NBA Trade Block Big Board: New Deals and Bonus Landing Spots for Top Targets
NBA teams often go down to the wire with their trade-deadline deals.
That maybe won't be the case this season. It hasn't been so far, at least.
We've already seen three win-now shoppers pick up plug-and-play starters—the New York Knicks (OG Anunoby), the Indiana Pacers (Pascal Siakam) and the Miami Heat (Terry Rozier)—while the Toronto Raptors and Charlotte Hornets have conveyed (and acted upon) a willingness to sell.
This big board continues to evolve, as two top-10 players from our last installment have since been subtracted. One, Rozier, was already traded. The other, Alex Caruso, appears close to untouchable, with the Chicago Bulls indicating it would take "multiple first-round picks to even consider parting with Caruso...if Chicago even truly considers moving him at all," per Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer.
Enough about the players you won't find here. Let's dig into our updated top 10 and find fresh homes for every player involved.
10. Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls
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The Buzz
Zach LaVine's trade value was tanked even before his latest bout with the injury bug, this one a right ankle sprain. Time and again, this market has shown it cares more about his injury history, bloated contract and lack of team success than it does his offensive numbers and past All-Star selections.
The offense-starved Los Angeles Lakers appeared to be LaVine's most logical suitor, but even they don't consider him "an option at this point," per ESPN's Dave McMenamin. Chicago was also rebuffed in an attempt to send LaVine to the Detroit Pistons for "Bojan Bogdanović and one of Detroit's blue-chippers," per The Athletic's James L. Edwards III.
LaVine's dwindling list of landing spots has led to an "increasing expectation" he'll stay put at the deadline, per Action Network's Matt Moore. This seemingly overdue divorce may not come before this offseason at the earliest.
The Trade
Zach LaVine to the Golden State Warriors for Chris Paul, Moses Moody, Cory Joseph and two second-round picks (2026 and 2028, both via ATL)
Golden State's seasonlong search for a secondary scorer and shot-creator has so far come up empty, and it's possible the Dubs get desperate enough to give the gig to LaVine. He has his flaws, but offensive production isn't one of them. Entering this season, he was on a four-year run of averaging better than 24.0 points, 5.0 assists and 2.5 triples.
If Chicago winds up moving LaVine, this is about as much as it should expect to extract. The primary motivation would be financial relief, as Paul's $30 million salary for next season is non-guaranteed, and Joseph is owed nothing past the current campaign. The Bulls would also pick up a decent three-and-D prospect plus two future seconds from a franchise with plenty of uncertainty ahead.
Alternate Landing Spot: Brooklyn Nets
The Nets have a glaring need for scoring and shot-creation, and a healthy LaVine is one of the best suppliers of both that this trade market has to offer. He shouldn't cost much in an exchange given his many red flags, and his production would almost certainly trump that of whichever players Brooklyn sent out to get him. He wouldn't make the Nets contenders, but they should be more competitive, and that's a fine aim for this club since its first-round pick is headed to the Houston Rockets anyway.
9. Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers
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The Buzz
Jerami Grant has bounced around the back end of these rankings a few times, as contenders would be drawn to his defensive versatility and volume scoring if not for the five-year, $160 million pact he signed this summer. There aren't a slew of win-now shoppers capable of taking on that deal, and the list of those willing to do so might be microscopic.
Clubs could see that contract as a reason for sending low-ball offers in Portland's direction, but those probably wouldn't get a deal done. Even though he looks out of place as a high-paid 29-year-old on this rebuilding roster, the Blazers are reportedly "resistant to the notion" of letting him go, per NBA insider Marc Stein.
The Trade
Jerami Grant and Matisse Thybulle to the Sacramento Kings for Kevin Huerter, Harrison Barnes, Davion Mitchell, a 2026 first-round pick (top-five protected) and a 2025 second-round pick (via POR)
The Kings have been on the hunt for upgrades and have made these three players available in trade talks, per Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. They have to improve their 17th-ranked defense to compete at a high level, and this deal would deliver a pair of disruptive stoppers. Grant could also settle into Sacramento's No. 3 scoring role before eventually sliding down a spot once Keegan Murray is ready for that challenge.
If the Blazers could get out of Grant's contract while also gaining a lightly protected future first, that's already a win. In addition, though, Portland would regain control of its 2025 second-rounder, take on a developmental project with Mitchell (a relentless defender still looking for his offensive niche) and add a 25-year-old spacer in Huerter. Barnes would mainly make the money work, but he'd be hopefully movable down the line as a three-and-D forward with championship experience.
