NBA Trade Block Big Board: 1 Trade Idea for Top 10 Targets
The NBA trade market is evolving.
The top of our trade block big board is changing considerably because of that.
Since the last time we completed this exercise, three of the top trade candidates have been taken off the list. Pascal Siakam (No. 4) has been dealt to the Indiana Pacers, and Donovan Mitchell (No. 1) and Lauri Markkanen (No. 2) are effectively off the market.
Per The Athletic's Sam Vecenie, the Cleveland Cavaliers "are planning to ride out this season" with Mitchell, while Markkanen's trade price "is so high" that he's essentially untouchable.
Trade stances are, of course, always subject to change, so maybe one or both of Mitchell and Markkanen will make it back on this list before the Feb. 8 trade deadline arrives.
For now, though, those players are out of the equation, so let's focus on the top 10 candidates—subjectively ranked by talent, ease of fit and projected trade value—who still appear up for grabs.
10. Bojan Bogdanović, Detroit Pistons
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The Buzz
Bojan Bogdanović looms as one of the most logical trade candidates in the entire league—to everyone other than the Pistons, apparently.
Their separation seems obvious, since they're a rebuilding bottom-feeder, and he's a plug-and-play 34-year-old with minimal money owed to him past this season, yet it still isn't certain Detroit will take that route.
NBA insider Marc Stein relayed that Bogdanović's future is a "matter of debate" around the league, as the Pistons may hold onto to the scoring swingman in hopes of avoiding a record-setting loss total.
Potential embarrassment is rough, but not cashing in this valuable trade chip would be far more damaging to the franchise moving forward.
The Trade
Bogdanović to the Houston Rockets for Victor Oladipo, Jock Landale, a 2024 first-round pick (via BRK), a 2024 second-round pick (protected for picks 56-59, via GSW) and a 2025 second-round pick
If the Rockets seek further acceleration of their rebuild, then they have to find ways of upgrading their 21st-ranked offense. Upping their three-point volume (22nd in makes) and accuracy (24th in percentage) is the simplest way to go about that, and Bogdanović—a current supplier of 3.0 triples on 40.8 percent shooting—would do a lot to scratch that itch.
The incoming players would have no value to the Pistons beyond making the money work, but they could still pounce on this package for the picks.
Turning a 34-year-old non-star into three draft selections—one an unprotected first from a team hovering around the play-in tournament—sure feels like too great of an opportunity to overlook.
9. Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets
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The Buzz
With another likely lottery trip staring them in the face, the Charlotte Hornets have wisely decided to prioritize the future over the present.
They have "indicated that they will be more active this deadline," per Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer, who added that Charlotte's only untouchables are LaMelo Ball, Mark Williams and rookie Brandon Miller.
The timing couldn't be better to move Rozier, who has turned his age-29 season into a career campaign. He's not only posting personal-bests of 24 points and 6.7 assists per outing, but he's also hitting career-high shooting marks from the field (46.1 percent) and the foul line (87.5).
The Trade
Rozier to the Miami Heat for Kyle Lowry, a 2027 first-round pick (top-four protected) and a 2026 second-round pick (via LAL)
Rozier has a "known preference" to join the Heat, per Fischer, and he wouldn't be the worst option to fill the perimeter shot-creator role they've long seemed determined to address.
Granted, he would function more as a third or fourth option in Miami, but he could still post decent complementary volume with perhaps more efficiency, and his points total could erupt on nights when Jimmy Butler defers or Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro can't find it.
While Rozier's contract has two more seasons left (his 2025-26 is technically a partial guarantee), Lowry's is up at season's end, which would grant Charlotte the kind of flexibility any long-term rebuilder should have.
The picks are the obvious prize, though. The first-rounder could arrive later than this, as Miami owes a 2025 first with lottery protection to the Oklahoma City Thunder, but that might increase its value, as 34-year-old Butler could be deep into his decline—or off the roster—by then.
8. Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls
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The Buzz
Both Zach LaVine and the Bulls seem open to a split, but it's still tough to tell whether one will come to fruition.
