The NBA trade deadline is still months away (Feb. 4), but it’s never too early to explore some potential deals that could happen before the 2025-26 season comes to an end. More than a month into the season, we have an idea of each team’s situation and ceiling.
Some teams have glaring needs and will be very active on the trade market. Other franchises are sellers and could look to cash in veterans for picks and prospects. Even the strongest squads could emerge as buyers and try to make a win-now move prior to the deadline. PFSN’s Alex Kennedy, Noah Rubin, Kyle Soppe, Priyanshu Choudhary, and I teamed up to predict one trade for each NBA team.
Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks receive: LaMelo Ball
Charlotte Hornets receive: Trae Young
It’s admittedly rare to see a trade where two NBA stars swap teams straight up, but this trade idea was first proposed by Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, and it makes quite a bit of sense.
Instead of paying Trae Young, the Hawks can acquire a younger star point guard who better aligns with the timeline of Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher, Onyeka Okongwu, and Co. LaMelo Ball is just 24 years old — three years younger than Young.
For the Hornets, they currently boast the NBA’s longest active playoff drought, so bringing in Young could be appealing. Not only could he help get Charlotte over the hump, but Young could serve as a veteran leader for the Hornets’ young core. While Ball recently shot down rumors that he wants to be traded, Charlotte is still reportedly listening to offers, so perhaps this could be a win-win blockbuster.
It’s also worth noting that NBA insider Marc Stein recently indicated that executives are lumping Young and Ball together as stars who could be dealt prior to the deadline.
Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics receive: Trey Murphy III, Kevon Looney, Micah Peavy
New Orleans Pelicans receive: Anfernee Simons, Sam Hauser, 2027 first-round pick
Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury ended the Boston Celtics’ playoff run last season and impacted their plans for the 2025-26 campaign. Boston could make a bold move that would indicate the team’s intention to remain competitive this season while also helping them once Tatum returns from injury.
Trey Murphy III enjoyed a breakout year last season. Unfortunately, he’s stuck on the New Orleans Pelicans, who appear to be going nowhere fast. The Pelicans have been unable to maximize their talent, while the Celtics are a championship organization, and adding Murphy to the fold could take his game to new heights.
Boston just acquired Anfernee Simons this past offseason, and Sam Hauser is a valuable role player, but the idea of a Jaylen Brown-Tatum-Murphy trio is enticing. Kevon Looney adds more championship experience to a frontcourt that lacks depth.
Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn Nets receive: Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt, Maxi Kleber, 2026 first-round pick, 2031 first-round pick
Los Angeles Lakers receive: Nic Claxton
The Brooklyn Nets are surely heading for another lottery pick in next year’s draft. This is an organization without much clear direction. Nic Claxton is having one of the best seasons of his career, averaging a career-high 14.1 points. But this could be an opportunity for Brooklyn’s front office to move him while his value is high.
The Los Angeles Lakers could look to bolster their frontcourt as a team with championship aspirations. The Nets get to take a swing on Dalton Knecht and add more draft capital. Jarred Vanderbilt is a high-level defender, and Maxi Kleber is a solid veteran. Brooklyn needs to add as many young talents and draft picks as possible.
Plus, this gives them a chance to get a larger look at Day’Ron Sharpe, Noah Clowney, and Danny Wolf while simultaneously improving their chances of getting a top pick next summer.
Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte Hornets receive: John Collins, Derrick Jones, Jr., Kobe Brown, 2031 first-round pick
Los Angeles Clippers receive: LaMelo Ball
The Clippers feel like a natural suitor for Ball. After a 50-win, second-round playoff push last spring, their aging, injury-riddled roster has stumbled out of the gate. This has left James Harden exposed without enough help and cast doubt on the team’s title-or-bust timeline.
Adding Ball would instantly inject youth, pace, and creativity into a group that needs an offensive jolt and another primary engine. His ability to run, stretch the floor, and set the table would ease the burden on Harden and Kawhi Leonard while giving Ty Lue a different kind of star to mold.