Alternate Landing Spot: Dallas Mavericks
Any forward with size who plays both ends will catch Dallas' attention, and Grant's big contract should keep him at a trade price the Mavs can afford. They have "kept tabs" on Grant, per HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, and if Grant bought into being a third option who gives his all defensively, he'd be fantastic complement to Dallas' star guards.
8. Bojan Bogdanović, Detroit Pistons
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The Buzz
Those scouring the market for supplemental scoring and on-point perimeter shooting should note the price tag on Bojan Bogdanović could be on the way up. The veteran forward has twice popped for 30-plus points during the new year, pushing his January averages to 20.9 points and 3.5 threes per game to go along with his sizzling 48.1/47.9/75.9 slash line.
Plus, the Pistons don't view the combination of their record (a grotesque 5-39) or his age (34) as a reason to rush into a trade. Though they "may be more willing" to give him up than they were a year ago, per The Athletic's James L. Edwards III, they aren't "actively shopping" him and could delay any potential trade until this summer.
The Trade
Bojan Bogdanović, Alec Burks, James Wiseman and a 2024 second-round pick (via MEM or WAS) to the Chicago Bulls for Zach LaVine
If the Bulls and Pistons have discussed LaVine deals already, there should be a way to get something done. Chicago needs more scoring and shooting, and Bogdanović checks both boxes. The Bulls would also get a reliable three-and-D wing with Burks, an early second-round pick and a few months to see whether Wiseman could add anything to this frontcourt.
All of the Pistons' most important players are on rookie deals, so they might be flexible enough to add LaVine without bogging down their books too much. Short-term, he'd hopefully power up their 26th-ranked offense enough to help them avoid any more historic marks of futility. Long-term, he'd pack a powerful scoring punch and help spread the floor to give Detroit's young core more room to operate.
Alternate Landing Spot: Orlando Magic
Orlando is in position to buy this at the deadline, and if takes advantage of that, it will surely seek someone who can shoot and score consistently. Bogdanović delivers on both fronts, and the fact he's 34 years old might keep his trade cost more reasonable than it would be for a younger player matching his levels of volume and efficiency.
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7. Quentin Grimes, New York Knicks
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The Buzz
Considering the Anunoby deal cost the Knicks both RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, Quentin Grimes may have reasonably hoped his role would finally expand within this less crowded perimeter rotation. Yet, his minutes have actually fallen since the swap (from 20.7 to 18), making it increasingly likely he'll be donning a different jersey after the deadline.
The Knicks are reportedly "actively fielding offers" for Grimes, per The Athletic's Fred Katz, and teams like the Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies are among those who've already expressed interest, per SNY's Ian Begley.
Grimes isn't having a great year, but he's only 23 years old and still has a season-plus left on his rookie deal. He will not be difficult to deal.
The Trade
Quentin Grimes, Evan Fournier, a 2025 first-round pick (top-four protected, via MIL) and a 2024 second-round pick (via UTA or CLE) to the Atlanta Hawks for Bogdan Bogdanović
New York's bench has struggled to provide consistent offensive production since the subtraction of Quickley, and the addition of Bogdanović would immediately fill that void. He's a capable self-sufficient scorer who can generate scoring chances for others, but he's also a long-range sharpshooter who moves well without the ball, meaning he could both perk up the 'Bockers bench and thrive alongside their stars.
Atlanta appears willing to take a step back now for hopefully multiple steps forward in the future, and this deal delivers that chance. Grimes' three-and-D game would make him a snug backcourt fit with Trae Young, and the Hawks would get two more throws at the dart draft board. Fournier, included for money-matching purposes, has a $19 million team option for next season.
Alternate Landing Spot: Utah Jazz
If the Jazz add players this trade season, Grimes is exactly the type they should go after. He can contribute right away, so if Utah's recent resurgence is sustainable, he's someone who could help this team fight for a play-in tournament invitation. Since he's only 23 and in his third season, though, he's also someone who can grow with this group, which is big, since Utah might be multiple seasons away from reaching its peak.
6. Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers
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The Buzz
As soon as the Blazers split from Damian Lillard, they loomed as one of this season's few likely sellers. They may not actually agree with that assessment, though.
Beyond their hesitation to move Jerami Grant, they also haven't been "real active" in trade conversations involving Malcolm Brogdon, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski said on his podcast (via Blazers Edge). Wojnarowski added he also "wouldn't rule out" Brogdon being dealt ahead of the deadline.
