What Every NBA Team Would Do If 2024 Trade Deadline Was Today
We're less than a month away from the 2024 NBA trade deadline, with teams making their final plans for how they'll attack the big day.
There's a great deal of uncertainty between some buyers and sellers as well, with over half the NBA (16 teams) possessing a winning percentage between .400 and .600.
The following is what all 30 teams will do given the latest buzz, team needs, direction of the franchise and other factors.
Atlanta Hawks: Reshape Roster Around Trae Young and Jalen Johnson
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A trip to the Eastern Conference Finals seems like a lifetime ago for these Hawks, which have been knocked out in the first round each of the past two years and are now in real danger of missing the postseason altogether at 15-21 overall.
Even trading for Dejounte Murray and hiring Quin Snyder hasn't fixed the defense, one that ranks just 28th overall (120.3 rating), even worse than the 3-35 Detroit Pistons.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, "Atlanta is determined to, as one source described it, 'build around Trae and Jalen Johnson' going forward under new coach Quin Snyder. Which means [Dejounte] Murray, De'Andre Hunter and Clint Capela, most notably, are all available in potential trades … and with sharpshooter Bogdan Bogdanović expected to generate as much external interest as any current Hawk."
Young has been terrific over the last month-and-a-half (29.1 points, 11.3 assists, 1.3 steals, 35.9 percent from three in his last 20 games) and Johnson, 22, has thrived in a starting role after John Collins was traded to the Utah Jazz.
Look for the Hawks to keep these two players off limits while everyone else is open for business. This doesn't have to be a rebuild, but rather just a shuffling of the roster around Young and Johnson.
Boston Celtics: Find a 'Big Wing'
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The Celtics will technically be buyers at the deadline, although with the NBA's best record (28-8) and a luxury-tax bill already projected for $39 million, don't expect to see any big moves being made.
Still, president of basketball operations Brad Stevens revealed the one position he'd like to add to his already talented group.
"I would like to continue to see how we can find another big wing or so that can help us, and I think that could be from within, and I also think that we'll continue to monitor free agency and trades," he told reporters. "But, again, the difference in this year and maybe other years is our tools are pretty limited from a dollars standpoint."
Boston owns a $6.2 million trade exception from the Grant Williams sign-and-trade deal with the Dallas Mavericks, although every dollar absorbed is going to ramp up the tax bill. The Celtics still own multiple first- and second-round picks to offer in a trade as well.
Brooklyn Nets: Be Open to Buying and Selling
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At 16-21, the Nets are in danger of even missing the play-in tournament in the East. There's no consolation prize at the bottom, either, as Brooklyn's 2024 first-rounder is unprotected and owed to the Houston Rockets.
The Nets need to do something at the deadline, either a win-now trade to chase the playoffs or sell off a few veterans to try to get back into the 2024 first round. Simply moving ahead with this roster is getting them nowhere.
Teams will certainly call about the asking price of wings like Dorian Finney-Smith and Royce O'Neale. and Lonnie Walker IV could provide an offensive spark off a contender's bench as well.
This is also a sneaky-good landing spot for a player like Pascal Siakam, someone who could be the centerpiece of the offense while allowing Mikal Bridges and Cam Thomas to play complementary roles once again.
Charlotte Hornets: Trade Terry Rozier While Stock Is High
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Hopes of the Hornets competing this season have been ravaged by injuries. The rest of Charlotte's 2023-24 campaign should be about racing toward the bottom for another top pick while adding some additional draft capital in the process.
There's also been no better time to test the market for Terry Rozier, as the veteran guard has been outstanding while stepping up in LaMelo Ball's absence.
Over his last 16 games, the 29-year-old is putting up 26.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 7.9 assists and 1.3 steals while turning the ball over just over twice per contest. He's also shooting 39.6 percent from three and 90.9 percent from the charity stripe.
While Rozier has been the lone bright spot on many a night in Charlotte this season, he will also turn 30 in March and no longer fits a timeline that features a 22-year-old Ball, 22-year-old Mark Williams or 21-year-old Brandon Miller.