While Chicago "is focused on trying to unload LaVine," per Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, his list of possible landing spots might be nonexistent.
The offensively limited Los Angeles Lakers felt an obvious suitor for the former UCLA Bruin (and current Klutch Sports client), but that union is "not happening," per ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
LaVine might pack a mighty scoring punch (23-plus points per night each of the past five seasons), but teams may not be willing to overlook his injury history or lack of team success, let alone stomach the remainder of his colossal contract (three years and $138 million left after this season).
The Trade
LaVine to the Orlando Magic for Markelle Fultz, Gary Harris, Chuma Okeke, Jett Howard and a 2025 first-round pick (top-five protected, via DEN)
The Magic have sputtered of late (6-12 over their last 18 outings), and their 23rd-ranked offense (27th in this stretch) is a big reason why.
If this trade market has a quick fix, it's LaVine. He has his shortcomings, but he's a legitimate net-shredder who can create shots for himself and his teammates. He might be the offensive jolt this group needs to give its young core some helpful playoff experience.
If the Bulls could somehow make a four-for-one swap work, this might be the best they could hope to get out of a LaVine trade.
Fultz might fill the two-way playmaking void left by the injured Lonzo Ball, Harris could be a three-and-D option at guard, and Okeke could serve as an all-purpose stopper. In the long term, Chicago would also pocket a first-round pick and a recent lottery selection (Howard, last summer's No. 11 pick).
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7. Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers
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The Buzz
The Damian Lillard-less, rebuilding Portland Trail Blazers should, arguably, be marketing all of their remaining veterans in search of future-focused assets this trade season.
If they aren't that active, though, rival executives think Malcolm Brogdon is more likely to be moved than Jerami Grant because "he's considered less expensive to acquire," per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Brogdon's numbers don't jump off the page (14.8 points and 5.1 assists), plus he's a 31-year-old with a history of various ailments. He should not cost a premium.
Saying that, he offers playoff experience, fits on or off the ball and adds value on both ends of the floor, so he isn't someone Portland would just give away, either.
The Trade
Brogdon to the Chicago Bulls for Lonzo Ball, Julian Phillips and a 2024 first-round pick (lottery-protected, via POR)
The Bulls aren't "looking to ship out multiple veterans and enter into a full-fledged rebuild," according to NBA insider Marc Stein, and "have not completely ruled out using Lonzo Ball's insurance-covered contract in a trade to add talent."
Brogdon could be a veteran connector in Chicago, and his versatility should allow him to fit with anyone.
The Blazers could see this as a cost-cutting opportunity by, as Stein put it, "inheriting the Bulls' insurance payments." They would also regain control of this first—which is lottery-protected into oblivion—and gain a close-up view of Phillips' tremendous physical tools.
6. Quentin Grimes, New York Knicks
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The Buzz
Quentin Grimes held building-block status for the New York Knicks in the not-so-distant past, but he lost his starting gig in early December and now could be out of the franchise's future plans entirely.
The Knicks are "actively fielding offers" for the 2021 first-rounder, per The Athletic's Fred Katz.
It's been a strange season for Grimes, whose average floor time is down more than 10 minutes from 2022-23, but he could still generate significant interest.
He fits the coveted three-and-D archetype as a willing stopper with a 38.6 percent career three-point splash rate, he's only 23 years old, and his rookie contract won't expire until after next season.
The Trade
Grimes, Evan Fournier and a 2024 first-round pick (top-12 protected) to the Toronto Raptors for Bruce Brown
The Knicks have "some internal interest" in Brown, per SNY's Ian Begley, and might view the versatile swingman as a way to strengthen their defense, up their playmaking options when Jalen Brunson is out and perhaps grease the gears of a bigger trade down the road.
Brown's $23 million team option for next season could be a helpful money-matcher if New York goes star-searching this summer.
While the Raptors just acquired Brown in the Pascal Siakam deal, they are in the process of resetting the roster around Scottie Barnes (hence, the three first-round picks that came along with Brown).