This almost certainly hinges on the market's valuation of Brogdon. Portland clearly values having the veteran guard around, and it could hold onto him considering he's signed at a reasonable rate for next season ($22.5 million). If teams are willing to pay a premium to pick him up, though, it would be in the Blazers' best interest to let him go.
The Trade
Malcolm Brogdon to the Houston Rockets for Victor Oladipo, Jock Landale, a 2024 first-round pick (top-five protected, via BRK) and a 2024 second-round pick (protected for picks 56-59, via GSW)
Houston's 20th-ranked attack needs a boost, and Brogdon could provide several with his scoring, creation and outside shooting. Perhaps more importantly, he's a fit both behind and alongside Fred VanVleet, meaning he could help make the Rockets' best players better while also keeping things moving without them.
The two players headed to Portland here would simply make the money work. Really, this is all about the picks for the Blazers, and getting a potential lottery pick plus a decent second-rounder isn't a bad haul for a 31-year-old non-star.
Alternate Landing Spot: Golden State Warriors
Unless the Warriors could talk the Blazers into taking Andrew Wiggins, making the money work in a Brogdon deal could be a challenge. Clear that hurdle, though, and Golden State would have many reasons to covet the combo guard, including his complementary scoring, ability to play on or off the ball and postseason experience.
5. Bruce Brown, Toronto Raptors
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The Buzz
Bruce Brown has already been traded once this season as one of the primary pieces involved in the Pascal Siakam deal. Brown, a key contributor on the NBA champion Denver Nuggets last season, could easily wind up on the move again.
Raptors president Masai Ujiri told reporters he's "definitely" planning to make more moves, and they've already set "an initial price point of a first-round selection" for Brown, per Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer. That may prove an ambitious ask for Brown, whose glue-guy game doesn't quite embody what you'd expect to see from a player making this kind of coin ($22 million with a $23 million team option for next season).
The Trade
Bruce Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers for Marcus Morris Sr., Furkan Korkmaz, KJ Martin and a 2026 first-round pick (via OKC, HOU or LAC)
The Sixers might want someone with a more reliable outside shot than Brown, but that might be the only box he doesn't check on their wish list. Otherwise, he's the proverbial Swiss Army knife who can mold his talents to serve as anything from a primary playmaker to an interior finisher, all while being capable of covering all five positions on defense.
The Raptors, meanwhile, would see their wish of a first-round pick granted, plus they could see a future with Martin flying around on fast breaks alongside Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. Morris and Korkmaz, meanwhile, would be included for financial purposes only.
Alternate Landing Spot: New York Knicks
Brown is on New York's radar, per The Athletic's Fred Katz, and he's capable of providing some of the second-unit playmaking it's been without since parting with Immanuel Quickley. Brown has some skill overlap with Josh Hart, but the connecting nature of their games make them fits with virtually anyone.
4. Bogdan Bogdanović, Atlanta Hawks
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The Buzz
The Hawks could find themselves juggling a lot of phone calls over the coming weeks as they could potentially embark on a significant restructuring of their roster. Per NBA insider Marc Stein, Trae Young and Jalen Johnson are Atlanta's only untouchables.
There hasn't been much buzz since that report surfaced, but there surely have been discussions involving Bogdan Bogdanović, who, Stein noted, is "expected to generate as much external interest as any current Hawk."
Bogdanović, 31, just started a team-friendly four-year, $68 million extension that feels like a bargain for what he brings to the hardwood. One of the leading candidates for Sixth Man of the Year, he's averaging a career-high 16.8 points on 42.7/36.4/90.5 shooting to go along with his 2.6 assists against just 1.1 turnovers.
The Trade
Bogdan Bogdanović, Saddiq Bey and AJ Griffin to the Golden State Warriors for Andrew Wiggins, Brandin Podziemski, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 first-round pick swap and a 2026 second-round pick (via ATL)
The Warriors have to find some non-Stephen Curry offense, and this deal would deliver a pair of double-digit scorers in Bogdanović and Bey. Bogdanović has the skills and smarts needed to integrate himself into their offensive system, and Bey could carve his niche as a play-finisher. Griffin has been squeezed from Atlanta's rotation this season, but as a rookie, he paired passable defense with an outside shot that found its mark 39 percent of the time.