Now is the time to trade Rozier, letting him join a contender while almost certainly collecting a first-rounder in the process.
Chicago Bulls: Don't Force a Zach LaVine Trade
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Despite climbing back into the East play-in tournament, the Bulls shouldn't make the mistake of becoming buyers at the trade deadline. This is a core that simply isn't going anywhere together, even with Zach LaVine returning from a foot injury.
While Chicago's first priority should be to get a return on DeMar DeRozan before he becomes a free agent this summer, there's no rush to trade LaVine if the right deal isn't out there.
As Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun Times wrote, "The market seemingly also wants LaVine to stay a Bull, as evidenced by the silence for his services so far. The Bulls might have to start preparing for a scenario in which he stays with the team through the end of the season and they revisit a trade this summer."
If Chicago doesn't get a quality pick or young player with All-Star upside, there's no reason to trade the 28-year-old now while his stock is low coming off an injury.
If DeRozan is moved and LaVine gets the ball more over the final few months of the season, we could see his scoring numbers pop once again.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Add Another Playmaker
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The Cleveland Cavaliers' point guard depth went from questionable to start the season to downright barren following Darius Garland's fractured jaw and Ricky Rubio's retirement announcement.
Ty Jerome is also still sidelined due to an ankle injury suffered in October with no timetable for his return.
All of this has led to a lot of point guard minutes for Donovan Mitchell. While capable of serving as both scorer and playmaker, the Cavs are 7.0 points per 100 possessions better with Mitchell at shooting guard instead of point guard this season, yet 58 percent of his court time has come as a floor general.
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has refused to give two-way guard Craig Porter Jr. a regular rotation role despite his strong play, pointing toward the Cavs turning to the trade market for some outside help.
Look for Cleveland to add another playmaker at the deadline and help take some of the burden off of Mitchell.
Dallas Mavericks: Explore Frontcourt Upgrades
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Perhaps no team has a more talented collection of guards than the Dallas Mavericks, a group headlined by Luka Dončić, Kyrie Irving and Tim Hardaway Jr. with some Seth Curry, Josh Green, Jaden Hardy and Dante Exum sprinkled in.
If this team wants to make a playoff run, though, the frontcourt could use some help.
Dallas ranks just 28th overall in rebounding this season even with rookie Dereck Lively II playing well. Grant Williams hasn't made enough of an impact, and Maxi Kleber continues to battle injuries.
All options should be considered here. Pascal Siakam is probably too expensive, although players such as Clint Capela, Jerami Grant, Isaiah Stewart, Dorian Finney-Smith and Kyle Kuzma could all be realistic options.
The Mavs need to be active at the deadline, especially with Dončić now just two years away from free agency.
Denver Nuggets: Find a Backup Center
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Denver probably doesn't need to do anything at the deadline in order to win another title.
This is still the best starting five in all of basketball (plus-19.4 net rating in 816 total possessions) that has the best player in the world. But depth is a slight concern, especially at the center position.
No player impacts winning right now more than Nikola Jokić. With the two-time MVP on the floor this season, the Nuggets are beating opponents by 328 total points. When he sits, Denver has gotten beat by 122.
No backup center is going to come in and completely turn this number around, but finding an upgrade over DeAndre Jordan or Zeke Nnaji who can stop the bleeding a bit would be nice.
Much like last year when they traded for Thomas Bryant at the deadline, the Nuggets should explore the market for one more quality big.
Detroit Pistons: Balance Out the Roster
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The Detroit Pistons, as you may have heard, aren't having the best of seasons.
The trade deadline offers a glimmer of hope, though, whether they pick up some additional draft picks or actually look to become a buyer as they "keep signaling to opposing executives," according to Yahoo's Jake Fischer.
No matter what the Pistons do, this is a roster in desperate need of better balance and more shooting.
