It’s NBA trade season!
The February 10 trade deadline (AEDT) is right around the corner, and the rumour mill continues to heat up, with several stars potentially on the move and teams otherwise exploring key changes.
It’s been something of a unique season with an extreme seller’s market – the opposite to what was expected with the lure of prodigal likely No. 1 draft pick Victor Wembanyama among several other star prospects – as a number of sides still mull over which direction they take moving forward.
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ATLANTA HAWKS
The big watch here is on John Collins as the 25-26 Hawks contemplate shaking things up amid an indifferent season. The big man, who’s in the second year of a $125 million deal, has in many ways exemplified the team’s struggles, averaging his fewest points since his rookie season. Several teams have been linked to Collins in recent months including Houston, New Orleans, Washington, Phoenix, Brooklyn, Utah, Cleveland, Dallas, the Clippers and Miami, but the forward’s massive salary – that will increase to $31 million by 2025/26 – is seen as an obstacle in any deal. The Athletic reported the Hawks have significantly decreased their original asking price for Collins that was thought to be similar to the packages Utah received for Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. Should the Hawks look to make smaller deals, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Justin Holiday and Aaron Holiday would all be candidates to get moved, having also been among the teams linked to Washington’s Kyle Kuzma.
BOSTON CELTICS
The championship-favourite Boston has the best record in the NBA and no glaring holes on its roster, so you wouldn’t think the Celtics would be overly active on the trade front. The Athletic did however report Boston is among teams with “significant” interest in Spurs centre Jakob Poeltl, who’s set to become an unrestricted free agent to add risk to paying up in a deal. Of course, the C’s already have Rob Williams, so they’re not exactly desperate to add a quality big, it’d more be to add depth. But as the team’s acquisitions of Derrick White and Malcolm Brogdon over the last year have shown, its front office is still prepared to make moves to improve. Out-of-favour guard Payton Pritchard has also been linked to rival teams.
Heat land late win over Celtics in Miami | 01:21
BROOKLYN NETS
As impressive as Nic Claxton’s breakout season has been – particularly since Kevin Durant was struck down with injury – the Nets still lack size in the froncourt. Atlanta’s John Collins and Milwaukee’s Serge Ibaka are players that have been linked to Brooklyn, while the likes of San Antonio’s Jakob Poeltl and Phoenix’sDeAndre Ayton would also make sense as targets. The Nets do own two first-round picks in this year’s draft – their own and the Sixers’ (protected top eight) from the James Harden trade – and young guns Cam Thomas, Day’Ron Sharpe and Kessler Edwards as other potential trade bait. Meanwhile. The Ringer’s Kevin O’Conor revealed Brooklyn is “actively looking for upgrades”, and noted Joe Harris, Seth Curry and Patty Mills could all be traded. While you sense the Nets are more likely to stand still and try and make a run with the current roster at full strength, they could be one move away from going to another level. NBA insider Chris Haynes has also reported Kyrie Irving hopes to sign a long-term extension with the Nets this off-season, when he’s set to become a free agent.
CHARLOTTE HORNETS
Is it proper blow it up time for the 15-36 Hornets? A fringe play-in side over the least two seasons before bottoming out badly, Charlotte has several pieces like Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, PJ Washington, Kelly Oubre Jr, Mason Plumlee andJalen McDaniels who’ve basically all been linked to other teams and net them draft capital. Heck, anyone but LaMelo Ball should be available for the right price, and the Hornets are reportedly very much open for business. Bolstering their draft hand through trade and ramping up their tanking efforts – including exposing the young big duo Mark Williams and Nick Richards to bigger roles – should be the priority for team owner Michael Jordan.
