, John Collins will join Colin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, and Talen Horton-Tucker in the Jazz’s starting lineup. He will most likely be placed at the power forward position, as big man Walker Kessler is already playing the center position. As a power forward, Collins will be expected to guard bigger players and generate more rebounds, both of which he is already proficient at.

According to NBA.com, last season John Collins boasted an impressive statline of 13.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists.

The Utah Jazz acquired Collins through a trade with the Atlanta Hawks, which exchanged Collins for swingman Rudy Gay and a second-round draft pick.

Hawks receive: 

• Rudy Gay
• Future second-round pick

Jazz receive: 

• John Collins

This trade allows the Jazz to strengthen their starting line-up by adding a player with an impressive statline and six years of experience, in addition to giving the Hawks the flexibility to allow for possible contract extensions for Dejounte Murray, Onyeka Okongwu, and Saddiq Bey.

7. Deandre Ayton to the Portland Trailblazers

Deandre Ayton, the formidable big man known for his presence in the paint, was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers. Ayton, who had been a key part in the Sun’s 2021 finals run, will now join forces with Sheadon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson, forming a trio that will be a force to be reckoned with in the highly competitive western conference.

Ayton was traded to the Trailblazers in a three-team deal which included the Bucks, the Trailblazers, and the Suns. Ayton had this to say about the trade, “New beginning,” Ayton said. “I get to show the world, show you guys who I am as a player on and off the court. Helping the young guys on this team win. Teaching them how to win.”

Ayton is expected to fill the defensive role of Jusuf Nurkic, who was sent to the Suns as part of this trade.

Ayton’s exceptional defensive skills and ability to control the boards will increase the Trailblazers’ interior presence, providing them with a decent inside-outside game. This trade has ignited anticipation among fans, as the new Trailblazers embark on a promising journey towards a new future without star player Damian Lillard.

Bucks receive:

• Damian Lillard (via Blazers)

Trail Blazers receive:

• Deandre Ayton (via Suns)
• Toumani Camara (via Suns)
• Jrue Holiday (via Bucks)
• 2029 1st-round pick (via Bucks)
• Two first-round pick swaps with Bucks (2028, 2030)

Suns receive: 

• Grayson Allen (via Bucks)
• Keon Johnson (via Blazers)
• Nassir Little (via Blazers)
• Jusuf Nurkic (via Blazers)

This trade allows the Trailblazers to strengthen their starting lineup, by adding a defensive-based player with finals experience.

6. Jordan Poole To The Washington Wizards

Jordan Poole, the young sharpshooting sensation, has been traded to the Washington Wizards. This trade shows a shift in strategy for both the Golden State Warriors and the Wizards, as they continue to strengthen their rosters.

Poole’s ability to shoot from beyond the arc adds an offensive spark to the Wizards’ lineup. This trade not only addresses Washington’s need for perimeter scoring but also adds a strong young talent to the team.

Recently, Poole dropped 41 points on 10-of-19 shooting in just 27 minutes during a preseason game on Wednesday against the New York Knicks. Poole shot 50% from the 3-point range and went 15 of 16 from the free-throw line. Poole put up 29 points in the first half and carried the Wizards to a 131-106 preseason win. This accomplishment ties Michael Jordan’s preseason Franchise record with the Wizards.

Poole’s quick release and shooting have the potential to be a game-changer in clutch moments, and his presence in Washington is bound to enhance the Wizards’ playoff chances. This trade could be the start of a new era of competitiveness in Washington. Poole’s impact won’t be immediate, but in the next couple of years, there will be a definite change in the standings of the Wizards.

Warriors receive: 

• Chris Paul

Wizards receive:

• Patrick Baldwin Jr.
• Jordan Poole
• Ryan Rollins
• 2027 second-round pick
• 2030 first-round pick (top 20 protected)
• Cash considerations

This trade allows the Wizards to gain young talent on their team, and allows Poole to have more opportunities to prove himself as the star player he is.

