NBA trade deadline: Players who could be dealt in the weeks to come
The Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks kicked off the NBA’s trade deadline season with a deal on Dec. 30.
The Raptors sent OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn to the Knicks for RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and a second-round draft pick.
Given the quality of teams going for a title, the quality of players (possibly) available and the draft capital teams have to sweeten trades, there should be several more deals before the Feb. 8 trade deadline.
While we wait for those moves to happen, here’s a look at players who could be dealt to another team move before the trade deadline:
Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine
Teams looking for offense, and that includes the Los Angeles Lakers, are interested in Zach LaVine and his availability. LaVine averages 21 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists and shoots 44.3% from the field, 33.6% on 3-pointers and 86.6% on free throws. A talented scorer, he has played in just 18 games this season – out since Nov. 28 with right foot inflammation. LaVine is in the second year of a five-year $215.1 million contract.
Chicago Bulls guard DeMar DeRozan
At 34, DeMar DeRozan can still score, posting 22.2 points per game on 45.6% shooting from the field and 33.3% on 3s. Add his 5.4 assists, 3.8 rebounds, 1.1 steal and nearly 1.0 block per game and DeRozan has value. He had 27 points on 12-for-16 shooting, nine assists and seven rebounds in Chicago’s Dec. 20 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers. He is in the final season of a three-year, $81 million contract and is a free agent in the summer.
Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso
Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic
The Bulls signed Nikola Vucevic to a three-year, $60 million in the offseason, so it’s not an onerous deal and a team would have Vucevic for two more seasons after this one. Though this isn’t his best scoring season (16.7 points per game on 45.2% shooting from the field, 28.1% on 3s), Vucevic provides offense.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell
If the Cavaliers decide to trade All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, it will be a major move for the Cavs and the team acquiring him – perhaps Brooklyn, New York or Miami (the Heat have been looking for a combo guard and have long had their eyes on Mitchell). The Cavaliers traded for Mitchell with the hopes he would re-sign with them. But he has not signed an extension. He is under contract for 2024-25 at $34.8 million and has a player option 2025-26, allowing him to become a free agent in the summer of 2025 if he chooses.
Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma
The Wizards are in the initial stages of what looks like a long but deliberate rebuild. It’s unlikely many players on the roster now will be on the roster in two, three seasons. Kyle Kuzma has championship with 2010 Lakers and is averaging a career-high 23.1 points and shooting a career-best 46.6% from the field while getting 6.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. He is in the first season of a four-year, $90 million contract.
Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole
For the right team in the right situation, Jordan Poole can be a valuable contributor. His 41.4% shooting from the field, 31.2% on 3s and uninspired play is not compelling teams to call the Wizards give up significant assets.
Washington Wizards guard Tyus Jones
In the final year of a two-year, $29 million contract, Tyus Jones is putting together a solid season: 12.6 points and 5.5 assists per game and shooting 53.7% from the field and 42.5% on 3s. A team looking for depth a point guard will do well by acquiring Jones.
Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward
Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray
Dejounte Murray has a four-year, $114 million extension that begins next season, and while Atlanta thought Murray and Trae Young could be its backcourt for years to come, it may be willing to listen to offers for Murray. He averages 20.5 points and is shooting 38.3% on 3s – his highest percentage since shooting 39.1% on just 0.6 attempts per game his rookie season in 2016-17.
Detroit Pistons forward Bojan Bogdanovic
Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant
Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam
Utah Jazz forward-center Lauri Markkanen
Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris
This isn’t the first time Tobias Harris’ name has popped up in trade deadline chatter, and the strong veteran is having another solid season: 17.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.0 steal per game and shooting a career-best 51.3% from the field. In the end, it may just make sense for the Sixers to keep Harris, whose contract expires after this season.