Rozier hits a couple of buzzer beaters | 00:36
CHICAGO BULLS
Speaking of blow it up, the Bulls would be taking plenty of calls as one the big watches to off-load their stars. They went all-in on the Zach LaVine-DeMar DeRozan-Nikola Vucevic trio, and after getting knocked out in the first round of the playoffs last season, have dropped right off as now just a contender to feature in the post-season altogether. And so it’d come as no great shock if one of the big three was traded, although the Bulls could also go the other way and package up the likes of Coby White, Alex Caruso and Patrick Williams with their first rounder tied to Portland (top 14 protected) for a roster upgrade – potentially at point guard – to make another run. NBA insider Marc Stein revealed Andre Drummond is also a candidate to get moved. The Bulls aren’t that far off as constructed and could easily reassess their roster in the off-season before making moves, however Vucevic will then be eligible for free agency. The front office has a big decision to make about which direction this franchise goes.
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Cleveland made its big splash move last off-season by surrendering a package that included three first-round picks and two pick swaps for Donovan Mitchell. It’s left the Cavs limited now by the way of draft assets they can use for other deals, although Cleveland.com been linked them to Detroit’s Bojan Bogdanovic and Dallas’ Tim Hardaway Jr. as potential wing upgrades and to bolster their outside shooting, while Utah’s Malik Beasley is also on its radar, according to Heavy.com. Caris LeVert’s name has come up as a target for rivals, while Isaac Okoro and Cedi Osman are other options they could dangle on the trade table.
DALLAS MAVERICKS
Luka Doncic needs help in Dallas, that much is clear. ESPN reported the Slovenian star is ‘strongly’ pushing for the team to make an upgrade by the deadline too, while the Mavs are one of many suitors linked to Detroit’s Bojan Bogdanovic, Atlanta’s John Collins and Toronto’s Fred VanVleet. Dallas’ hands are however tied to some degree with regards to what it can offer on the trade table, with its first-round pick this year tied to New York from the Kristaps Porzingis trade in 2018. Because the pick is top 1o protected through until 2025, the Mavs can only deal their first rounders from 2026-2030 due to the Stepien Rule where teams can’t trade out of the first round for consecutive future seasons. The pick is likely to convey this off-season, where Dallas could then trade its 2024 first rounder – as it’s no longer a future selection. Despite flourishing as a starter in recent times, Christian Wood is yet to sign an extension with the team as a candidate to be moved, while the likes of Maxi Kleber, Dorian Finney-Smith, Tim Hardaway Jr., Dwight Powell, and Reggie Bullock are also on trade-friendly contracts. The Athletic also reported Detroit’s Nerlens Noel is on the Mavs’ radar.
DENVER NUGGETS
You sense the team in the Mile High City would be pretty happy with its roster as constructed as it gears up for a title run with a healthy Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. and after adding Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Bruce Brown in a great first off-season for new general manager Calvin Booth. The Nuggets could still use some extra frontcourt depth, with Detroit’s Nerlens Noel and Minnesota’s Naz Reid, who’s an unrestricted free agent this off-season, two bigs they’ve been linked to. Hoops Hype’s report on Denver’s interest in Reid suggested Minnesota could ask for Bones Hyland – interest confirmed by The Athletic.Hyland was drafted by Tim Connelly prior to his move to the Timberwolves last year to take over as their president of basketball operations. The Denver Post reported the Nuggets are in active trade talks around Hyland and believe they could receive a first-round pick in return, while Denver is also pursuing moves for two-way players.
