Most Likely Players to be Traded This Season by Team

With the December 15^th milestone where players who signed this offseason are eligible to be traded upon us, the unofficial start of the NBA trade season has begun!  I made a post last season prior to the start of the offseason regarding players most likely to be traded and it went surprisingly well, so I have upped the ante a bit and am doing this now that the season has begun.  I am only considering players and not picks or trade exceptions in this post.

 

Atlanta Hawks

I haven’t heard a ton of rumors related to the Hawks and don’t see a logical trade that would return the value that makes sense.  While John Collins was rumored in the past, I think he provides too much value to seriously consider now.  I could see them wanting to upgrade from Danilo Gallinari, Delon Wright, or Lou Williams, but I don’t think they would find a worthy return (they also likely value Gallinari more than other teams would given his salary for this year).  De’Andre Hunter has been frequently injured, but has looked good when he played, so I’m not sure whether they would rather a trade partner for him.  Cam Reddish has his inconsistencies, but has improved this year and appears to be available, though they reportedly want a first rounder for him, which is a tougher sell.  While Gorgui Dieng and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot are close to league minimum players and don’t get much playing time, Luwawu-Cabarrot’s shooting and Dieng’s all-around play to be a backup until Onyeka Okongwu returns make them less likely.  That leaves Solomon Hill, who is out for the season and on a minimum deal; I could see them dumping him to clear up a roster space to try to get someone on the buyout market.

Most likely:  Solomon Hill

Other possibilities:  De’Andre Hunter, Cam Reddish, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot

 

Boston Celtics

After a disappointing start, there is reason to believe that change is on the horizon in Boston.  While some are predicting Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown will be traded (more so the latter), I don’t think they would make a move like this during the season (nor have I heard anything reputable about them considering it).  They have the perfect combination of enticing young players who aren’t essential at the moment (Payton Pritchard, Romeo Langford, Aaron Nesmith) and contracts (Marcus Smart, Al Horford, Josh Richardson, Juan Hernangomez, and Robert Williams, though I don’t see him being included unless it’s a big-name superstar).  They also have a trade exception, though I expect this won’t be used until free agency due to tax purposes.  I think the most likely scenario is Hernangomez being included in a trade for the purposes of matching salaries, though Richardson will likely be sought after by some teams given how his season has gone so far.  A big one to watch is Dennis Schroder as well, who is only signed for this season and will likely outplay his contract.

Most likely:  Juan Hernangomez

Other possibilities:  Josh Richardson, Dennis Schroder, Payton Pritchard

 

Brooklyn Nets

The Nets are in an interesting situation since they can either make a huge trade or make no moves (and of course something in between is a possibility).  I don’t see them trading Kyrie Irving during the season unless they have serious doubts that they aren’t a good enough team to contend for the championship (I don’t know if this is the case).  As such, I expect the only trades they would make are ones that would either serve as upgrades or salary dumps (or both in a certain sense).  I think the most likely situation is that they dump Blake Griffin’s salary onto another team if they see a player they like more become available on the buyout market.  I also think it’s possible they try to trade either Jevon Carter or Day’Ron Sharpe if they see clear upgrades that could be made (I wonder if Oklahoma City would offer somebody like Mike Muscala and get Sharpe in return).  Paul Millsap is also possible, though I think they view him as having value as a smart veteran with playoff experience who can still defend some.  I have wondered whether the team will view Nic Claxton as expendable as well considering he will be a restricted free agent next offseason.

Most likely:  Blake Griffin

Other possibilities:  Jevon Carter, Nic Claxton, Day’Ron Sharpe, Paul Millsap

 

Chicago Bulls

I don’t expect Chicago will make many (if any) notable moves, but I could see them looking into upgrading certain positions, especially adding an additional defensive forward (I’m intrigued by the fit of Robert Covington at the right price).  I think the most likely player to watch in a trade is Derrick Jones Jr.; while I think he is a talented player who will provide value defensively for them, there are options that would likely be better out there.  I also wouldn’t be surprised if Coby White gets traded since he’s never seemed to truly find a guaranteed role, though he provides value offensively and is only 21.  I could also see Javonte Green or Troy Brown being brought up in trade talks as well, though I’m not sure what the market would be for the latter. 

Most likely:  Derrick Jones Jr.