Jalen Duren should be the only untouchable big here, a group that also includes Isaiah Stewart, Marvin Bagley III and James Wiseman. Swapping one of the latter three for a guard or wing who can knock down threes would make a big impact on the team's rotation overall.
For a team that ranks dead-last in made threes per game (10.4) and is 28th in accuracy (34.4 percent), balancing out the roster should improve these numbers.
Golden State Warriors: Keep Jonathan Kuminga
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If Golden State wants to chase Pascal Siakam or another star at the deadline, offering third-year forward Jonathan Kuminga in a trade is the best way to get there.
However, despite the 21-year-old being a key trade piece and his reported lack of trust in head coach Steve Kerr, don't expect the Warriors to actually trade him just yet.
"There are higher ups in this organization who are infatuated with Kuminga and are not ready to part with him," ESPN's Kendra Andrews told The Lowe Post.
The Warriors clearly need more help. With Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins struggling this season, Chris Paul now out following hand surgery and Kuminga, Moses Moody and others not contributing at a championship-quality level yet, Golden State could realistically miss the playoffs this season.
Whether it's the right thing to do or not, expect Kuminga to stay out of all deadline trades.
Houston Rockets: Prioritize Internal Growth over Splashy Trade
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Following a summer when the Rockets remade the roster by adding veterans such as Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks and Jeff Green while picking up Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore in the draft, expect the trade deadline to be far more tranquil in Houston.
The Rockets have already nearly matched their win total from last season, beginning this year 18-18 overall while staying within just a few games of the top six seeds in the West.
"We think there's a lot of room for improvement just in the guys we have playing better and getting better. So by no means, this year at least, are we aggressively hunting a particular deal or series of deals," Houston general manager Rafael Stone told The Athletic's Kelly Iko.
This is probably for the best as players such as Alperen Şengün, Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. adjust to their new roles on a winning basketball team. This should be a year of evaluation, growth and added competitiveness for a Rockets squad very much on the rise.
Should a star become available this summer, Houston will be at the top of the hunters list with its young talent and draft picks.
Indiana Pacers: Add Defensive Help
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The NBA's best offensive team this season (122.3 rating), the Pacers should cement themselves as a playoff lock if they can add some defensive help at the deadline.
Indiana ranks just 26th overall defensively, even behind the 6-30 San Antonio Spurs. Trying to outscore opponents 127-125 every night is far easier during the regular season, although at some point a team has to be able to get stops, especially in the playoffs. So far, we have no proof this group can actually do that.
Getting a power forward like Pascal Siakam or Jerami Grant would make a big difference. Indiana could also check on the asking price of Marcus Smart with the Memphis Grizzlies' season looking lost.
This team has draft picks and young talent to trade. Using some of it to improve defensively needs to be the goal.
Los Angeles Clippers: Find One More Rotation Piece
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The Clippers have been the NBA's hottest team since the beginning of December, going 16-3 overall.
The combination of healthy stars, James Harden's playmaking and some efficient offense had led to a rise in the standings for Los Angeles, with few weaknesses showing themselves thus far.
Now that the dust has settled from the Harden trade, though, some work can be done around the margins.
The Clippers should look to consolidate some of the lesser-used players into one more rotation piece, combining the contract of P.J. Tucker with the upside of someone like Bones Hyland.
Already with a group that could go eight or nine deep in the playoffs, adding one more insurance piece is always a good idea for this group.
Los Angeles Lakers: Avoid Any Blockbuster Moves
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The Lakers saved their season at the 2023 trade deadline by flipping Russell Westbrook and a future first-round pick for more depth and shooting overall.
This year, don't expect quite as much excitement out of Los Angeles, even with holes on the roster to fill.
"The Lakers don't want to have to make a big move, they prefer to retain their depth and the one last first-rounder they're allowed to trade. They sure don't want to trade (Austin) Reaves and his good contract or trade three players for one like they did with Westbrook," ESPN's Brian Windhorst said.
This would seemingly rule out a Zach LaVine or DeMar DeRozan trade, although a role player like Alex Caruso who can shoot and defend is still very much on the table.
