Carlton has been front-page news regarding the future of Tom De Koning, as he weighs up a monster $12 million deal from St Kilda.

The Blues are hopeful the star ruckman remains at IKON Park, but have opened the possibilities of a future without De Koning.

But as the club sits precariously outside the top eight with a list deemed premiership ready, could there be major moves on the agenda come the 2025 trade and draft periods?

Carlton is currently without a first-round pick after swapping selections to snare Jagga Smith last year, with their first pick coming at 35.

Here are five trade and free agency targets for Carlton to consider this year...

4Nick Bryan 

AFL Rd 7 - Essendon v Carlton
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 02: Nick Bryan of the Bombers and Marc Pittonet of the Blues compete in the ruck during the round seven AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Carlton Blues at Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 02, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

A similar situation to O'Brien, but Bombers youngster Nick Bryan could be on the agenda for rivals.

In 2025, Bryan finally got a consistent opportunity after years of impressive form in the VFL, overtaking veteran Todd Goldstein and Peter Wright to pair with Draper.

His three outings to begin the year showed glimpses of his immense talent and skillset, which would be beneficial to any suitor looking for an emerging ruckman.

However, an ACL injury ruined his season, and he is now preparing for the 2026 season.

The 23-year-old has quickly become a highly sought-after prospect, given his potential and age that would benefit a club looking for its next big man.

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