Other possibilities:  Colby White, Javonte Green, Troy Brown

 

Charlotte Hornets

While Charlotte is in playoff contention, I expect they will try to make a move to upgrade their team, particularly at center (watch for them to push for Myles Turner, a fit that would be glorious).  Many would point to Mason Plumlee being the obvious player to be traded in this situation due to the fact that he is their current center and has the contract that lends to being traded most easily, and it makes a lot of sense especially since he is a good rebounder and passer for a big (though I wonder if his abysmal free throw shooting will play a role in his trade value).  I could also see them trying to offer Jalen McDaniels, Ish Smith, Nick Richards, or Vernon Carey if necessary (among others).  I think they will need to trade one of their former 1^st round picks to make a deal work, which I believe will make P.J. Washington the odd man out given his role this year (he still will have value).

Most likely:  P.J. Washington

Other possibilities:  Mason Plumlee, Vernon Carey, Jalen McDaniels

 

Cleveland Cavaliers

I feel like Cleveland will be making a trade of some sort, but the exact trade that they do depends on how they are playing closer to the deadline.  While Kevin Love would make sense to be traded if the money is ignored, it can’t be, so nor can his $28.9M salary next season.  Collin Sexton is reportedly getting interest from some teams (including the Pacers), though I think it only makes sense to trade the restricted free agent to be if a can’t miss offer comes about; since a Caris LeVert for Sexton swap has been rumored, I don’t think that will be enough to sway them.  If the Cavs start struggling, Ricky Rubio could be traded since this is the last year of his deal, but I expect this will only be out of desperation (or for a huge upgrade).  I wonder if a team would call about someone like Dylan Windler; he still has some value.  Ultimately, if they have a shot for this year, Sexton is the odd man out (as well as out for the season), so I guess he’s most likely to be traded.

Most likely:  Collin Sexton

Other possibilities:  Dylan Windler, Ricky Rubio, Kevin Love

 

Dallas Mavericks

With Dallas having around a .500 record for most of this season, it makes sense to think that they will be making a trade, though there aren’t any trades that jump out to me.  While they’re likely to ask about star players rumored to be on the block, there is only so far they can go with an oft injured Kristaps Porzingis.  I could see them shopping him a bit, though I don’t think they would recoup enough value to make it worthwhile.  While they will receive offers for Jalen Brunson and Dorian Finney-Smith, I think they would prefer to keep both.  I feel like they might look for offers in exchange for Maxi Kleber or Willie Caulie-Stein to ease the log jam at center a bit.  If Frank Ntilikina improves his efficiency a bit, he could wind up getting some attention.  I guess the most likely is Reggie Bullock; while he has struggled so far, he has been good in the past, so some teams will probably view him as an asset worth acquiring.

Most likely:  Reggie Bullock

Other possibilities:  Willie Caulie-Stein, Maxi Kleber, Frank Ntilikina

 

Denver Nuggets

Once Michael Porter Jr. went down with a season ending injury, questions were raised about what this season would look like for Denver, let alone what the trade market would be like.  While I think their decision would depend on how Jamal Murray looks as he recovers from his injury, there is some buzz about them looking to improve at the wing, which makes sense considering Porter’s injury threw a wrench into their plans regarding their depth at forward.  The player that keeps getting thrown around in that mix is JaMychal Green, who is a decent player though I’m not sure what kind of return there would be.  Two others who are possible to be traded are Facundo Campazzo (he is likely more expendable with Murray’s eventual return and the presence of Bones Hyland and Austin Rivers who can play some at the guard spots) and PJ Dozier (he’s been solid, though he’s struggled at shooting and would likely be expendable if they get a better wing).

Most likely:  JaMychal Green

Other possibilities:  PJ Dozier, Facundo Campazzo

 

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons are definitively rebuilding, so you can pretty much put money on them not trading anybody under the age of 24.  The only players with 1 year remaining on their contract are Josh Jackson (who is only 24 but has been incredibly inconsistent) and Rodney McGruder (who hasn’t been in the rotation this season and barely plays).  I expect the most sought-after Piston will likely be Jerami Grant; while his value has likely dropped a bit due to not shooting efficiently, there will be teams that see what he did in Denver and see value in that.  Further, there will be teams that just want another guy who can score 20 points a game for them, efficiency be damned.  I also think Cory Joseph and Kelly Olynyk will receive some attention, despite the latter being injured.