DETROIT PISTONS
There’s probably not a player in the league who’s been more linked to trades, and in some ways, more coveted, than Bojan Bodavoncic, given what he provides at a relatively modest price compared to the big-name superstars. It comes amid a career-best season from the Croatian as playoff contenders including Dallas, Cleveland, Phoenix and the Lakers circle, with Hoops Hype reporting Detroit is asking for a lightly protected first-round pick and good young player. It makes sense for the rebuilding Pistons to trade him while his value is so high, however the Athletic reported they’re ‘reluctant’ to deal Bogdanovic, who only joined the team in a trade with Utah last off-season, as a player they want to build around moving forward with an eye on improving. Detroit could clearly change its mind by the deadline though, especially if the rival offers ramp up. Saddiq Bey, Alec Burks, Nerlens Noel and Hamidou Diallo are other options to be moved.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
The Warriors couldn’t be more in win-now mode, with the highest payroll in the NBA at $202.1 million, per Spotrac, some $78 million over the salary cap. ESPN’s Bobby Marks reported once Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole’s extensions kick in next season, and assuming Draymond Green opts into his player option, the team’s projected salary and luxury tax will reach $438 million (AUD $27.6M). And yet the reigning champions look a shadow of themselves last year despite curiously having essentially the same roster that won the title. Youngsters James Wiseman and Jonathan Kuminga have struggled in larger roles, and while they could be used as a trade bait, have lost a ton of value. For the best part of the last two years, the Warriors could say they had a roster both to contend now, and holding them in good stead for the future, but now they arguably have neither. The Warriors could still use a more seasoned big man and have been linked to San Antonio’s Jakob Poeltl, while Charlotte’s Mason Plumlee could be another target. Elsewhere, Heavy.com reported Klay Thompson is open to joining the Lakers when his current contract ends at the end of next season.
HOUSTON ROCKETS
Is this finally the year we get an Eric Gordon trade? The veteran guard has long been linked to trade rumours and looms as the perfect addition for a playoff contender looking to add experience. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Houston turned down the Bucks’ offer of four second-round picks for Gordon and is holding out for a first rounder. But with Gordon 34 years old and the Rockets clearly going in a different direction, they might well just need to take the best deal available now. The Suns also have interest in Gordon, who has a non-guaranteed deal for next season, as well as Kenyon Martin Jr. Meanwhile, ESPN reported James Harden has interest in returning to Houston next off-season should contract talks with Philadelphia break down, while the Athletic revealed the Rockets and Hawks have discussed a trade involving John Collins. Houston is projected to have around $40 million cap space next year including Gordon’s non-guaranteed salary.
INDIANA PACERS
One of many teams thought to be in the tanking race for Pick 1 and thus trade sellers going into the season, with the likes of Myles Turner,Buddy Hield and Chris Duarte candidates to get moved, Indiana has been one of the big surprise package playoff contenders. It’s now not a given the Pacers sell off their stars for draft capital as the franchise seemingly looks to stay competitive while still exposing its young talent to bigger roles. Turner was one of the most intriguing figures in the lead up to the deadline with so much interest in the block-shotting beast from the likes of the Lakers, Clippers and Knicks. But the 26-year old re-signed with Indiana on a two-year $60 million deal to seemingly thwart a potential trade despite still being eligible, while Indiana coach Rick Carlisle even said he was off now off limits. The Pacers also have $27.8 million in cap space, meaning they could take on unwanted salary from other teams and add more picks.
LA CLIPPERS
Behind the Warriors, the Clippers have the second-highest payroll in the NBA this season at $192 million. But this campaign hasn’t panned out the way LA, the pre-season favourite to come out of the West, would’ve hoped, in large part due to ongoing injury setbacks to Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, despite promising form of late. However the drop off after the superstar duo and the Clippers’ next best player is also stark. So it’d come as no surprise if they made a big move before the deadline to try and salvage the Leonard-George era, which has been a big let down so far, while both players can become free agents in 2024. An upgrade at point guard is the most obvious move, with The Ringer reporting Toronto’s Fred VanVleet and Miami’s Kyle Lowry are in their sights, while the Clippers have previously been linked to Utah’s Mike Conley. The Clippers also believed to be interested in frontcourt help amid links to Atlanta’s John Collins, San Antonio’s Jakob Poeltl and Minnesota’s Naz Reid to provide support for Ivica Zubac.