With an 19-19 start to the season even with LeBron James and Anthony Davis mostly healthy, the Lakers will have to make some sort of improvement at the deadline, however.
Memphis Grizzlies: Start Planning for Next Year
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With Ja Morant now out for the season following shoulder surgery, there's probably a slight temptation to sell off some veterans and prioritize a high draft pick in 2024.
This core is still mostly under contract, though, and could again be at the top of the West next season with a healthy Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart, Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke.
While keeping these players off limits at the deadline, Memphis should be open for business with the rest of the roster, with an eye on future finances as well.
"With Bane's extension set to kick in next season, the Grizzlies will be a luxury tax and first apron team if they keep (Luke) Kennard, who has a $14.8 million team option for next season," ESPN's Bobby Marks wrote. "The easy solution to duck under the tax would be to decline the option. Injuries have limited Kennard to 13 games this season, but he could still have value in a trade, since teams looking to acquire him have no future obligation beyond this season."
The Grizzlies could look to trade Kennard to a team needing three-point shooting, with the idea of getting an expiring contract and draft pick back in return.
Miami Heat: Chase a Point Guard Upgrade
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Kyle Lowry will be 38 before the 2024 playoffs begin and is currently averaging his fewest points (9.2) and assists (4.0) per game since the 2008-09 season.
While he can still be a useful rotation member on a playoff team, asking him to be a starter and play nearly 30 minutes per night is a bit much.
Miami doesn't have to make some all-in trade to find an upgrade, either.
Tyus Jones of the Washington Wizards, Terry Rozier of the Charlotte Hornets or Malcolm Brogdon of the Portland Trail Blazers should all come at a reasonable price, allowing the Heat to keep Tyler Herro on the roster as well.
This is still a team everyone in the East will fear come playoff time whether it makes a move or not. Finding one more ball-handler to help take pressure off of Lowry would be ideal, though.
Milwaukee Bucks: Trade For a Point-of-Attack Defender
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Milwaukee isn't good enough defensively to win a title right now and is limited in what it can trade to help improve that side of the ball.
The Bucks rank just 22nd overall defensively this season (116.3 rating), the worst mark of any current projected playoff team bar the Indiana Pacers.
Finding someone who can stop dribble penetration is a must, a player à la Marcus Smart, Alex Caruso or Matisse Thybulle.
Milwaukee can offer the Portland Trail Blazers' 2024 second-round pick, which shouldn't fall that far from the end of the first round.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Add One More Ball-Handler
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Don't expect any big moves out of Minnesota, a team with no first-round picks left to trade and no major needs following a 26-11 start to the season.
Still, with Mike Conley Jr. now 36 and playing nearly 30 minutes a night, finding one more ball-handler who can take some pressure off of the veteran guard and keep him fresh for the playoffs would be ideal.
The Wolves also rank 28th overall this season in turnover percentage (15.6 percent), only besting that of the Detroit Pistons and Utah Jazz.
New Orleans Pelicans: Dump Kira Lewis Jr. for Luxury-Tax Relief
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The Pelicans continue to win games despite possessing a core of Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and C.J. McCollum that still hasn't fully meshed (minus-0.3 net rating in 645 possessions together).
New Orleans shouldn't make any drastic moves just yet, and it will likely be more concerned with ducking the luxury tax instead.
Sitting $2.9 million over the line, the easiest way to avoid the tax is to move off of Kira Lewis Jr.'s expiring $5.7 million deal. The 22-year-old is averaging just 9.7 minutes in his 14 games this season and has recently spent time in the G League.
Don't expect any major moves from the Pels, which should be more interested in shedding payroll instead.
New York Knicks: Find an Immanuel Quickley Replacement
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The OG Anunoby trade looks like a home run for the Knicks thus far, as New York is a perfect 5-0 since trading for its new starting small forward.
If there's a downside to the deal, it's the backup point guard position, a spot previously manned by Immanuel Quickley.