Most likely:  Jerami Grant

Other possibilities:  Cory Joseph, Kelly Olynyk, Josh Jackson

 

Golden State Warriors

Many analysts, commentators, writers, and fans expect that the Warriors will give up their youth in a blockbuster deal, but I don’t think this is anything close to a guarantee.  The organization seems hesitant to move several young players and thus far appear to be content with their team.  That said, the closest thing to a clear move would be a trade to upgrade on James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga, and/or Moses Moody, though it sounds like the team likes all three players and see them as long-term options.  I could see them trading Damion Lee if it gives them an upgrade, though I think this is less likely.  The thing to keep in mind:  both Klay Thompson and Wiseman have yet to play this season, so those additions would already be additions on their own without making any trades.

Most likely:  James Wiseman

Other possibilities:  Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Damion Lee

 

Houston Rockets

With the Rockets obviously in rebuild mode and also dealing with having lost some of their picks in the upcoming years, it wouldn’t surprise me to see them try to trade away almost everybody above the age of 25 on their team.  Most people seem to think John Wall is going to wind up with a different team this season, but I don’t think that is likely given his massive player option next season of around $47.4M; this will likely be taken care of in the offseason.  The other popular trade target people point to is Christian Wood, but I don’t think he’s quite as likely to be traded as others seem to think (though he is a serious possibility).  I think the most likely player is Eric Gordon, given his resurgence this season, the fact that his contract is only guaranteed through next season, and that the 33-year-old’s value will likely never be higher.  I thought Danuel House would be traded at the deadline or during the offseason and net at least one second round pick, though he has struggled and his value cratered.  I also expect they will reach out to teams about Daniel Theis, D.J. Augustin, and David Nwaba, but they will have little to no success finding any sort of market they deem worthwhile.

Most likely:  Eric Gordon

Other possibilities:  Christian Wood, Danuel House, Daniel Theis

 

Indiana Pacers

We have reached a fun team here, where anybody and everybody could possibly be traded, a team that will either try to make a couple moves or totally blow everything up (I think the latter would be more exciting, but less likely).  Let’s start out with the players that I don’t think will be traded:  Chris Duarte (he’s looked like a solid enough rookie so far), Isaiah Jackson (while raw, the 20-year-old rookie has high upside), and Malcolm Brogdon (he is ineligible to be traded due to his contract extension).  I also don’t think they will ultimately trade T.J. Warren, but there will be considerations given his impending free agency.  I honestly believe at least one of Domantas Sabonis, Caris LeVert, and Myles Turner will be traded this year, and Turner feels like the most likely.  Sabonis is the best player out of the bunch and will cause the biggest drop off for the team (I don’t think they want to rebuild yet) and LeVert’s value isn’t what Turner’s is.  Turner has garnered a lot of interest as a 3-and-D big man who thrives in the paint, beyond the arc, and at shot blocking in the paint.  I also expect they will try to trade Jeremy Lamb, considering there was some chatter about them looking to trade him prior to the season.  Don’t sleep on them exploring trades for any role player, though ones who still have another year on their contract are less likely to be traded (despite the market that I think someone like Justin Holiday would provide).

Most likely:  Myles Turner

Other possibilities:  Jeremy Lamb, Caris LeVert, Brad Wanamaker

 

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers have been dealing with injuries/Covid galore, but still are somehow above .500 and positioned nicely in the playoff race so far.  To answer how they’re doing that, I really don’t have one, especially since they’ve been thriving lately without Paul George in the lineup.  I haven’t heard much about them making any trades, but I could see them making a move based on financial or health reasons.  Marcus Morris might fit that bill; I thought his contract he signed after 2020 was a bit steep and he’s been injury prone, though he is a strong offensive player and plays extremely hard on both ends.  I could see them exploring the market of Serge Ibaka given that he has been oft injured and is in the last year of their deal.  I expect they will see if anyone dares take Eric Bledsoe, but they might be better off dumping him in the offseason.  Maybe Justise Winslow gets traded considering his contract isn’t expensive and he hasn’t gotten much playing time, though showed in Miami (when healthy) that he could be a valuable backup point forward.