Also, it’s worth noting that both LaVar Ball and Lonzo Ball have publicly predicted that LaMelo will land with the Clippers, adding fuel to the fire that a move could happen.
This move would give the Hornets flexibility and upside while Los Angeles pivots into a new era. Ball is a big swing that comes with risk, but it’s also the rare chance to acquire a 24-year-old lead guard with real star potential before the post-Kawhi, post-Harden cliff arrives.
Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski
Golden State Warriors receive: Coby White, Jalen Smith, 2028 second-round pick
It seems like only a matter of time before the Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga go their separate ways. A trade seemed like a real possibility in the offseason, but a deal never came to fruition. However, Kuminga is off to a slow start this season, averaging 13.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in under 28 minutes a game.
Kuminga has yet to live up to the hype, but a change of scenery could do wonders. The Chicago Bulls are a young, up-and-coming team with a wealth of young talent. The Bulls pursued Kuminga over the offseason, and adding him to a nucleus of Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis is intriguing. Parting ways with Coby White won’t be easy, but Chicago has Tre Jones and Ayo Dosunmu, a duo that could help fill the void, along with Giddey.
Podziemski brings additional playmaking to the Bulls’ roster, while Jalen Smith beefs up a Warriors frontcourt that lacks depth and is getting older.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers receive: Tari Eason, 2028 first-round pick swap
Houston Rockets receive: Dean Wade, 2028 first-round pick swap, 2030 first-round pick
The Cleveland Cavaliers are undoubtedly one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. Kenny Atkinson’s squad has the makeup of a team that can make it to the NBA Finals, led by a core of Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and Jarrett Allen. It would be difficult to justify breaking up this four during the season, outside of potentially moving Allen for the right price.
Building on this strong foundation, Cleveland could make a less flashy splash by adding Tari Eason to its frontcourt. Eason, who will be a restricted free agent after this season, is in a weird spot with the Houston Rockets, who decided not to extend him. The LSU product is a floor spacer who also adds value on the defensive end. Wade gives Houston depth in return on an expiring contract, and the Rockets also get a future first.
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks receive: Grayson Allen
Phoenix Suns receive: Caleb Martin, Jaden Hardy, 2030 second-round pick (via PHI), 2032 second-round pick
To the surprise of no one, the Mavs can’t shoot the ball straight. Klay Thompson has his moments, Max Christie is off to a blistering start, and Cooper Flagg will likely develop as a threat, but with a huge lineup and early shooting regression from PJ Washington, why not add a lifetime 41.6% shooter from deep?
This is a win-soon situation. Flagg is going to grow at an exponential rate, and they are going to be on borrowed time soon with Anthony Davis (32 years old) and Kyrie Irving (33 years old and coming off of an ACL tear). Allen is a reliable backcourt presence that could take some of the ball-handling pressure off of Flagg and give Brandon Williams the type of breathing room he needs to further develop.
This team isn’t ready to compete this season, but Allen has one year and a player option left on his deal: I suspect Dallas views that as their window to turn this thing around in a massive way, and a skill set like this is going to be vital in their attempt to turn that dream into reality.
Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets receive: T.J. McConnell
Indiana Pacers receive: Zeke Nnaji, Jalen Pickett, 2028 second-round pick
The Denver Nuggets are one of the top three teams in the Western Conference, and they are arguably the biggest threat to a Thunder repeat. Denver has solid depth on the wing, despite Christian Braun’s injury, thanks to the offseason additions of Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. However, after moving on from Russell Westbrook, the backup point guard spot behind Jamal Murray is still a question mark.
This could be a prime opportunity for the Nuggets to make a run at T.J. McConnell, depending on Indiana’s willingness to move him. It’s a down year for the Pacers, who are without Tyrese Haliburton and appear headed for a high lottery pick, which may impact their willingness to engage in trades.
While McConnell was essential to Indiana’s Finals run and could be hard to acquire, his veteran playmaking and defense make him an ideal fit for Denver’s second unit.
Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons receive: Lauri Markkanen
Utah Jazz receive: Tobias Harris, Duncan Robinson, 2026 unprotected first-round pick, 2027 pick swap, 2028 unprotected first-round pick
Detroit has a chance to make some noise in the playoffs this season. Taking a swing on Lauri Markkanen, even if it requires them to dip into their draft capital, is a move that will push them to the next level. Markkanen is back to playing like an All-Star, and he’ll make things easier on offense for Cade Cunningham.
If they make this trade and the aforementioned deal for DiVincenzo, their starting lineup could be Cunningham, DiVincenzo, Ausar Thompson, Markkanen, and Jalen Duren, which will make the Pistons lethal on both ends of the floor.
In previous seasons, the Jazz waited too long to move Markkanen. He had a rough 2024-25 season, which brought his trade value down. He has bounced back to start this season, but this team isn’t ready to push for the playoffs. Tobias Harris and Duncan Robinson are solid veterans, but the draft picks are really what the Jazz are after.
Moving Markkanen now opens up developmental minutes for Taylor Hendricks, Kyle Filipowski, and Ace Bailey, which will pay off in the future.
Golden State Warriors
Golden State Warriors receive: Michael Porter Jr.
Brooklyn Nets receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, future draft capital
After trying for five seasons, the Golden State Warriors may finally bite the bullet in this deal that ships out both Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga. The latter, in particular, was a major source of dissent within the fan base after a tense restricted free agency.
Unfortunately, friction has flared up once again after a slow start for the team to the 2025-26 NBA season. Feeling “scapegoated” for their troubles, the chances of a Kuminga trade seem to be increasing by the minute.
Shipping him, Moody, and Hield would compromise some depth for Golden State, and swapping them for Michael Porter Jr. could be a major shot to the team defensively. But the offensive upside in a lineup featuring Stephen Curry and Porter might be hard to ignore.
The former NBA champion already knows how to be part of a winning system, and as one of the lead options in Brooklyn, he’s had a sensational start to the year, averaging a career-high in points (24.8), rebounds (7.6), and assists (3.2), while shooting a blistering 48.7% from the field and 38% from 3-point range on 8.6 long-range attempts each night.
Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets receive: Jose Alvarado and a future first-round pick (protected 1-10)
New Orleans Pelicans receive: Tari Eason
An interdivision trade!
The Rockets are clearly in a place to win now. Jose Alvarado isn’t exactly a Fred VanVleet replacement, but he fits the culture of this franchise and doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be impactful.
Despite the strong start results-wise, Houston is a below-average team in drives per game and assist-to-turnover ratio. Kevin Durant is a generational scorer and they traded for him to weaponize that: adding a true point guard type can help maximize the possession count and thus make the most of what KD does best.
Grand Theft Alvarado has a near 3.0 career assist-to-turnover ratio and has turned into a decent enough shooter to be counted on in certain spots when Durant attracts a double team or Amen Thompson is threatening the rim.
The Rockets currently have the third-shortest odds to win the title this year and while I don’t think there’s a move on the board to put them ahead of the other two powerhouses in the West, a pest at the point guard position is interesting with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jamal Murray standing in the way of their ultimate goal.
Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers receive: Goga Bitadze
Orlando Magic receive: Ben Sheppard, Jay Huff
This move for Indiana isn’t about this season; it’s about figuring out the center position for next year, when Tyrese Haliburton is back.
Goga Bitadze was drafted by the Pacers in 2019 and will return to them, this time as a starter. He had an effective run as a starter for the Magic last season, but he has been stuck behind Wendell Carter Jr. this year (and his minutes will only decrease more once Moe Wagner is healthy and back in the lineup).
Bitadze has the upside to be a really effective center option for Indiana on both ends of the floor next season.
Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers receive: Zach LaVine
Sacramento Kings receive: John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Kris Dunn
A trade within the division might seem unlikely, and this one doubly so, with the focus of the Clippers on DeMar DeRozan, per the NBA rumor mill. However, LaVine might make more sense structurally, particularly for an average shooting team from distance, both in terms of volume and efficiency.