The Knicks still have draft picks to trade and can use Evan Fournier's $18.9 million expiring contract as a salary-matcher. This would line up similarly to players such as Tyus Jones, Malcolm Brogdon and Jordan Clarkson.
With news that Mitchell Robinson could now return from ankle surgery before the end of the regular season, New York needs to be extremely aggressive in hopes of going on a long playoff run.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Move On to Lunch
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Before the 2023-24 season began, Thunder executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti preached patience for his young team, one predicted by many to make a major leap this year.
"I'm not trying to dismiss everyone's excitement, but we're not a .500 team. We have to finish our breakfast before we start acting like we're on the cusp of something," Presti told reporters in November.
Following a 25-11 start to the season and a real chance to finish as the No. 1 overall seed in the West, it's time to move on to lunch.
OKC doesn't need to chase superstars or do anything to kill its future financial flexibility, but this team has proved it can win now and should be buyers at the deadline.
No one thought the previous budding dynasty in Oklahoma City of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden would end so abruptly. The championship window for the Thunder is already open, and they need to be more aggressive to take advantage of this time.
Orlando Magic: Decide If Wendell Carter Jr. Is Still Part of Core
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Wendell Carter Jr. looked like Orlando's franchise center as recently as last season, but injuries and the strong play of Goga Bitadze has put his future with the Magic in doubt.
NBA insider Marc Stein even lists Carter as a "player to monitor" before the deadline.
The 24-year-old is only averaging 8.1 points and 6.4 rebounds in his 13 games, although he has improved his three-point shooting (40.6 percent). He has an extremely team-friendly contract with just over $22 million owed to him over the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons.
There's no reason to trade Carter yet, but Orlando should at least listen to offers.
Philadelphia 76ers: Be Aggressive Buyers While Keeping Cap-Space Flexibility
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Never one to stand pat at the trade deadline, president of basketball operations Daryl Morey is certainly going to do something to improve his 76ers.
"The only contender I can confidently forecast will be aggressive is Philly—it can make multiple deals," ESPN's Brian Windhorst wrote.
The Sixers have to be careful not to mess with a good thing, though, as the starting five of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris, De'Anthony Melton and Nic Batum is already one of the best in all of basketball (plus-33.3 net rating in 467 total possessions).
Keeping cap space open for this summer should be a priority too, as Philly can open up over $40 million in space and offer the chance to compete for a title to a talented free-agent class.
The Sixers need to be both aggressive and smart when it comes to the deadline.
Phoenix Suns: Find Best Player Available, Create Roster Spot for Buyout Market
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The Suns have already gone "all-in" and, for the most part, have to lean on internal improvement and reps between their three stars.
Any and all upgrades around the margins should be considered, as this team has a lot of wants, if not needs.
As Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley wrote, "The shopping list is extensive, as Phoenix could use a defense-first big, a two-way wing and, perhaps most pressing of all, a table-setting point guard. The challenge, of course, is scratching any of those itches with limited assets available."
The Suns should actually consider selling at the deadline, offloading one of their lesser-used players in order to open up a roster spot in hopes of signing a veteran off the buyout market.
Portland Trail Blazers: Trade Malcolm Brogdon, Stay Patient with Jerami Grant
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It's officially become Scoot Henderson time in Portland, as the rookie point guard has been much better recently (15.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 7.1 assists, 42.9 percent from three over his last eight games).
Veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon has been moved to the bench, seeing a sharp decline in playing time as of late. It's time both parties move on.
Brogdon would be the ideal starter or sixth man off a contender's bench, whether that be with the New York Knicks, Miami Heat or Philadelphia 76ers or another title-chasing team.
With Jerami Grant just starting a five-year deal, Portland can remain patient. If the right offer comes along, great. If not, he's still a valuable veteran presence the Blazers can keep fielding offers for until they find one to their liking.
Sacramento Kings: Look for Upgrades While Keeping Keegan Murray
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Sacramento has been thrown around as a landing spot for many of the top stars on the market, a list that includes Pascal Siakam, Zach LaVine and formerly OG Anunoby.
