The NBA trade deadline is one week from Thursday, and while it might seem quieter than normal, there could still be a lot of activity.
Even if there isn’t a looming blockbuster move like when the Nets and Sixers swapped James Harden and Ben Simmons last season, there are teams around the league that could have an entirely different roster before the beginning of the All-Star break.
While there are some obvious sellers (e.g. Pistons, Hornets, Spurs, Rockets), others (e.g. Raptors, Pacers, Jazz) have slightly less clear intentions.
Based on the latest rumors and intel provided by insiders around the NBA, these are the players considered most likely to get traded — and where each player is rumored to go.
But remember: The trade deadline is always full of surprises. No one in the league predicted the Kings would have traded Tyrese Haliburton last season! So in addition to these players, expect the unexpected.
1
OG Anunoby (Toronto)
Insiders “doubt” the Raptors would trade Anunoby unless the return is enormous.
But according to Yahoo’s Jake Fischer, “every single team” would call to inquire about his availability. ESPN’s Zach Lowe similarly noted that “the entire league” wants Anunoby. There are rumors that one team (perhaps the Knicks) has offered as many as three first-round picks for the wing.
Anunoby has said that he doesn’t want out of Toronto, but Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes reported that Anunoby would welcome a trade. If the Raptors can actually get such a massive return for his services, then it is worth serious consideration.
Potential Suitor(s): Knicks, Suns, Grizzlies, Pelicans, Pacers
2
Fred VanVleet (Toronto)
Toronto’s Fred VanVleet said he loves being a Raptor but is expected to decline his player option and become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Perhaps the organization would trade him before his contract expires.
The former NBA champion makes a ton of sense as a long-term replacement for Chris Paul on the Phoenix Suns. Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard would reportedly “welcome” an upgrade at the point guard slot and would like to reunite with his former Toronto teammate.
Potential Suitor(s): Suns, Clippers, Magic, Heat, Timberwolves
3
John Collins (Atlanta)
It isn’t an NBA trade deadline without John Collins hearing his name mentioned in rumors.
He is considered the “most likely” player on the Hawks to be involved with a transaction. However, the new front office is reportedly less interested in moving Collins than the previous regime.
If he is finally traded, the price may be a “quality player” but he may be gettable without surrendering any first-round picks.
Potential Suitor(s): Jazz, Pacers, Rockets, Pelicans
4
Bojan Bogdanovic (Detroit)
The Pistons are not “overly eager” to part with Bojan Bogdanovic, who is considered a “core member” of the organization’s future.
They would need at least an unprotected first-round pick in order to actually agree to a deal. However, according to league insider Marc Stein, they might not even say yes to an unprotected first-round pick.
While the Lakers are the organization most often linked to Bogdanovic in trade rumors, there are still plenty of other teams “registering interest” in the sharpshooter who is in the middle of his career-best season as a scorer.
Potential Suitor(s): Lakers, Bucks, Pelicans, Raptors, Mavericks, Cavaliers
5
Bones Hyland (Denver)
Yahoo’s Jake Fischer reported that the Nuggets are “gauging the trade value” of promising second-year guard Bones Hyland.
Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes adds that Hyland is “open” to a trade to a different destination, and Hyland briefly removed mentions of the Nuggets on his social media profiles. Veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein added that Denver would want a “defensive specialist” with more size.
Tim Connelly, now the president of basketball operations for the Timberwolves, ran Denver’s front office when they drafted Hyland. As such, Minnesota has been linked as one destination that could consider a deal. Connelly is “considered a big supporter” of Hyland.
Otherwise, there is expected to be “significant interest” in the guard.
Potential Suitor(s): Hornets, Timberwolves
6
Saddiq Bey (Detroit)
Yahoo’s Jake Fischer reported that Detroit began taking “early calls” on third-year forward Saddiq Bey.
The Athletic’s James Edwards III added that Bey “might be gettable” at the right price — which could be an unprotected first-round pick.
The former Villanova standout is considered more likely to get traded than Bogdanovic and Detroit teammate Alec Burks. Interest in Bey reportedly intensified, per Edwards, when he was moved out of the starting lineup. SNY’s Ian Begley believes the Knicks are one of the teams who may have an interest.
Potential Suitor(s): Knicks
7
Malik Beasley (Utah)
Utah’s Malik Beasley has said that he would like to remain with the Jazz, but if the price is right, he could get moved.
Beasley is shooting 38.1 percent on 3-pointers during his NBA career and is one of the most coveted floor spacers who is expected to be available in the trade market before the deadline. It would reportedly require the “equivalent” of a first-round pick to land Beasley, per HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.
Potential Suitor(s): Mavericks, Cavaliers, Pelicans, Hawks, Suns, Knicks
8
Terry Rozier (Charlotte)
The Charlotte Hornets are “open to moving” guard Terry Rozier and, per Marc Stein, he has “a lot of fans” around the league. Rozier is averaging a career-best 21.7 points and 5.1 assists per game and still has three more years remaining on his contract.