LaVine is a career 39.0% shooter from 3-point range on six attempts per game. That could serve as a major boost to a Clippers offense that has failed to consistently generate buckets outside of James Harden, particularly with Kawhi Leonard sidelined already.
For the Kings, they get three tradeable contracts, move out from LaVine’s contract, and start the teardown that feels inevitable at this point.
Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers receive: Keon Ellis, 2030 pick swap
Sacramento Kings receive: Dalton Knecht, 2030 pick swap
Behind Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, the Lakers look like true Western Conference contenders. JJ Redick’s squad holds a top-10 offensive rating but is average defensively.
Dončić and Reaves are as dangerous a backcourt duo as it gets offensively, but they aren’t exactly elite defensively. With the Sacramento Kings struggling, the Lakers should inquire about Keon Ellis, who has been underutilized this season (17.4 minutes per game). Ellis is one of the more underrated perimeter defenders in the league, and he’s also a strong 3-point shooter, knocking down more than 42% of his attempts on the year.
Los Angeles has previously explored trading Dalton Knecht, so it would not be unexpected if they decide to move him. Given his limited role, a new opportunity on a team seeking its identity and entering a rebuild phase may be beneficial.
Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis Grizzlies receive: Jaden Ivey and Ron Holland II
Detroit Pistons receive: Jaren Jackson Jr.
Things need to change in Memphis and if the face-of-the-franchise pull of Ja Morant is too strong, we go to the frontcourt for the other big-dollar player.
Jaren Jackson Jr.’s rebound rate is lower this season than when he debuted as a 19-year-old and the “Block Panther” (shoutout to Basketball Reference for making me aware of that nickname) is swatting shots at the lowest rate of his career. I’m not going to say he’s not a “winning player,” but he’s probably not leading a turnaround in Memphis, especially with several younger players who would see increased opportunity should he be shipped away.
For me, buying low-ish on Jaden Ivey is the goal of this trade with Ron Holland, the fifth overall pick in 2024, being simply another bite at the youth apple.
Ivey was an explosive athlete prior to the injury and already has experience playing next to a lead guard with shooting inconsistencies. As a result, he’s prioritized that in his development and shot 40.9% from distance last year, flipping a perceived weakness into a potential strength (40.9% is very much a strength, but we need more than a 30-game sample to say with confidence that he is now a knock-down shooter).
The Grizz led the NBA in pace last season and are still a top-12 team in that regard despite their point guard missing more than one-third of their games thus far. Memphis needs change. This is an aggressive bet on youth, and that’s one way of doing it. The Grizzlies may demand a pick back for Jackson, but his trade value has taken a hit due to his recent struggles. The roster as it stands today doesn’t seem poised to grow at a high level or fail at a tanking level, and the middle ground is the last place NBA teams want to be.
Miami Heat
Miami Heat receives: Anthony Black
Orlando Magic receive: Simone Fontecchio, 2029 first-round pick (protected 1-4)
Anthony Black is currently stuck behind Jalen Suggs and Desmond Bane in the backcourt, and a fresh start would give him an opportunity to cash in on the potential that made the Magic take him with the No. 6 pick in 2023. Black would fit in well with the Heat and help continue their tradition of being elite on defense. He’d also have a better chance to earn a starting spot over Davion Mitchell than he does over Suggs.
The Magic won’t get an upside piece back, but Simone Fontecchio would be a strong addition. He has seen his minutes dwindle in Miami recently, but he started the year off hot. Orlando has been one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the league for the last few seasons; adding a floor spacer of Fontecchio’s caliber will open up more driving lanes for Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero. (Although Black has shown some really nice flashes lately, so it’s possible Orlando would be hesitant to part with him).
Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee Bucks receive: Collin Sexton, Liam McNeeley
Charlotte Hornets receive: Kyle Kuzma, Andre Jackson
The Milwaukee Bucks are in a weird position, as Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future still hangs in the balance. The front office moved on from Damian Lillard in the offseason to make room for Myles Turner, leaving a glaring hole at the point guard position. Kevin Porter Jr. has played just one game this season due to injury. Ryan Rollins has played really well so far, but Milwaukee lacks quality depth.