Most likely:  Justise Winslow

Other possibilities:  Marcus Morris, Serge Ibaka

 

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers’ season has been…I guess interesting is the best way to describe it, though they somehow are above .500 at the time of writing this.  There are not so subtle grumblings that the front office will look into a trade, but there is one major issue:  who do they honestly think will get them anything of value unless they do something like a 3-for-1 kind of trade?  I doubt they’ll trade the big 3 (Russell Westbrook seems untradeable at this time) or Carmelo Anthony, which leaves a few players.  Malik Monk has been strong offensively at times (though pretty bad defensively), Wayne Ellington has been solid, Avery Bradley has been ok, and Kent Bazemore has been pretty bad, but any of them could be dangled.  I could see them trying to trade one of their centers (I think DeAndre Jordan is more likely to be traded than Dwight Howard).  I expect them to explore the trade markets of Kendrick Nunn and Trevor Ariza (to a lesser extent), two players who have yet to play due to injuries.  While Austin Reaves started out well, he has since had his struggles, though there could be some value in him.  All of this leaves us with the player who has a contract most likely to bring back something of value:  Talen Horton-Tucker.  Well, I sure hope they don’t trade him, considering the skill on both ends the 21-year-old provides (and the fact that his contract is also guaranteed for next season), but he isn’t a good shooter, so I think a team that will value players who can shoot and defend and are able to contribute to a winner, suggesting the writing might be on the wall.

Most likely:  Talen Horton-Tucker

Other possibilities:  Kendrick Nunn, DeAndre Jordan, Kent Bazemore

 

Memphis Grizzlies

I could see Memphis sneaking into a trade talks for a bigger player if they think it would help their team given their depth, though I’m not quite sure who they would offer in any trade.  I think the most likely player to be traded is Kyle Anderson since he has value, is likely going to have a smaller role, and is on the last year of his contract.  I could also see them trying to trade Jarrett Culver or Xavier Tillman, both of whom have struggled this year (or throughout his career in Culver’s case), but still have some upside in the right situation.  Steven Adams is also a slight possibility, though I think they still value him enough at this point.  Tyus Jones is also possible since he’s on the last year of his deal, though I think they like having him as a backup point guard.

Most likely:  Kyle Anderson

Other possibilities:  Jarret Culver, Xavier Tillman, Steven Adams

 

Miami Heat

I was ready to say that Miami wouldn’t make a notable trade, especially considering the Jimmy Butler/Bam Adebayo/Kyle Lowry trio has played well and Tyler Herro has improved substantially…then injuries struck of course, most notably Adebayo’s major thumb injury.  The team is still doing fine without Adebayo (and several other players), though I could see them panicking a bit if they start to struggle or if players take longer to return from injuries than expected.  Since, these happened, I also expect they will look into trading at least one player to clear a spot for Caleb Martin’s contract to be converted to a full NBA contract rather than a 2-way one.  I don’t expect they’ll trade P.J. Tucker since he has fit in well or Duncan Robinson (despite his early struggles).  Markieff Morris is currently dealing with an injury, but it is possible that they trade him if his value is high.  I would say Dewayne Dedmon would make sense, but with Adebayo out, I don’t think they’ll trust Omer Yurtseven with extended minutes.  While I think they view KZ Okpala favorably, I could see him being traded, since Martin full time might be an upgrade.  It is entirely possible they opt to part ways with Gabe Vincent as well, though I think Okpala is more likely to be traded.  If Victor Oladipo comes back and is a little better but not great, expect them to explore his market as well.

Most likely:  KZ Okpala

Other possibilities:  Victor Oladipo, Gabe Vincent, Markieff Morris

 

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks have been dealing with several injuries throughout the season, but now are starting to click and play well.  I don’t expect that they will make a notable trade unless a key role player gets injured or they decide they want a switchable wing.  Most of the players that feel most likely to be traded haven’t played particularly well this year, as Jordan Nwora has had moments of greatness scoring but has been inefficient, Rodney Hood hasn’t found his shot at all, and Semi Ojeleye has just been abysmal.  It wouldn’t surprise me to see a team looking for a backup combo guard ask about George Hill despite his shooting struggles, but I’m not sure what the return for him is.  I think the most likely player to be traded is Donte DiVincenzo, who hasn’t played yet due to injury and is going to be a restricted free agent after this season; they were able to win the championship without him, and Grayson Allen seems to have locked the shooting guard spot up.  I imagine there will be teams interested in acquiring him.