They may not see much of a future with the 27-year-old and could see this swap as a way to gain another pick (with protection that eventually lowers to top-eight) and get younger and cheaper on the wings with Grimes, a seamless-on-paper fit with Barnes.
Fournier would make the money work, and the Raptors could move on from this offseason, as his $19 million salary for next season is a team option.
5. Bogdan Bogdanović, Atlanta Hawks
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The Buzz
The Hawks could be headed toward a huge overhaul at the deadline.
Back-to-back first-round exits and a sluggish start to this season have seemingly torpedoed the front office's faith in this core. As Atlanta works the phone lines, it's only made Trae Young and Jalen Johnson off-limits, according to John Hollinger of The Athletic.
Bogdan Bogdanović should feature firmly on the radar for anyone hunting for offense, shooting or secondary creation this trade season.
The 31-year-old is netting a career-high 16.8 points per tilt, owns a 38.5 three-point percentage for his career and has a history of delivering in major moments, whether that's the NBA playoffs or the FIBA World Cup.
The Trade
Bogdanović to the Philadelphia 76ers for Robert Covington, Furkan Korkmaz, Jaden Springer, a 2026 first-round pick (via OKC, HOU or LAC) and a 2024 second-round pick (via NYK)
If the Sixers are focused on present upgrades, they won't find many better fits than Bogdanović. He's a reliable sharpshooter with the kind of secondary playmaking chops to help keep things moving when Tyrese Maxey needs a breather.
This would cut into Philly's cap space moving forward, and the Serb doesn't have the cleanest injury history, but he's an impact talent who shouldn't cost a fortune in a trade.
If the Hawks view this trade season as their chance to reset, this package offers a ton of tools to help with that. Covington and Korkmaz are both on expiring contracts, so they'd help increase financial flexibility. Springer has a year left on his rookie pact, but maybe he's someone Atlanta would want to keep.
Finally, the incoming picks could be kept and developed or flipped in future trades once the Hawks are ready to build things back up.
4. Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls
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The Buzz
All signs continue to point toward Alex Caruso staying in the Windy City, but it's still hard to fathom why.
That isn't at all intended as a slight toward the 29-year-old, who is an elite perimeter stopper with connecting skills on offense and one of the best non-rookie contracts in the league. It's just that his high-end role-player archetype would mean so much more to a title contender than a play-in hopeful like Chicago.
Win-now teams would part with real assets to get Caruso, yet the Bulls have made him "almost untouchable," per Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times.
The Trade
Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Aleksej Pokuševski, Tre Mann and two 2024 first-round picks (top-four protected, via HOU; top-10 protected, via UTA)
The Thunder don't seem anxious to make a major move, due in no small part to the future costs attached to this young core.
Well, those wouldn't be a worry with Caruso, since he'll cost less than $10 million both this season and next. He could add another dynamic element to this defensive backcourt, and he'd have no trouble finding an offensive fit as an unselfish glue guy.
If the Bulls let go of Caruso, that would almost certainly be part of a larger teardown of this team. So, their incoming package should be geared toward the future, and this absolutely is.
Even if they have no plans for Pokuševski, who's hardly played this season, they could be drawn to Mann's shot-making. Plus, both incoming draft picks would have a non-zero chance of landing in the late lottery.
3. DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls
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The Buzz
While the Chicago Bulls don't seem to talking much about a DeMar DeRozan deal lately, there's enough external speculation about a deal for the veteran scorer to offer his deadline thoughts.
"I don't sit up here refreshing my apps in the morning to see what's what, rumors or anything," he told reporters. "Should we, shouldn't we ... it's a tough question for me because being in the league so long, I can really be at a point where that [expletive] doesn't bother me."
If Chicago opts for any selling this trade season, DeRozan could be on the way out. If the Bulls are looking ahead, they'll almost certainly be moving forward without the 34-year-old who is months away from unrestricted free agency.