We know what Collin Sexton is at this point. He’s a dynamic scorer who doesn’t offer much on the defensive end but has flashed some playmaking. Sexton has been impactful in his first season with the Hornets, but once LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller are fully healthy, he may see a decreased role. Liam McNeeley is a skilled shooter who has had a limited role as a rookie. Both players could benefit from playing with Antetokounmpo.
Kyle Kuzma’s contract is a big one to move, and he hasn’t been nearly as impactful as the Bucks hoped, but if they can return some value for him, it would be a win for a Milwaukee team looking to remain competitive in the East.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota Timberwolves receive: Jaden Ivey
Detroit Pistons receive: Donte DiVincenzo, 2027 second-round pick (via CLE), 2029 second-round pick
While the Pistons don’t need to move Ivey, perhaps they consider it if the right offer comes along. Donte DiVincenzo could fill in as an immediate starter, as he’s more dynamic than Duncan Robinson is, and Detroit adds some draft capital back as well. Perhaps they could end up getting a first-round pick instead of the seconds, but DiVincenzo’s value may not be that far off from Ivey’s.
For Minnesota, the price isn’t terribly high to add a former top-five pick who hasn’t panned out yet but still holds plenty of upside. Ivey still has All-Star upside, and he would get the chance to be a primary ball handler for the Timberwolves, which is when he has been at his best in Detroit.
New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans Pelicans receive: Tari Eason
Houston Rockets receive: Jose Alvarado and a future first-round pick (protected 1-10)
Tari Eason (hip) is on the shelf for another month or so, but short-term success isn’t really important to the Pelicans. They get three years younger with this move and get another 3-and-D type to pair with Herb Jones as part of an interesting frontcourt.
The Zion Williamson problem persists, but with two players that fit that mold alongside a creative big in Derik Queen. The Pelicans already placed a big bet on Queen, so why not build around the 20-year-old who has shown some nice touch inside of the arc and comfort with the ball in his hands through the first month?
Jeremiah Fears and Jordan Poole are gunners who will benefit from additional spacing, not to mention more consistency on the defensive end while Trey Murphy III profiles as the focal point of this offense, and his creation stats have improved over the past year-plus.
This move doesn’t elevate the Pelicans into a playoff team or anything like that, but it does give them a little more direction and upside. That’s appealing with two more years on the Williamson contract and almost certainly no first-round pick this summer.
New York Knicks
New York Knicks receive: Haywood Highsmith, cash considerations
Brooklyn Nets receive: Tyler Kolek, Landry Shamet, Mohamed Diawara
The New York Knicks aren’t exactly in the best financial position. They have been linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo, and while he’s one of the best basketball players in the world, it may be difficult to justify breaking up the roster during the season. New York would have to give up a king’s ransom, seriously damaging its depth in the process.
The Knicks are a contender in the East and could still improve their roster without an overly disruptive move. With OG Anunoby sidelined due to a hamstring injury, New York is missing his impact defensively and offensively. Haywood Highsmith, though not widely known, is a proven 3-and-D contributor who could add valuable depth and meaningful minutes to a team aiming for a championship.
Highsmith is dealing with an injury of his own, but he proved to be a solid role player during his time with the Heat. Tyler Kolek and Mohamed Diawara have shown some flashes, but the Knicks are in win-now mode and shouldn’t be afraid to part ways.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder receive: Sam Hauser, 2028 first-round pick swap
Boston Celtics receive: Ousmane Dieng, 2027 first-round pick (OKC’s own), 2028 first-round pick swap (OKC’s own)
The Oklahoma City Thunder are the reigning NBA champions, and they are the favorites to win it all again this season. As such, they are a deep and talented team and don’t desperately need anything. However, there are a few shrewd moves that Sam Presti and the front office could make to complete the roster, including acquiring Sam Hauser from the Celtics.
With Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury, the Celtics aren’t legitimate contenders this season, and they’ve already shown a willingness to part with veterans, including Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Al Horford. In Hauser, Oklahoma City would add another floor spacer to complement its core of stars.