No matter who the Kings chase at the deadline, it appears they are refusing to give up second-year forward Keegan Murray.
"Everything I've heard from inside the walls is they have no interest in trading Murray. The Kings believe him to be a star in the making," Kings beat reporter James Ham told the HoopsHype podcast.
Murray, 23, is averaging 15.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.2 steals and shooting 37.0 percent from three this season. His game resembles more of a solid starter than future star, however, at least in this offense where he's the third or fourth option on any given night. Not parting with him almost certainly means not getting a star back in any trade, either.
Look for Sacramento to use Davion Mitchell and draft picks in offers instead of Murray, exploring upgrades while still keeping this core intact.
San Antonio Spurs: Speed Up the Rebuild
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Teams with 6-30 records and in last place in their conference don't typically buy at the trade deadline, although these Spurs aren't in a typical spot.
Gregg Popovich will turn 75 at the end of the month and deserves to have enough veteran talent to win with. San Antonio already has its franchise building block in Victor Wembanyama and plenty of medium-to-high upside talents around him.
With cap space coming and plenty of future first-rounders ready to trade, the Spurs can speed up the rebuild at any time.
Shams Charania told Run It Back that San Antonio has already registered "exploratory interest" in former point guard Dejounte Murray, who it traded to the Atlanta Hawks in 2022.
Getting an All-Star-caliber point guard to jump-start this offense and create more easy opportunities for Wembanyama should be a priority.
Having nearly guaranteed a top pick in the 2024 draft already, the Spurs shouldn't be afraid to buy.
Toronto Raptors: Explore Pascal Siakam Trades
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Whether or not the Raptors actually end up trading Pascal Siakam, there's no doubt that the front office should be burning through their phone batteries trying to find the best offers.
This is a franchise that seems more likely to build around Scottie Barnes moving forward, especially with a younger core that now features Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett.
While ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported there was "no traction" on a Siakam trade at the time of the OG Anunoby deal, he did note Toronto was going to continue to explore trades for the All-Star forward.
If no good return package is out there, keeping the 29-year-old is a real option as well. He seems to enjoy Toronto and has enjoyed seven-plus years there with no sign of asking out.
If a trade package doesn't include multiple first-round picks or at least one prospect with real All-Star upside, Siakam should probably just stay with the Raptors.
Utah Jazz: Keep Lauri Markkanen, Explore Trades for John Collins
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A 19-20 start to the season means Utah could technically be buyers or sellers at the deadline (it should be the latter), with decisions to be made on a number of players.
Of course, Lauri Markkanen is the name that would fetch the biggest offer from opposing teams. Given that the 26-year-old All-Star seems perfectly happy in Utah, is under contract next season and has become the face of the franchise, there's no reason to even discuss his name in trade talks.
John Collins is a different story, though.
"League sources say that one definite in Salt Lake City is that the Jazz have continued to explore trade options for offseason acquisition John Collins," NBA insider Marc Stein wrote.
The Jazz are getting killed with Collins on the floor (minus-16.2 swing rating, 3rd percentile overall, per Cleaning the Glass) and should already be looking to move on.
Washington Wizards: Field Offers for Kyle Kuzma
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There's a number of veterans who may not make it past the trade deadline in Washington, a list that will likely include Tyus Jones, Delon Wright, Mike Muscala, Danilo Gallinari and others.
One player on the bubble? Kyle Kuzma. The veteran forward is in the first season of a four-year contract but should be sought after by contenders needing a scoring boost.
"Kyle Kuzma is a player that other teams around the league are certainly monitoring. Given where Washington is in rebuilding, there are teams out there that certainly think that they would move him," HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported.
Kuzma is on a team-friendly deal that drops in value over the next three years, ending with an extremely reasonable $19.4 million in 2026-27. He's averaging a career-high 22.2 points per game for the 6-31 Wizards this season.
Washington should at least take calls on Kuzma and see what offers come in before making a final decision on the 28-year-old.
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