Just one month stands between us and the 2024-25 NBA trade deadline.
That means we're not only moving toward the peak of trade season, but we also find ourselves in the heart of soap-opera season.
Drama is already spiking in South Beach, where the Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler are barreling toward a bitter divorce. That won't be the only separation seen over the coming month, though.
Even with a potential shortage of sellers and several financial hurdles for big spenders to clear in this collective bargaining agreement, there could still be plenty of wheeling and dealing ahead of the deadline.
There are certainly talented players on—or reasonably within reach of—the trade market. We'll rank those players by their subjective trade appeal while also brokering new hypothetical trades to send them elsewhere.
10. Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards
The buzz: The Wizards are reportedly "eager to find a trade partner for Kyle Kuzma" by the deadline, per NBA insider Marc Stein, who added that it's believed the player is similarly interested in a split from the team.
The trade: Kyle Kuzma to the Memphis Grizzlies for Marcus Smart, Vince Williams Jr. and a 2026 first-round pick (lottery protected)
The Memphis roster has felt a two-way forward away from completion a few times. Kuzma may not look the part at the moment—he's had a brutal season in most facets—but he has aced that part in the past and might be energized by joining a team on the opposite end of the league standings.
As a support piece alongside Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane, the 29-year-old could lean on his versatility to fill in different cracks from night to night.
Memphis would welcome his scoring punch when he has it rolling, but there would be other nights when it might only need activity on the glass, extra-pass ball moving or defensive versatility. If Kuzma bought into playing a more-guts-than-glory support role, he'd help tie this roster together.
The Wizards wouldn't have much use for Smart, who's been injured or inconsistent throughout his season-plus stay in Memphis, but they'd probably do well to turn this version of Kuzma into a first-round pick. And they might see a long-term spot for Williams as a tone-setting defender.
It's not the return Washington initially hoped for Kuzma, but it seems sufficient in light of his struggles.
9. Bruce Brown, Toronto Raptors
The buzz: The Raptors seem like selective sellers, as they have "resisted" inquiries for Jakob Poeltl but are reportedly "open" to trading away Brown or Kelly Olynyk, per Stein.
The trade: Bruce Brown to the San Antonio Spurs for Zach Collins, Malaki Branham, Sidy Cissoko and a 2025 first-round pick (via CHO, lottery protected)
The Spurs seem worth watching over the next month. While this doesn't feel like the right time for all-in-type aggression, they could add another established piece or two to help Victor Wembanyama and Co. push for some kind of postseason appearance.
Brown only recently returned from September knee surgery, but teams already have proof of concept regarding how he can accentuate a winner.
The 28-year-old thrives in the cliched roles of Swiss Army knife or glue guy, essentially combining the skill and willingness to do whatever his team needs any given night. He would wear a number of different hats in San Antonio, but he would make his biggest mark as an off-ball mover, a secondary creator and an all-purpose wing defender.
Toronto could pat itself on the back for getting a first-round pick, even while knowing that when this pick doesn't convey this summer, it will become two future seconds. Still, there's plenty of reason to imagine those will be early second-rounders.
That's the biggest prize for Toronto, but it could covet a closer look at Branham's shot-creation or want a crack at Cissoko's development. Collins would make the money work in this deal, but he'd be fine backing up Poeltl if Toronto traded away Olynyk.
8. Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz
The buzz: The Jazz are expected to be active in the trade market with Sexton, Jordan Clarkson and John Collins among the top candidates to be moved, per ESPN's Tim MacMahon.
The trade: Collin Sexton to the Golden State Warriors for Dennis Schröder, Brandin Podziemski and Gui Santos
The same skills that drew the Dubs to Schröder, who can't be aggregated in a trade before Feb. 5, could now lead them to Sexton.
There is plenty of overlap between the two, and while that could be a worry given Schröder's struggles to find his fit, Sexton might have an easier time making his mark as a more efficient shooter and superior scorer.
Golden State is getting desperate to find additional scoring and shot-creation next to Stephen Curry. Sexton isn't an ideal fit—he's not a consistent defender or decision-maker—but it doesn't look like this trade market will offer up a perfect solution.
Sexton's scoring punch seems like a big enough need-filler to do this deal, especially when the Dubs would still have trade chips to invest elsewhere.
As for the Jazz, this would be a buy-low opportunity on Podziemski, whom the Warriors didn't want to include in their offseason offers for Lauri Markkanen. However, his production has cratered since, and if Golden State isn't sold on his bounce-back potential, it might be willing to give him up.
If Utah sees Podziemski as a possible building block, this deal should be a no-brainer, even it has limited to no interest in Schröder and Santos.
7. Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls
The buzz: LaVine continues making noise on the trade market. HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported there is "growing pessimism" about a LaVine trade coming together with the Denver Nuggets, while ESPN's Ramona Shelburne relayed that the Sacramento Kings had recently inquired about the 29-year-old.