The Thunder have ample draft capital to offer, and Ousmane Dieng is unproven but has upside for another organization known for talent development.
Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic receive: Ben Sheppard, Jay Huff
Indiana Pacers receive: Goga Bitadze
Goga Bitadze has been a backup for the Orlando Magic, which is the same role Jay Huff would fill after this trade. Once Moe Wagner is back, Bitadze’s minutes will decrease even more. Bitadze has stepped up when his number is called and he had a career-year in 2024-25 while starting 42 games, so the Magic could try to shop him while his value is high.
Huff is a better floor spacer than Bitadze, which will help the Magic out on offense. Ben Sheppard would help in that regard as well. This isn’t a home run move for Orlando, but the addition of Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones hasn’t been enough to create better spacing. Adding two more options should create even more space, which will benefit all three of the Magic’s stars.
Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks receive: Paul George, Kelly Oubre, 2028 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick, 2031 first-round pick
Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the best basketball players in the world, but his future with the Milwaukee Bucks is still very much up in the air. As currently constructed, this team cannot realistically contend in the Eastern Conference, even in a year when the race is wide open. While it will be tough, Milwaukee should listen to offers, and the Philadelphia 76ers have to put their bid in.
The 76ers have some promising core pieces in place with guards Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. Jared McCain looked legit as a rookie before his season was cut short, but he’s back on the floor and looking to re-establish himself. That brings us to Joel Embiid and Paul George, who have been unable to stay on the floor for extended periods.
Given the challenges with George and Embiid’s large contracts, it may be time for a change. George isn’t worth his deal. Kelly Oubre has played well, but trading him is an easy call. Landing Antetokounmpo would instantly boost Philadelphia’s frontcourt. If the Sixers can part with draft capital instead of McCain, they may consider it.
Phoenix Suns
Dallas Mavericks receive: Grayson Allen
Phoenix Suns receive: Caleb Martin, Jaden Hardy, 2030 second-round pick (via PHI), 2032 second-round pick
The Phoenix Suns have gone from a franchise that seemed doomed for the next decade to intriguing almost instantly. After moving on from Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant, they have exceeded expectations early in the season.
Devin Booker is flourishing while the role players surrounding him have fit in nearly perfectly within the roster. To that end, many might wonder why they would look to make this trade, and the answer is relatively simple.
Mat Ishbia, in his short time as team owner, has shown that he wants to be competitive at the highest level. As good as the current version of the Suns are, especially compared to the last few seasons, this team is nowhere near title contention in the Western Conference.
Moving on from Grayson Allen for two second-round picks allows them to continue to build their war chest of draft picks, as they focus on a more patient approach around Booker.
Portland Trail Blazers
Trail Blazers receive: Pascal Siakam, 2027 second-round pick swap
Indiana Pacers receive: Jerami Grant, Yang Hansen, Blake Wesley, 2027 second-round pick swap
Despite a slow start to the 2025 campaign and the loss of head coach Chauncey Billups, the Portland Trail Blazers are a team on the rise. The roster is brimming with talented young players, including Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, Toumani Camara, Scoot Henderson, and Donovan Clingan. Portland also acquired two veteran guards in the offseason in Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard, who is out while he recovers from a torn Achilles.
The Trail Blazers appear to be a difference-maker away from actually making a leap in the West. Pascal Siakam could be a prime target, given how abysmal the Pacers are this season. If Indiana goes into full rebuild mode, it could sell the veteran forward to a team looking to accelerate its timeline. It’ll be hard to get someone to take on Jerami Grant’s contract, but adding an upside big man like Yang Hansen could sweeten the deal.
Sacramento Kings
Sacramento Kings receive: Ja Morant, Gary Harris
Memphis Grizzlies receive: Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis, Devin Carter, Dennis Schröder, 2026 unprotected first-round pick (SAC), 2027 pick swap (SAC)
Milwaukee Bucks receive: DeMar DeRozan, Santi Aldama, GG Jackson II
Less than a year after trading away their dynamic point guard, the Sacramento Kings might replace De’Aaron Fox with Ja Morant in this scenario. Admittedly, it would be an absolute best-case scenario for the Kings, especially if Morant can find his form from previous years in Sacramento.