The Trade
DeRozan and Jevon Carter to the Golden State Warriors for Chris Paul, Moses Moody, a 2026 first-round pick (top-three protected), a 2026 second-round pick (via ATL) and a 2028 second-round pick (via ATL)
The Warriors have to find a way to alleviate the offensive burden on Stephen Curry, who has a 41.4/33.8/89.5 since the calendar flipped to 2024.
DeRozan is capable of creating something out of nothing, and he's a sound enough passer and processor to keep things moving in this free-flowing offense. Carter could soak up the backup point guard minutes and provide 94 feet of tenacious defense.
If the Bulls are fans of Moody, a 21-year-old who's shown flashes of high-end three-and-D abilities, they could be fans of this package. All three incoming picks would be provided by teams with uncertain futures. Paul's purpose, though, would be nothing more than making the money work.
2. Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards
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The Buzz
The pool of trade candidates is emptying, and it wasn't very deep to begin with. That allows someone like Kyle Kuzma to emerge as a relative difference-maker, and it could allow the Wizards to cash in on his rising stock.
Washington has a high price attached to the scoring forward for now. It not only wants multiple first-round picks, it's specifically seeking "future first-round picks beyond the 2024 draft with the potential to become lottery picks," per HoopsHype's Michael Scotto.
That might be too ambitious even in this market, but if teams want an impact addition, Kuzma may be one of the only available options.
The Trade
Kuzma to the Sacramento Kings for Harrison Barnes, Davion Mitchell, Colby Jones, a 2026 first-round pick (top-10 protected) and a 2028 first-round pick (top-four protected)
Kuzma has been on Sacramento's radar for ages, and this might be the perfect time to get him.
The Kings need more help at the wing spots if they're going to build off last season's first-round cameo, and the 28-year-old can offer plenty of support as a scorer, secondary creator, capable shooter and willing defender.
Kuzma's salary also declines each season, leaving Sacramento enough flexibility to cover Domantas Sabonis' pay raise and down-the-line deals for De'Aaron Fox and Keegan Murray.
While the Wizards don't need to deal Kuzma now—he'll be infinitely movable on this contract—this might incentivize them to act.
This package would scratch their itch for a pair of future firsts with lottery potential, plus Washington could take a shot at developing Mitchell and Jones. Barnes would merely match the money for now, but maybe he'd be movable down the road if his production ever perked back up.
1. Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks
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The Buzz
The Atlanta Hawks might orchestrate the closest thing we saw to a fire-sale this trade season.
While this team needs a lot, what it needs more than anything is to maximize Dejounte Murray's value. He's a 27-year-old with an All-Star selection and an All-Defensive honor on his resume. In this trade market, he's as good as it gets.
Atlanta hopes to squeeze everything it can out of a Murray swap and is angling for a pair of first-round picks, according to The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor.
The Hawks are also hoping to avoid adding any salary beyond this season, per HoopsHype's Michael Scotto.
Atlanta is right to treat Murray as a premium asset. His three-ball has never looked better; his versatility makes a triple-double candidate any given night; and when he's dialed-in, his defense is terrific.
The Trade
Murray to the Brooklyn Nets for Spencer Dinwiddie, a 2027 first-round pick (top-eight protected, via PHI) and a 2028 first-round pick (top-three protected)
If the Nets are trying to win with Mikal Bridges, their window to do so is right now.
Their talent base needs some expanding, and a Murray trade would achieve that. The last time he had control of an offense (on the 2021-22 San Antonio Spurs), he averaged 21.1 points, 9.2 assists (against 2.6 turnovers), 8.3 rebounds and a league-leading 2.0 steals.
Brooklyn has been linked to the 2022 All-Star, per Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer, and previously discussed a deal involving Spencer Dinwiddie, per SNY's Ian Begley. This theoretical swap could have legs.
The Hawks would be worse for now after this deal, but the hope is they'd be much better prepared for the future. Dinwiddie's contract is up after this campaign, so they'd quickly gain financial flexibility. They'd also have their wish for a pair of first-round picks granted, and neither selection would be heavily protected.
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