The trade: Zach LaVine to the Detroit Pistons for Tobias Harris, Tim Hardaway Jr., Bobi Klintman and a 2027 first-round pick (top-five protected)
It wasn't that long ago that LaVine felt borderline untradeable. There are surely still reservations about his injury history and financial future, but he's doing enough on the court to potentially convince someone the rewards outweigh the risks.
Could the Pistons be that someone?
It also wasn't long ago that Detroit stood nowhere near the buyers' section of the trade market, but it has moved into play-in positioning with at least an outside shot of snagging a top-six seed.
If the Pistons wanted to push hard for a strong closing stretch, they'd be smart to find more shooting, scoring and creation support for Cade Cunningham. LaVine, so long as he stays healthy, checks every box and has never been more efficient.
The Bulls could theoretically try holding out for more, but they've already seen how low LaVine can sink on the market when conditions aren't perfect. This feels like a great time to strike, in other words, particularly if they see any long-term utility for Klintman, a toolsy 21-year-old.
In a perfect world, Chicago would be able to flip at least one of Harris or Hardaway for additional draft capital.
6. De'Andre Hunter, Atlanta Hawks
The buzz: Hunter's apparent breakout season has largely quieted trade talks around him, but he was recently mentioned as being among the players the Denver Nuggets "have either expressed interest in or have had preliminary trade discussions on," per The Athletic's Tony Jones and Sam Amick.
The trade: De'Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanović to the Golden State Warriors for Jonathan Kuminga, Dennis Schröder, Gary Payton II, Kevon Looney and a 2027 first-round pick (top-five protected)
Hunter's improved shot diet has him on course for the most productive (and efficient) campaign of his career. It has also made him an intriguing target for any and every win-now shopper, since no modern team has too many versatile wings with reliable outside shots.
While neither he nor Bogdanović would fill Golden State's second-star opening, the pair seem like easy system fits who could help the machine run more efficiently.
Hunter's shooting and consistency could make him a cleaner fit on the wings with Andrew Wiggins, and Bogdanović's ability to generate chances for himself and his teammates would make Stephen Curry's life a lot easier.
The Hawks, meanwhile, might pounce on the opportunity to further brighten their future by adding both Kuminga and the 2027 first. As an added bonus, they could even keep themselves competitive this season—tanking doesn't help since they don't control their first-round pick—as all four incoming players would arrive with plug-and-play ability.
5. Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors
The buzz: Kuminga's recent ankle injury adds a layer of uncertainty to whatever trade buzz remains around him. Trade talks involving the 22-year-old were deafening earlier this season, but things have been quieter of late.
The trade: Jonathan Kuminga, Gary Payton II, Kevon Looney, Gui Santos, a 2027 first-round pick (top-three protected) and a 2026 second-round pick (via ATL) to the Brooklyn Nets for Cameron Johnson and Day'Ron Sharpe
If the Warriors trade Kuminga—that's still a big if, but he is about to enter the thorny world of restricted free agency—they'll only do it for a difference-maker. So, do they think Johnson qualifies? He really hadn't worn that label before, but he's on the cusp of averaging 20 points on 50/40/90 shooting while playing serviceable defense.
Even if the Warriors don't buy these numbers in their entirety, they could see the 28-year-old making an impact as a high-end three-and-D wing while Sharpe could energize the center spot with his activity on the glass.
The Nets reportedly want "multiple first-round picks" for Johnson, per Stein. That feels like an ambitious ask, but maybe not in this sellers' market. While this deal wouldn't technically deliver that, it might do one better by delivering a lightly protected first and a potentially valuable second along with a possible building block in Kuminga.
It's salary-filler after that, but that might be enough if Brooklyn is fully sold on Kuminga's potential. The 6'8", 210-pound swingman is an elite athlete even by NBA standards, and he has shown flashes of being a go-to scorer and disruptive, do-it-all defender.
4. Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans
The buzz: New Orleans' injury-riddled disaster season could send the front office a number of different directions at the deadline, but "the priority" is finding an Ingram trade, per ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Bobby Marks.
The trade: Brandon Ingram to the Detroit Pistons for Isaiah Stewart, Tim Hardaway Jr., Bobi Klintman, Wendell Moore Jr. and a 2028 first-round pick (top-10 protected)
The Pistons feel like a potential buyer. They're competitive for the first time in ages, and they would presumably love to get their young core some big-stage, under-the-spotlight experience. They also might need some help to make that happen, as Jaden Ivey was playing some brilliant ball before suffering a broken fibula in his left leg.
Ingram is a potentially major-impact acquisition who wouldn't carry that kind of trade cost. His availability issues are real. His lack of contract certainty beyond this campaign is concerning. Bake those into his trade price, though, and you're talking about someone carrying a reasonable acquisition cost while averaging better than 20 points, five assists and five rebounds for the fourth consecutive season. That feels like a risk worth taking for Detroit, even if it has some hang-ups about paying Ingram big money.
