NBA Trade Rumors: Top Buzz on Kevin Durant and More as 2023 Deadline Approaches

After a blockbuster trade sent Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks, the NBA world is waiting for the next seismic deal.

Valuable hours and minutes are ticking off the clock in advance of the 2023 trade deadline on Thursday. Reports have featured any number of big-name players, and the rumor mill includes Brooklyn Nets icon Kevin Durant and Toronto Raptors star guard Fred VanVleet, among others.

But that doesn't mean they're guaranteed to move.

Nevertheless, playoff contenders are looking to bolster their rosters, while other franchises are aiming to wisely add as many forward-looking assets as possible before the deadline.

VanVleet 'Most Likely' Trade for Toronto

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PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 28: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors shoots a free throw during the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center on January 28, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. The Toronto Raptors won 123-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)

Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports revealed a few interesting notes regarding the Toronto Raptors. The largest takeaway, though, was that Fred VanVleet seems likely to be wearing a different jersey soon.

"Several opposing executives have since labeled VanVleet as the most likely Raptor to be traded," Fischer wrote.

Five organizations have been connected to the 28-year-old point guard: the Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns.

VanVleet, who's averaging 19.7 points and 6.5 assists, holds a $22 million player option for the 2023-24 season. But he's expected to decline the option and enter unrestricted free agency. Fischer noted he will be seeking a salary "certainly north" of $30 million.

Given that Toronto is a fringe playoff candidate at best, adding some assets in exchange for VanVleet would be a wise decision.

Jazz Looming as Key Seller

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Jarred Vanderbilt, Jordan Clarkson and Mike Conley

While the Raptors are a prime Eastern Conference trade partner, the Utah Jazz own that distinction in the West.

And there's only a small asterisk.

According to Tim MacMahon of ESPN, the Jazz aren't looking to discuss three players—All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen and rookies Walker Kessler and Ochai Agbaji—in trades at the deadline.

Beyond them, though, Utah has a substantial group that MacMahon reported is generating significant interest. The list includes veteran guards Mike Conley Jr. and Jordan Clarkson, along with key contributors Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt and Kelly Olynyk.

Clarkson holds a player option for 2023-24, but everyone else has another year of team control. That extra season may be particularly valuable for the Jazz in their discussions.

Nets Rebuffing KD Interest

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Kevin Durant and Zach LaVine

At this moment—the second this sentence is being written—the Nets are expected to keep Kevin Durant.

Check back later, and the news might be different.

Brooklyn, however, has "thus far told inquiring teams that they're not planning to trade him before Thursday's deadline," per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Instead, it has continued to explore options for upgrading the team around Durant, who's expected to return from a knee injury after the All-Star break.

Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith, both acquired in the Irving trade, presumably will remain on the roster. However, the Nets did open a roster space by sending Kessler Edwards to the Sacramento Kings.

More trades are likely on the way for Brooklyn, but Durant won't be a central figure of a deal...for now at least.