Most likely:  Donte DiVincenzo

Other possibilities:  George Hill, Jordan Nwora, Rodney Hood

 

Minnesota Timberwolves

After a bit of a skid recently, Karl-Anthony Towns is understandably getting annoyed about losing, and the Timberwolves have yet again found themselves with a roster that might not be the right one.  While they are reportedly interested in Ben Simmons, I’m not quite sure how they’d get him since there’s no way they’d give up Karl-Anthony Towns or Anthony Edwards.  Otherwise, a notable trade would be to move on from Malik Beasley; while he his shot has been shaky compared to usual, he has had glimpses on offense and has worked to improve his defense some, so he has at least some value.  I think they would want to trade Taurean Prince, though I don’t think any team will be jumping to grab him considering his contract (though there is only 1 year remaining on it).  Considering how bad Josh Okogie has been offensively throughout his career, he might be the most likely to be traded as well, though I do think he can still provide defensive help for them.  While the ideal move would be to get rid of D’Angelo Russell one way or another considering how inefficient he is scoring and how pathetic he is defensively, I don’t think he has any value, despite putting up high point totals; maybe he could have some in the offseason, but not this season.  Otherwise, I’m not sure who they would try to trade and get something for.

Most likely:  Josh Okogie

Other possibilities:  Malik Beasley, Taurean Prince

 

New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans have been off to an atrocious start and now with Zion Williamson experiencing a setback in his recovery, the team is making it known that they are…buying?  Apparently, they’re still thinking they have a shot at the Play-In tournament (which might be possible if Williamson recovers and can play at a high level), so they are looking to make improvements.  The player that they have made most publicly available is Jaxson Hayes, who is young and has a high upside, but is still extremely raw and has struggled at times.  I also could see them looking into moving players who have struggled thus far, including Tomas Satoransky and Garrett Temple, though I’m not sure what the markets would be for either.  The one I think is a serious possibility that nobody seems to be discussing is Nickeil Alexander-Walker, a high-volume shooter who has struggled with consistency but appears to be improving, which could boost his value a bit.

Most likely:  Jaxson Hayes

Other possibilities:  Tomas Satoransky, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Garrett Temple

 

New York Knicks

The Knicks have had their early season struggles, and while some have speculated they will go all-in for a big name, I’m not certain there will be a massive name that they think is for the best to acquire.  Ultimately, I would put money on them attempting to trade Kemba Walker, especially since he has totally fallen out of the rotation due to his defense; I expect there will be a team who is willing to make an offer as an upgrade for the backup guard spot (or another willing to take him on in a salary dump).  Several players could wind up being traded, but I think the biggest name to watch other than Walker is Mitchell Robinson.  Robinson is a talented 23-year-old center but is a free agent next summer and remains inconsistent and a tiny bit raw.  With Nerlens Noel and Taj Gibson performing well at the position, I think they will view him as expendable.

Most likely:  Kemba Walker

Other possibilities:  Mitchell Robinson, Kevin Knox

 

Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City is in full rebuild mode and, despite the young players’ clear desire to win, expect the front office to continue to put them in the best situations to lose.  While there isn’t a player that makes a ton of sense to necessarily need to give up, there are 2 players who are at least 30 to watch in a trade, as well as one other player.  The older players to keep an eye on are Derrick Favors and Mike Muscala.  Favors can still be a solid backup center for a competitive team, though his player option of over $10.1M might turn some teams off.  Muscala is much cheaper (3.5M this year, as well as a team option of the same price next year) and is an excellent shooting forward off the bench.  That said, the player I expect will be heavily sought after is the 27-year-old sharpshooting forward Kenrich Williams.  While he is a good player, he is a few years ahead of Oklahoma City’s timeline, is on a cheap non-guaranteed contract, and could net them another pick.

Most likely:  Kenrich Williams

Other possibilities:  Derrick Favors, Mike Muscala

 

Orlando Magic

Orlando is in rebuild mode, so it makes sense to think the Magic will prioritize trading players in the last year of their contracts or who are older.  The issue for Orlando is that this market is slim.  I don’t see much of a market for Gary Harris considering his salary and I’m not sure what the return for Robin Lopez, Michael Carter-Williams, or E’Twaun Moore is at this point considering none are particularly valuable rotation players.  The most likely player to be traded is Terrence Ross since he has shown he can be an offense sparkplug off the bench, but he hasn’t been efficient at all this year, which might give teams pause since he is signed through 2023.  Three other players I think are also worth watching:  Jonathan Isaac, Markelle Fultz, and Mo Bamba.  I expect Isaac and Fultz to remain with the team until they are healthier, but Isaac is oft injured, and Fultz is likely expendable due to the depth at guard the team has; still, both players are young and signed to longer deals.  Bamba is intriguing:  he has improved in extended playing time and profiles to be a shot-blocking shooting big who can also rebound (he reminded me of Myles Turner when he entered the draft), but he still showed he is extremely raw and not always focused; might a team like Charlotte take a chance on him if they can’t acquire Turner?