Considering how little leverage New Orleans appears to have, this feels like a hefty-ish haul. The Pelicans have eyed Stewart before, and for as impressive as Yves Missi has been so far, they should still be looking to fortify the frontcourt.
Klintman could be an interesting developmental project, and perhaps the Pels think the same of Moore. Hardaway would make the money work while also hopefully having some helpful pointers to pass on to Jordan Hawkins about movement shooting.
3. Cameron Johnson, Brooklyn Nets
The buzz: Suitors continue to surface for Johnson, as Stein reported the Indiana Pacers and Memphis Grizzlies are among those with interest in the two-way swingman.
The trade: Cameron Johnson and Day'Ron Sharpe to the Indiana Pacers for Obi Toppin, Aaron Nesmith, Johnny Furphy, a 2028 first-round pick (top-four protected), a 2025 second-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick (via UTA)
The Pacers haven't yet put together the kind of campaign they envisioned, but they have made major progress over the last month.
Considering that much of this return to form has been keyed by Tyrese Haliburton performing like a star again, Indy could be confident that an aggressive trade like this could propel this team into significant postseason success.
This three-point attack needs more volume, and for all the growth in Johnson's game, he still shines brightest as a quantity-plus-quality perimeter shooter. Sliding him into the same frontcourt as Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner would give Indiana plenty of versatility on both ends.
Adding Sharpe, meanwhile, would help cover for the multiple bigs sidelined by Achilles tears (Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman).
The Nets, meanwhile, can and should seek a substantial return for Johnson, and this feels like it would suffice. Between Furphy (the 35th pick in 2024) and the three incoming selections, Brooklyn has multiple paths to potential cornerstones and support pieces.
It could also plug Toppin and Nesmith into rotation roles right away or see what win-now shoppers would send back for one or both.
2. Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat
The buzz: Butler has informed the Heat he'd like to be elsewhere, and they've expressed their willingness to hear offers (while also suspending him for seven games). Even still, league sources are "far from convinced a deal is guaranteed to happen" by the deadline, per ESPN's Tim Bontemps.
The trade: Jimmy Butler to the Sacramento Kings for DeMar DeRozan, Kevin Huerter and Devin Carter
Butler's trade market is tricky to pin down, in terms of both who is interested and how much they are willing to give up.
He is a six-time All-Star who has delivered some of the best playoff performances in recent memory. He's also a 35-year-old who last played 65 games in 2018-19 and holds a $52.4 million player option for next season.
Teams might talk themselves in and out of the Butler sweepstakes multiple times over the next month, but the Kings might feel the most urgency to act. Their disappointing season already cost Mike Brown his coaching job, and they need to give De'Aaron Fox reasons to stick around. A trade for Butler feels risky given Sacramento's situation already seems volatile, but the Kings might consider themselves desperate enough to do it.
If Miami moves Butler, it could aim for instant competitiveness over long-term assets. Would a DeRozan-Bam Adebayo-Tyler Herro trio be a title contender? Probably not, but coach Erik Spoelstra would almost surely bring out its best.
Huerter would have no trouble fitting into one of the movement-shooter roles in this offense, and Carter, last summer's No. 13 pick, might feel right at home with the franchise where his father, Anthony, spent the first four seasons of his playing career and later returned as an assistant coach.
1. De'Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings
The buzz: Fox, who declined an extension before season, has not requested a trade, but teams are still "planning for a possible run" at him, per The Athletic's Sam Amick. However, there is a "strong belief" that if the 27-year-old becomes available, it will more likely happen over the summer rather than before the deadline.
The trade: De'Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs for Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan, Tre Jones, a 2025 first-round pick (via CHI, top-10 protected), a 2027 first-round pick, a 2026 first-round pick swap (via ATL) and two 2026 second-round picks (via UTA and NOP or POR)
This might normally feel too aggressive for San Antonio, but life is different with Victor Wembanyama around. The Spurs have a chance to be really good really soon, and they should examine any and every opportunity to help foster this potential dynasty.
Fox would be a wildly fun floor general to pair with the Frenchman. His blink-and-you-miss-him burst would help turn a lot of those Wembanyama blocks into transition scores. He could also work two-man magic with the big fella in the screen game or just create prime scoring chances for him off the dribble.
And the fit only gets more spectacular if Fox ever rediscovers what allowed him to average 2.9 three-pointers with a strong 36.9 percent splash rate last season.
The Kings surely need a nudge from Fox to even consider trade offers, but if they have to start thinking about alternative paths forward, this could be a fun one.
That's an awful lot of assets for Sacramento to either trade its way back into a winner around Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan and Keegan Murray or lay the foundation for the franchise's next era.
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