LA LAKERS
Rob Pelinka has already taken a swing, with the Lakers trading three second-round picks and Kendrick Nunn to Washington for Rui Hachimura to add some size and scoring punch. But are they done there – and will they go all-in? The evergreen LeBron James has been utterly dominant at age 38 in his 20th season, and even put some pressure on the organisation to make roster upgrades. Plus LA has stayed in striking distance of the playoffs even with Anthony Davis sidelined for well over a month as the team has started to find its stride. It’s still possible Russell Westbrook and his $47.1 million expiring deal gets traded, and along with their two future first round picks (2027 and 2029), are their most valuable assets, while Patrick Beverley could also be on the move. The likes of Washington’s Kyle Kuzma, Chicago’s Nikola Vucevic and DeMar DeRozan, Detroit’s Bojan Boganovic, New York’s Cam Reddish and Evan Fournier,Toronto’s Gary Trent Jr. and San Antonio’s Jakob Poeltl have been linked to the purple and gold, and dating back to last off-season, Indiana’s Myles Turner and Buddy Hield, Charlotte’s Terry Rozier and San Antonio’s Josh Richardson as well. It’s worth noting however that LA has said, given its relative lack of future assets, it would only part ways with its future firsts for a genuine difference maker star that’d take it to the next level and compete for a championship.
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
To acquire another star and really go for it, or back the current crop and see how far it can go? It’s the dilemma Memphis faces, and there’s a fair argument for both. On one hand, their championship window is wide open, and they’re one of few teams that own all their future picks. They could be that one move away, say landing Toronto’s OG Anunoby, from really elevating themselves as the best team in the West and really challenging for a title, having been knocked out of the second round of the playoffs against Golden State last year. Conversely, they’re pretty damn good as constructed, with the league’s No. 2 defensive rating and 12th-best offensive rating. And this is all despite star trio Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane playing sparingly together this season. They could also target a lesser name to bolster their bench such as Minnesota’s Malik Beasley and San Antonio duo Josh Richardson and Doug McDermott.
MIAMI HEAT
After standing still last off-season while other Eastern Conference teams made upgrades, it’s no great shock Miami has regressed. It still seems unlikely the Heat do anything drastic given it’d mean parting ways with Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler or Tyler Herro – none of which appear to be on the trade table. However the Heat are still pursuing moves. Kyle Lowry has come up in trade rumours including NBA insider Brian Windhorst speculating he could get moved to Minnesota for D’Angelo Russell. Elsewhere, Heavy.com reports Miami has been searching for upgrades and bolstering its frontcourt, trying to sell Duncan Robinson as a trade asset and linking Atlanta’s John Collins andUtah’s Kelly Olynyk and Malik Beasley as targets, while Hoops Hype revealed the Heat are “monitoring” Milwaukee’s Serge Ibaka. ESPN revealed Miami is also expected to be interested in Jazz big man Jarred Vanderbilt and Portland’s Josh Hart and Detroit’s Nerlens Noel is another reported target.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Among the teams most linked to trade rumours, Houston’s Eric Gordon and Phoenix’s Jae Crowder are the two names that continuously get linked to the Bucks as they search for help for the team’s title push. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Milwaukee offered the Rockets four second-round picks for Gordon, while the Athletic revealed it offered Jordan Nwora, Serge Ibaka, George Hill and a second rounder for Crowder. There’s a greater urgency for the Bucks to make an upgrade given Khris Middleton, who can become a free agent next off-season, has been cruelled by injuries. An Ibaka trade seems inevitable, with the Athletic reporting the two parties have mutually agreed for him to find a new home as he remains away from the team. Yahoo revealed the Bucks have been shopping Grayson Allen in various outgoing packages, with the Knicks believed to be a suitor including discussing a swap involving Cam Reddish.