Averaging the least amount of points since his rookie season (17.9) and shooting a disastrous 35.9% from the field and 16.7% from 3-point range, Morant has actively hurt Memphis in his minutes on the court.
After some incendiary comments in the locker room, and some halfhearted play on the court, it seems like the Grizzlies could be headed towards a divorce from their former franchise cornerstone, as the new coaching staff seems less than enamored with him. For the Kings, it allows them to get off DeMar DeRozan and start a new phase for the organization, rather than being stuck in purgatory near the bottom of the Western Conference.
While Morant comes with risk, the hope for the Kings has to be that they can unlock the version of the superstar point guard who made the Grizzlies a threat in the West with back-to-back playoff appearances and pushing the Golden State Warriors to their absolute limit.
San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs receive: Pat Connaughton
Charlotte Hornets receive: Kelly Olynyk
I’m not here to suggest that the Spurs are a Pat Connaughton away from making a real run, but with the franchise players seemingly in place, building around the fringes is something that this team could very much consider.
For me, this is a move that encourages playing into the strengths of Stephon Castle and nothing more. Kelly Olynyk is a nice player who has helped a lot of teams, but his overall contributions to this team taking that next step are limited at best. In Connaughton, they get a perimeter threat (64% of his career shots are 3s) and that has the potential to force Castle into what he is best at: attacking.
Castle is a below-average corner-3-point shooter and prior to getting dinged up, was under 30% on wide-open triple attempts. He does a lot well (51.7% career on two-point shots and his assist rate appears set to spike from his ROY performance), and if the Spurs are going to win at a high level, asking him to lean into those things as opposed to improving a weakness into an average skill is the way to go.
Connaughton is an undrafted free agent after this season and that means the team can reevaluate sooner than later if they’d like. That said, the idea of adding a Connaughton profile to this team is really what I’m after in a deal like this, to see if one additional shooter can unlock a more efficient version of Castle.
Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors receive: Anthony Davis, Brandon Williams
Dallas Mavericks receive: RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, Ochai Agbaji, 2028 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick
The Dallas Mavericks entered the season with plenty of hype, but things have not panned out so far, and this could be a team that’s looking to deal before the trade deadline. With Nico Harrison gone, the Mavericks could pivot to rebuilding around Cooper Flagg. Moving on from Anthony Davis would be a massive statement in that regard.
Obviously, Davis would need to get fully healthy for a deal to come to fruition. If traded, he could be a game-changer for a Toronto Raptors team that has surprised people this season. Adding the 10-time All-Star into a lineup that also features Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, and Immanuel Quickley would elevate this squad on both ends of the floor.
While Davis’ injury concerns are an ongoing issue, it’s worth noting that the East appears wide open this season. As a result, Toronto could put itself in the contender conversation.
Utah Jazz
Utah Jazz receive: Tobias Harris, Jaden Ivey, Paul Reed, 2026 unprotected first-round pick, 2027 pick swap, 2028 unprotected first-round pick
Detroit Pistons receive: Lauri Markkanen, Isaiah Collier
The Utah Jazz have been competitive at times this season, but another high lottery pick seems more likely than a playoff appearance. With that said, any trade conversations with this team have to start with Lauri Markkanen. The All-Star forward is playing well, averaging 28.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 3.4 3-pointers per game.
The Pistons look like a contender in the East, and adding Markkanen could put them over the top, while the Jazz could benefit from a solid package in return. Jaden Ivey is a promising young guard who Utah could pair with Keyonte George and Ace Bailey, forming a dynamic trio of the future. The Jazz would also take Tobias Harris’ expiring contract, much-needed frontcourt depth with Paul Reed, and draft capital.
Washington Wizards
Washington Wizards receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Maxi Kleber, Gabe Vincent, 2026 first-round pick
Los Angeles Lakers receive: CJ McCollum
It was a rough start to the season for CJ McCollum, but he’s getting back to being a high-level scorer.