Potential Suitor(s): Suns
9
Eric Gordon (Houston)
Houston’s Eric Gordon is tired of playing for a rebuilding organization and wants to move in a new direction, per The Athletic’s Kelly Iko.
The Rockets are reportedly seeking a first-round pick in exchange for Gordon, potentially similar to what the Pistons want for Bogdanovic. The Bucks, meanwhile, may be willing to surrender as many as four second-round picks for the veteran.
Potential Suitor(s): Bucks, Lakers, Suns
10
Gary Trent Jr. (Toronto)
Toronto’s Gary Trent Jr. is averaging a career-high 18.6 points and 1.7 steals per game.
The Raptors are widely expected to “seriously listen” to offers for the 24-year-old wing who is considered the top trade candidate for the Raptors, per HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.
In addition to salary cap filler, Trent is expected to fetch a first-round pick or two second-round picks.
Potential Suitor(s): Lakers, Warriors
11
Jakob Poeltl (San Antonio)
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, there is a “ton of interest” in Spurs big man Jakob Poeltl. League insider Shams Charania adds that several teams are “increasing their pursuit” of the center.
While the Celtics are often mentioned as a potential destination, Yahoo’s Jake Fischer and The Athletic’s Jay King both downplayed that possibility. Rival executives are reportedly skeptical the Spurs can get the offer they want for Poeltl, per HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.
San Antonio actually feels confident that they can re-sign him. Poeltl is reportedly seeking around $20 million per season. Poeltl, however, is likely a better fit for a contending team looking to add depth in the frontcourt.
Potential Suitor(s): Raptors, Celtics
12
Jarred Vanderbilt (Utah)
When the Jazz traded for Jarred Vanderbilt during this past offseason, he was reportedly the player who was “getting the most calls” from rivals hoping to pry him away. Utah’s front office is reportedly seeking a first-round pick for his services.
Potential Suitor(s): Pacers, Suns, Hawks
13
Mason Plumlee (Charlotte)
Charlotte Hornets big man Mason Plumlee is having a career-best season, averaging 12.2 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.
The Hornets are reportedly having “discussions” about trading Plumlee, who led the league in field goal percentage during January, and he could be available for a first-round pick. Plumlee is in the final year of an expiring contract.
Potential Suitor(s): Celtics
14
Jae Crowder (Phoenix)
Phoenix’s Jae Crowder has long been considered the most likely player to get traded this year considering he never reported to training camp for the organization.
While he could potentially help a different contender, it’s unclear how much value he has given how much time has now passed since the last time he stepped on an NBA court.
Potential Suitor(s): Bucks, Heat, Bulls, Trail Blazers
15
Mike Conley (Utah)
Utah is “believed to be shopping” veteran guard Mike Conley Jr., per Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus and league insider Marc Stein. The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that the Clippers and Timberwolves are two contenders to trade for the well-respected former All-Star.
Potential Suitor(s): Clippers, Timberwolves, Lakers
16
Matisse Thybulle (Philadelphia)
Matisse Thybulle and the Philadelphia 76ers were not able to agree to terms on a rookie-scale contract extension last offseason, so he will become a restricted free agent.
There were reportedly “preliminary discussions” about a trade involving Thybulle earlier this season, and he was nearly traded to the Trail Blazers on draft night.
The Kings are reportedly “monitoring the availability” of the wing and the Warriors have also had “internal discussions” about Thybulle as well.
Potential Suitor(s): Kings, Warriors
17
Cam Reddish (New York)
The Knicks are asking for two second-round picks in exchange for Reddish, per The Athletic’s Fred Katz, but may settle for just one and salary-cap filler. The 23-year-old former lottery pick is in the final year of his contract and will become a restricted free agent this offseason.
Potential Suitor(s): Cavaliers, Mavericks, Bucks, Heat, Lakers
18
Grayson Allen (Milwaukeee)
According to Yahoo’s Jake Fischer, the Bucks have “called numerous teams” to offer Grayson Allen. The Knicks have “expressed interest” in acquiring Allen from the Bucks, per HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto. Milwaukee is seeking a “defensive-minded frontcourt player” in return.
Potential Suitor(s): Knicks
19
Nerlens Noel (Detroit)
Nerlens Noel and the Pistons have mutually agreed that a trade would be best for both parties, per The Athletic’s James Edwards. Noel is considered likely only to fetch a second-round pick “at best” if there is a trade.
Potential Suitor(s): Heat, Mavericks, Nuggets, Trail Blazers, Kings
20
Serge Ibaka (Milwaukee)
Milwaukee’s Serge Ibaka is away from the team as the Bucks hope to find a new team for the veteran big man. According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Bucks would be willing to trade Ibaka in exchange for a second-round pick.
Potential Suitor(s): Nets, Heat, Hawks, Suns