Giannis drops 50 points in Bucks win | 01:14
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
The future of D’Angelo Russell remains uncertain, with the star guard in the final year of his four-year, $117 million, further fuelling rumours when he unfollowed the Timberwolves on social media. The Athletic reported Minnesota has been exploring trades for Russell while prioritising getting another point guard in return that fits the team better, with Utah’s Mike Conley a target and Miami’s Kyle Lowry also linked. Although new general manager Tim Connelly may be a little gun shy in general at the trade table ahead of his first deadline after the blockbuster trade for Rudy Gobert has come under so much fire . Otherwise, Naz Reid is drawing interest from rivals including the Nuggets, with Bones Hyland, who Connelly drafted, a reported target, and The Athletic reports Jaylen Nowell is leaning towards leaving the team in free agency next off-season.
NEW ORLEANS PELICANS
Having emerged as a genuine contender to come out of the West (at least, when at full strength), could the Pelicans look to further bolster their squad and make another big deadline splash like when they acquired CJ McCollum last year? Yahoo reports New Orleans has inquired about Hawks big John Collins, although there’s yet to be any significant traction in such talks. If not, the report states the Pelicans could make a play for Toronto’s OG Anunoby. We’ve seen how good this team is when healthy with arguably the deepest rotation in the NBA, so there’s a fair chance it’ll just see how far it can go with all its stars available at the same time. After all, their big three Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and McCollum haven’t played that much together yet. Bleacher Report also reported Jaxson Hayes and Devonte’ Graham are available.
Dyson Daniels suffers nasty ankle injury | 00:31
NEW YORK KNICKS
Missing out on Donovan Mitchell would be a tough watch for the Knicks despite their free agency acquisition of Jalen Brunson paying massive dividends and helping drive their playoff run. If New York has learned a lesson from either move, it’s don’t be afraid to take a risk. The Knicks have several appealing trade assets like Immanuel Quickley and Cam Reddish, who’re both drawing interest across the league, while they’ve also been linked to Washington’s Kyle Kuzma, Houston’s Eric Gordon, Detroit’s Saddiq Bey, Phoenix’s Jae Crowder and Milwaukee’s Grayson Allen. Evan Fournier, who’s owed $36.8 million until next season and has a team option for 2024/25, could also have some appeal given next year’s deal is effectively an expiring contract. A dreamier scenario for New York could be landing Toronto’s OG Anunoby – even if it came at a major cost – to give it a genuine two-way star. SNY reported the Knicks offered multiple first rounders for Anunoby, but it’s not clear if the Raptors would genuinely be prepared to trade him. New York has also been linked to Indiana’s Myles Turner, but the big man’s reported extension now seemingly makes a move unlikely.
Irving leads the way in win over Knicks | 01:22
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
An unexpected rise to playoff contention arguably ahead of their time would have Thunder general manager Sam Presti contemplating possibilities ahead of the deadline. The rebuilding team has long preached patience as it sits on a mountain of draft picks and young talent, but behind breakout superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a second-year leap from Jos Giddey, it’s surely time for OKC to at least entertain moves and make some calls. Toronto journalist Bruce Arthur revealed a mystery Western Conference team offered the Raptors three first-round picks for OG Anunoby – and it’s possible that the unknown side is the Thunder given its plethora of draft capital. OKC also has two traded player exceptions – worth $10.2 million and $4.2 million respectively – it could use to absorb unwanted contracts or make upgrades otherwise. You sense that, if anything, OKC might be light buyers, with Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale suggesting it should target Houston’s Garrison Matthews and Charlotte’s PJ Washington.
ORLANDO MAGIC
NBA insider Marc Stein revealed the Magic are listening to offers for several players including Mo Bamba, Gary Harris, Terrence Ross and R.J. Hampton –none of which are guaranteed to be on the team next season. The Magic are crowded both in the frontcourt and back-court, so it may be wise for them to explore moves for draft capital or to make upgrades. Meanwhile, The Athletic reported Orlando is expected to target Toronto’s Fred VanVleet in free agency next off-season as the team seemingly begins to explore win-now moves to climb the East standings amid a promising 20-31 season spearheaded by young guns Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. It’s also worth noting Nikola Vucevic, who was traded from to Chicago two years ago and is eligible to become a free agent next off-season, recently said he’d love to finish his career in Orlando.