Most likely:  Terrence Ross

Other possibilities:  Robin Lopez, Gary Harris, Mo Bamba

 

Philadelphia 76ers

It is the worst kept secret that the most likely 76ers player most likely to be traded is Ben Simmons, considering he wants out and the team seems to be sick of him.  It’s possible that nobody trades for him, but teams will likely start becoming desperate as the deadline approaches, especially teams who hoped they would be playing better by now (Portland and, humorously enough, Sacramento are two that I see has possibilities).  Despite his antics thus far, there will still be a market for a big playmaker who is a great athlete and an elite defender.  After that, I’m honestly not sure who to expect be traded; I expect something would happen since they don’t want to waste a year of Joel Embiid’s prime.  Maybe we could see Georges Niang, Furkan Korkmaz, Paul Reed, or Isaiah Joe moved?  I expect something will happen, but I’m not quite sure what if it’s not Simmons.

Most likely:  Ben Simmons

Other possibilities:  Furkan Korkmaz, Paul Reed, Isaiah Joe

 

Portland Trail Blazers

Among the worst kept secrets is that Portland is in a bit of trouble considering their struggles, injury issues, and the potential of Damian Lillard requesting a trade.  The good news:  I don’t expect Lillard will request a trade during the season and would wait until the offseason if he chooses to do so.  The two most named players that Portland is apparently Jusuf Nurkic and Robert Covington, who both make sense considering they are on the last year of their deals and have underwhelmed thus far this season.  I think Covington will be a more sought after target since he has a reputation for being a strong defender and a good shooter, though he looks to have taken a step back on both ends.  Nurkic has moments where he looks great, but other moments where he looks sluggish and tired (often in the same games).  I also think that CJ McCollum is possible if there is a bigger trade (like for Ben Simmons), but I expect trading him is more likely in the offseason, especially considering what his health looks like.  Nassir Little could also be used if a younger player helps in a trade, though I think they’re pleased with his breakout and wouldn’t trade him otherwise.  Also keep an eye on Larry Nance Jr.; his value is high right now due to his defense and, while I don’t think they want to trade him, other teams will surely ask about him and bid for his services.

Most likely:  Robert Covington

Other possibilities:  Jusuf Nurkic, Larry Nance Jr., CJ McCollum, Nassir Little

 

Phoenix Suns

As the Suns have gotten off to a hot start, there are very few players who I think are seriously considered in trade discussions and rumors, with the exception of one player:  Jalen Smith.  They declined the third year of his rookie deal, so he will be a free agent after this season and is out of the rotation.  While that might not sound like a way to get a nice return, the 20-year-old big has teams who are interested in him (including San Antonio), so there could be something going there.  Otherwise, I could see them looking into moving Elfrid Payton if they can get something for him considering his lack of playing time or Dario Saric if they think they need another piece.

Most likely:  Jalen Smith

Other possibilities:  Dario Saric, Elfrid Payton

 

Sacramento Kings

While I initially thought that the Kings could stumble their way into the playoffs if Zion Williamson missed much time, I can’t say I expected to be limping as much as they have.  I think there are very few players who won’t be traded (unless they go insane and decide that Ben Simmons is the piece that will make them competitive), but I think there will be several who they will try to trade.  They almost traded Buddy Hield in the offseason and there is always a market for shooting, though he hasn’t been as good this season and his contract is still fairly expensive and through 2024.  Some believe that Marvin Bagley has a decent amount of potential (I haven’t been of that camp at any point, but I don’t want to beat a dead horse anymore), but is obviously not a part of either their short-term or long-term plans, so I expect he will be traded.   Otherwise, Tristan Thompson has struggled, Damian Jones has barely played, and Mo Harkless is a mystery depending on the day, so any of them could be traded.  I expect they will make a deal, but I’m not sure what they do.