5. Chris Paul to the Golden State Warriors

In a series with the Lakers, which inevitably eliminated the Warriors, Jordan Poole averaged a FG% of 30.7. This pitiful performance showed the Warriors that they needed to change things up. In response to this performance, the Warriors made the decision to trade Poole to the Wizards in a deal for Chris Paul. This trade occurred as Paul was transferred from the Suns to the Wizards in return for Bradley Beal. During his time with the Suns, Paul maintained stats with an average of 13.9 points, 8.9 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.54 steals per game, according to NBA.com.

When asked about joining the Warriors Chris Paul expressed his excitement by saying, “I’m really looking forward to playing alongside Steph, Klay, Draymond, and Wiggins. The organization is outstanding. They have built chemistry over time.”

Adding Chris Paul to one of the most accurately shooting backcourts in NBA history will undoubtedly strengthen the Warrior’s offense significantly. His passing and shooting skills will complement those of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson flawlessly forming a trio on the court. With this trade, there is potential for the Warriors to regain their status as championship contenders.

Warriors receive: 

• Chris Paul

Wizards receive:

• Patrick Baldwin Jr.
• Jordan Poole
• Ryan Rollins
• 2027 second-round pick
• 2030 first-round pick (top 20 protected)
• Cash considerations

This trade will allow the Golden State Warriors to strengthen their chances of being championship contenders by adding one of the best point guards of all time with 12 years of experience as an All-Star.

4. Kristaps Porzingis to the Boston Celtics

Former Wizards center Kristaps Porzingis has been traded to the Boston Celtics. Porzingis, who played a defensive role for the Wizards, will now join Jason Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Jrue Holiday, forming a powerful starting lineup that could potentially be a big challenge for Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo in the Eastern Conference.

After coming back from a lateral meniscus injury on his right knee in 2020, Porzingis reached new heights in his last season with the Wizards, showcasing an impressive statline of 23.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game, per NBA.com

Porzingis’s exceptional defensive skills and ability to take shots that most big men can’t, are sure to mesh well with the playstyles of other Celtics stars and increase the Celtics interior presence, giving them a more well-rounded defense.

Porzingis was traded to the Celtics in a three-team deal, which included the Wizards, the Grizzlies, and the Celtics.This deal saw Celtics player Marcus Smart leave for the Grizzlies.

Celtics receive: 

• Kristaps Porzingis (via Wizards)
• No. 25 pick in 2023 Draft (via Grizzlies)
• 2024 first-round pick (top-four protected, via Warriors)

Grizzlies receive:

• Marcus Smart (via Celtics)

Wizards receive: 

• Tyus Jones (via Grizzlies)
• Danilo Gallinari (via Celtics)
• Mike Muscala (via Celtics)
• No. 35 pick in 2023 Draft (via Celtics)

Overall, The addition of Kristaps Porzingis will increase the Celtic’s interior defense and could be the missing piece that the Celtics need to be NBA champions.

3. Jrue Holiday to the Boston Celtics

In a surprising move, The Celtics, conference finalists for two years in a row, have acquired one of the best defenders in the league. This trade comes after Holiday was traded to the Blazers, in the same move that sent Damian Lillard to the Bucks. Holiday played a key role in the Bucks’s 2021 championship, averaging 17.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.7 assists, according to NBA.com. During the 2021 Olympics, Holiday won a gold medal alongside All-Star Jayson Tatum, showing that he and Tatum would work well together on the same team.

Jrue Holiday is one of the best defenders in the league, and his defensive abilities have earned him a spot on the All-Defensive first team and DPOY ballots three times. These abilities will mesh well with other players on the Celtics, forming a defensive duo with Porzingis.

The real question is, how will Holiday fit on the Celtics starting lineup? Holiday is used to sharing the ball with his more dominant scoring teammates, as seen with Giannis and Anthony Davis, so his sharing the ball with Tatum and Brown shouldn’t prove to be a problem. However, In the instance that Holiday is in possession of the ball, he is also one of the best playmakers in the league averaging seven assists per game.

Celtics receive:

• Jrue Holiday

Blazers receive: 

• Malcolm Brogdon
• Robert Williams
• 2024 1st-round pick (via Warriors)
• 2029 unprotected 1st-round pick (via Celtics)

 In all, this trade will strengthen the Celtics starting lineup, forming a super team with Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, and Derrick White.

2. Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns

In a surprising move, Wizards point guard Bradley Beal was traded to the Phoenix Suns in a deal that included Chris Paul going to the Wizards. Last season, Beal signed a $251 million max contract extension with the Washington Wizards. His contract included a no-trade clause; however, Beal waived the no-trade clause to join a championship-contending team in the Suns. He will join Devin Booker and Kevin Durant who was picked up at the end of last season.

Beal is an elite scorer, nearly on the level of Devin Booker, which allows him to add a new dynamic to the Suns offense that was not there during last season. According to NBA.com, last season with the Wizards, Beal averaged 23.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists over 50 games. Beal has also made 3 All-Star appearances over the course of his career.

While some might say that Beal is a third option that lacks defensive pressure, we saw Devin Booker take a leap in efficiency when playing with Kevin Durant, so we could see the same thing happen with Beal. The addition of Beal also gives Devin Booker and Kevin Durant much more room to operate on the floor, as it adds another excellent shooter to guard.

Suns get: 

• Bradley Beal
• Jordan Goodwin
• Isaiah Todd

Wizards get: 

• Chris Paul
• Landry Shamet
• Bilal Coulibaly (No. 7 pick, via Pacers)
• 2024 first-round pick swap
• 2024 second-round pick
• 2025 second-round pick
• 2026 first-round pick swap
• 2026 second-round pick
• 2027 second-round pick
• 2028 first-round pick swap
• 2028 second-round pick
• 2030 first-round pick swap
• 2030 second-round pick

Pacers get:

• Jarace Walker (No. 8 pick, via Wizards)
• Future second-round pick (via Wizards)
• Future second-round pick (via Suns)

In sum, this trade will add another All-Star to the Suns lineup, making a title run even more possible.

1. Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks

This is the most impactful trade of the 2023-2024 NBA offseason.

In a surprising move that shocked the entire Basketball community, the Milwaukee Bucks have acquired seven-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA selection, and NBA 75th Anniversary Team member Damian Lillard. Lillard was acquired in a three-team deal involving the Portland Trailblazers and the Phoenix Suns, which also saw Jrue Holiday and Deandre Ayton going to the Trailblazers. 

Lillard spent his entire career with the Trailblazers, and over the years he has cemented his desire to stay in Portland and win a championship; However, after Lillard met with the Trailblazers’ Management multiple times asking for an upgrade to its roster, his interests have moved to another team. After the Miami Heat’s impressive 8th-seed playoffs run, Lillard requested a move to Miami and made it clear that Miami alone was where he wanted to go. Portland did not accept his request, and now it’s the Bucks that have the incredibly strong duo of Lillard and Giannis.

Lillard is coming off an incredible season where, according to NBA.com, he averaged 32.2 points per game. He has averaged at least 24 points per game in the last eight seasons, and his career average ranks fourth among active players (25.2), per NBA.com. Last season, Lillard became the all-time scoring leader for the Trailblazers and also had a 71-point game becoming the seventh player to ever do so in NBA history.

But what does this mean for the Bucks? This trade shows that the Bucks have strengthened their pursuit of a championship by pairing Lillard with two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The pairing of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard will be the best duo in the league. It is widely known by players that the only way to stop Giannis from scoring is to flood the paint with players, so what do you do when you also have to guard a player who is known for hitting 30+ foot shots? Nothing. Teams won’t be able to efficiently split their players to guard both Giannis and Lillard, not to mention the rest of the players on the Bucks! This just goes to show that the Lillard trade will result in the Bucks easily being championship contenders.

Bucks receive:

• Damian Lillard (via Blazers)

Trail Blazers receive:

• Deandre Ayton (via Suns)
• Toumani Camara (via Suns)
• Jrue Holiday (via Bucks)
• 2029 1st-round pick (via Bucks)
• Two first-round pick swaps with Bucks (2028, 2030)

Suns receive: 

• Grayson Allen (via Bucks)
• Keon Johnson (via Blazers)
• Nassir Little (via Blazers)
• Jusuf Nurkic (via Blazers)