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
While the Sixers are as well placed as any team to win this year’s championship as constructed, don’t ever count out general manager Darryl Morey, who made a whopping 77 trades during his 13-year run at the Houston Rockets. Morey even recently said he expects Philadelphia to make a move before the deadline, but conceded this year’s market is thin. The Sixers could use a more seasoned backup centre, and if Chicago big man and former Sixer Andre Drummond is indeed available, he could be the ideal fit to support Joel Embiid, while others available include Detroit’s Nerlens Noel and Minnesota’s Naz Reid. Furkan Korkmaz and Tobias Harris’ names are also often linked to trade talks as trade chips, while ESPN’s Bobby Marks believes Matisse Thybulle, who didn’t reach an extension with Philly and is set to become a restricted free agent next off-season, could get dangled. NBA insider Marc Stein confirmed Sacramento was monitoring Thybulle’s availability. Working against the Sixers in any deal is that they don’t have a first rounder to trade until 2029.
Ben fouls Embiid, cops boos in Philly | 00:26
PHOENIX SUNS
New team owner Mat Ishbia is set to take over the Suns ahead of the trade deadline, and with new ownership generally comes a desire to be aggressive and instantly competitive. Well, currently sitting seventh in the West at 27-25 and recovering from a disastrous mid-season slump after a Finals appearance and first-seed finish respectively, it’d be fair to say Phoenix isn’t where it wants to be and thus is reportedly actively exploring moves. The first order of business is finding a new home for Jae Crowder – a $10 million black hole in their salary cap after both the forward and the team agreed he’d sit out this season while it reaches a suitable trade, with a whole host of rivals including Portland, Milwaukee and New York interested. Phoenix was also among suitors for Rui Hachimura prior to his move to the Lakers including a three-team trade with Washington and Milwaukee involving Crowder falling apart, per Yahoo, and the Suns have also been linked to Toronto’s OG Anunoby, Washington’s Kyle Kuzma and Charlotte’s Jalen McDaniels. In terms of the bigger picture, Phoenix is believed to be assessing its future without Chris Paul and potential replacements, according to NBA insider Marc Stein, naming Charlotte’s Terry Rozier, New York’s Immanuel Quickley and Toronto’s Fred VanVleet as targets. Meanwhile, Bleacher Report revealed the Suns “aren’t married” to DeAndre Ayton despite re-signing him to a long-term extension last off-season, but any significant decision on his future could be held off. Keep an eye on the Suns as one of the teams that could really shake things up.
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
A reasonably aggressive off-season that saw Portland land Jerami Grant, Josh Hart and Gary Payton II hasn’t taken it to the next level, still among the middle pack of a crowded Western Conference. It’s seemingly more likely the Blazers are sellers at the trade deadline, with Hart the most likely to be moved as he generates interest from “a lot of teams,” reports Yahoo, while Jusuf Nurkic could also be dealt. Yahoo also revealed Grant is yet to accept a four-year, $112 million extension from the Blazers and would be eligible for a five-year, $233 million deal during free agency next off-season. Grant has leverage amid a brilliant season, while Portland doesn’t have the flexibility to replace him should he depart. No matter what happens, don’t count on the Blazers completely blowing it up, with NBA insider Chris Haynes revealing they’re committed to building a contending team around Damian Lillard.
SACRAMENTO KINGS
The Kings were involved in one of the biggest trades last year – and most polarising – that saw them part ways with Tyrese Haliburton for Domantas Sabonis – a deal that was met with massive blowback on Sacramento’s end. But they’re now third in the West, are set to end an NBA record 17-year playoff drought and could be one move away from genuinely contending. They’ve been linked to Washington’s Kyle Kuzma and Philadelphia’s Matisse Thybulle, while a player like Toronto’s OG Anunoby could be the ideal addition to bolster their 22nd ranked defence. Yahoo reports the Kings could also make Richaun Holmes available. A pair of second-rounders and matching salary would be sufficient for the Kings, according to Hoops Wire. Sacramento coach Mike Brown has been looking to fill the role at backup centre behind Sabonis, and with Holmes out of favour, the team could spread its search to the trade market, having previously been linked to Detroit’s Nerlens Noel.