Most likely:  Marvin Bagley

Other possibilities:  Buddy Hield, Mo Harkless, Tristan Thompson

 

San Antonio Spurs

I’ll be totally honest here:  I have no idea what San Antonio plans to do at the trade deadline.  They typically don’t make any trades, but they have a player who doesn’t sound pleased in his role, a player who teams appear to be interested in, younger player who I don’t think is in their long-term plans all in the last year of their contract.  For a while, I thought Thaddeus Young was the most likely player to be traded considering it sounded like he hasn’t been thrilled with his role at points and is in the last year of his contract.  He will absolutely provide value on both ends for a team willing to compete in the playoffs and is talented enough to give San Antonio some sort of return.  However, I am starting to think that Bryn Forbes is more likely to be traded for one reason:  teams value shooting and Forbes can absolutely shoot.  The other player to keep an eye on is Lonnie Walker; he will be a restricted free agent this summer and, while inconsistent throughout his career, has shown glimpses that he could be a talented player.  I’ve never felt like the Spurs have treated the 23-year-old as a part of their future, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they listen to offers for him.

Most likely:  Bryn Forbes

Other possibilities:  Thaddeus Young, Lonnie Walker

 

Toronto Raptors

While Toronto has been linked to some bigger names at times, I don’t see them giving up Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, Scottie Barnes, OG Anunoby, Gary Trent Jr., Precious Achiuwa, Malachi Flynn, or Khem Birch due to their value or potential.  This doesn’t leave much, but I think the most likely names to hear are Goran Dragic and Chris Boucher.  Dragic has only played 5 games before leaving the team for personal reasons, but has provided value for the Heat in the last couple seasons.  The caveat with him is that he is being paid $19.4M and is expected to be bought out if he’s not traded, so teams could wait for that to happen.  Boucher is a talented player who has shown potential as a shot blocking shooter in past seasons, but this year has struggled on both ends at times and hasn’t gotten a ton of minutes.  Still, there are teams that could see the 29-year-old’s upside in a role like last season for just over $7M.  The main other name I would suggest not to sleep on is Svi Mykkailiuk, who has shown potential as a shooter (though is struggling from deep this year) but is thriving from the line and from 2.

Most Likely:  Chris Boucher

Other Possibilities:  Goran Dragic, Svi Mykhailiuk, Yuta Watanabe

 

Utah Jazz

The truth is that I could see them making no trades at the deadline since I think they like their core and see themselves in a situation where they are contenders for the West, though I could also see them making a move to improve their defense at the forwards.  Most of the speculation I have heard was some fans and writers saying they’d want to see them trade a player, but there are still some possibilities.  I think most would point to Joe Ingles considering his value and expiring contract, but I think they would find him more valuable than whatever return they would get considering his shooting and playmaking off the bench.  I think the most likely is Eric Paschall due to his offensive inconsistencies, though he might not have a ton of takers.  The other most logical player is Hassan Whiteside, though I think they like him in the role he’s in.  If it’s for the right fit, they could also trade Bogdan Bogdanovic, but I think other teams will not value him as much as they do.

Most Likely:  Eric Paschall

Other Possibilities:  Joe Ingles, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Hassan Whiteside

 

Washington Wizards

I’ll be totally honest here:  I’m really not sure what the Wizards are going to do at the deadline.  I don’t expect they will trade Bradley Beal at the deadline, but it is possible if the team goes into a massive slump.  Otherwise, there isn’t one obvious trade target who stands out, though I would keep an eye out for players who have only one year left on their deals.  Montrezl Harrell is a possibility once Thomas Bryant returns due to his recent struggles, though I’m not sure what the trade market is for him.  Aaron Holiday hasn’t appeared to fully fit with the team, though he has shown glimpses of potential he has shown in the past.  I also could see them trying to trade Davis Bertans, though he has struggled mightily this season, meaning he might be untradeable given his large contract.  I also wouldn’t be surprised if some teams reach out about Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, though I don’t see them being inclined to bite easily.  The other player to watch is Thomas Bryant after he gets healthy, considering that he is a free agent after this year and has been a defensive liability throughout his career, though he is a good shooter and finisher.

Most likely:  Aaron Holiday

Other possibilities:  Montrezl Harrell, Thomas Bryant, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

 

Who do you think will be traded?  Let me know in the comments!