SAN ANTONIO SPURS
It’s all about acquiring long-term assets right now for the Spurs – and upping their tanking bid – and so they’ll be among the most active sellers at the deadline with rivals circling their veterans. Jakob Poeltl and Josh Richardson are both on expiring deals and the most likely candidates to get moved, with San Antonio believed to be seeking two first-round picks for the former. According to The Athletic, Boston and Toronto are keen on the highly coveted big man, who’s probably the Spurs’ most valuable trade chip. Elsewhere, Hoops Hype’s Michael Scotto revealed Doug McDermott could be traded for one or two second-round picks.
TORONTO RAPTORS
Watch this space. In fact, there’s perhaps no team more on watch than the Raptors and what they do at the deadline. A team considered a dark horse to come out of the East behind star quartet Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby and Scottie Barnes, they’re barely in the play-in mix and a ways off contending despite having a roster built to win now and a payroll set to skyrocket. The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor revealed it’s doubtful Siakam or Anunoby are dealt unless the return is “enormous,” however the Athletic has since reported Toronto is now taking calls on Anunoby. According to ESPN, the Raptors believe they could receive three first rounders for Anunoby – a package already reportedly tabled to Toronto by a mystery Western Conference team. VanVleet could also be on the move, especially considering the star point guard can become a free agent this off-season and has several rivals including the Clippers, Suns and Magic circling him. Separate reports however have stated Gary Trent Jr. is the only player the team would seriously consider trading. It’s possible the Raptors instead retool, while the Athletic revealed they’re still undecided on being sellers or buyers. In terms of potential targets, they’ve been linked to the likes of Phoenix’s DeAndre Ayton, Indiana’s Myles Turner, San Antonio’s Jakob Poeltl, Charlotte’s JalenMcDaniels. Over to you, Masai Ujiri.
UTAH JAZZ
Another one of the big surprise packages that suddenly find themselves in the playoff mix, the Jazz are very much open for business – but reportedly ultimately keen to continue down the rebuilding path after trading Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert last off-season. If Utah does decide to genuinely explore trades, only Lauri Markknanen and Walker Kessler are considered off limits, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. That still leaves the likes of Mike Conley, Jared Vanderbilt, Jordan Clarkson, Malik Beasley as trade chips – all of whom have generated ample interest from rivals – however Yahoo reported Clarkson also isn’t considered a trade option. It’s still possible Utah stands still given the positive culture it’s built under new coach Will Hardy, or even becomes buyers, having been linked to John Collins – and according to the Athletic, the favourite to land the Hawks big man if he’s traded – as well as Dallas’ Dorian Finney-Smith.
WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Kyle Kuzma is one of the most coveted players at the trade deadline, and it’d seemingly be in the Wizards’ best interests to deal him. The forward, who’s value is sky high amid a career-best season, has a player option for next campaign, meaning he can opt out and become a free agent, where Washington risks losing him for nothing. Bleacher Report revealed Kuzma is very much keen to do that and join a bigger market team, with the Lakers, Suns, Knicks, Kings and Hawks all reportedly interested. And with the 23-26 Washington in no man’s land, it could net valuable assets in return to help it retool. However, according to Yahoo Sports, the team has no plans to trade Kuzma. The Wizards have also been linked to Atlanta’s John Collins, while Will Barton is a candidate to get traded out. And although there’s been no concrete reporting, the Wizards are a team that have been touted as a potential landing spot for Minnesota’s D’Angelo Russell, which makes sense given their need for a more established point guard. Of course, Washington has already moved on former Pick 9 Rui Hachimura to the Lakers in exchange for Kendrick Nunn and three second-round picks.