As for the Hawks, they'd undoubtedly brighten their future while also improving their present if they could find a way to help Wiggins out of his season-plus funk. That's a massive if, obviously, but his best version fills their longstanding need for a big-wing stopper who contributes on offense. Podziemski already looks like a valuable role player who fits with virtually anyone, and Atlanta would nab two picks plus a future swap (the latter included to cover for the fact Wiggins is not a positive asset at the moment).
Alternate Landing Spot: Cleveland Cavaliers
If Atlanta would let Bogdanović go without getting a first-round pick in return, Cleveland could be in business. The Cavs will have a standing need for spacers as long as the Evan Mobley-Jarrett Allen frontcourt remains intact, plus Bogdanović would help upgrade the playmaking of a second unit that lost Ricky Rubio to retirement and (so far, at least) Ty Jerome to injury.
3. DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls
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The Buzz
This deadline is shaping up to perhaps be much quieter than expected in the Windy City with Zach LaVine being perhaps untradable and Alex Caruso appearing essentially untouchable. Should the Bulls wind up brokering a future-focused trade, though, there's a decent chance DeMar DeRozan would be involved.
"Some insiders do wonder if DeMar DeRozan on an expiring contract will have a new home by All-Star," Action Network's Matt Moore reported.
Teams struggling to score will all give some consideration to DeRozan, who has proven modern perimeter scorers can still thrive without a three-ball. The 34-year-old is tallying his typical 21.9 points and 5.3 assists per outing, and his January field-goal connection rate of 48 percent is his best of any month so far.
The Trade
DeMar DeRozan to the Brooklyn Nets for Spencer Dinwiddie, Royce O'Neale and a 2027 first-round pick (top-eight protected, via PHI)
The Nets may not seem like obvious buyers, but since they don't have control of their draft picks and do want to build around Mikal Bridges, they could be a candidate for a splashy deal. Their offense badly needs more off-the-dribble juice, and DeRozan could provide that while also perking up their playmaking and captaining their late-game offense, which hasn't been great (15th in clutch offensive efficiency).
The Bulls would get back some off-the-bounce creation with Dinwiddie, and they'd address a need for another three-and-D wing with O'Neale. If Zach LaVine returns to form and Coby White continues his ascension, they could be just as competitive after this deal. So, throw in the fact they'd be adding a future first, and they could have a hard time turning this down.
Alternate Landing Spot: Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia is well-positioned to make a major move after collecting multiple assets and a handful of mid-sized salaries in the James Harden deal. The Sixers could wait to cash in their trade chips, but spending them on DeRozan now would meet their demand for another shot-creator. His ability to deliver in the clutch would also ease some of the burden on Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
2. Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards
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The Buzz
While the Wizards make the short list of this season's potential sellers, that doesn't mean the everything-must-go mindset will guide them through the deadline. In fact, they're reportedly "very reticent" to let go of Kyle Kuzma, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski relayed on his podcast (via RealGM) .
"People are calling them," he said. "Teams tell me they call them and they're not getting counters from Washington. If you want to register an offer for Kuzma, fine, you can do it. But they're not at the point now where it seems like they're really active in maybe seriously trying to move him."
Given the lack of high-end talent on the trade market, it sure seems like dangling Kuzma could help Washington pave a path toward roster-rebuilding assets. The scoring forward has upped his outputs to career-high levels in points (21.7) and assists (4.4), and he has previously showcased some versatility on the defensive end.
The Trade
Kyle Kuzma to the Miami Heat for Duncan Robinson, Caleb Martin, Nikola Jović, a 2028 first-round pick swap and a 2026 second-round pick (via LAL)
Trading for Terry Rozier clearly helped the Heat, but they may need to make another move to improve their odds of landing the No. 4 seed. Kuzma would give them another scoring option who can create his own shots or find them for others. His three-ball is a bit shaky, but he can hover around league average at decent volume. He's offered a decent amount of defensive versatility when he's been a part of winning teams.
It's possible this package wouldn't get the Wizards to bite, but they might if they're fans of Jović. They could have enough lead time to actually exercise the pick swap, and the value of the incoming second might skyrocket given the uncertainty with L.A.'s future. Plus, Washington could quickly flip Martin for draft assets now and might have a chance to do the same with Robinson later if he keeps hitting his outside shots.
Alternate Landing Spot: Dallas Mavericks
A two-way forward might tie the Mavericks' roster together, and Kuzma qualifies as such, especially if joining a playoff contender helped rev his defensive motor. Dallas has enough assets to get one more significant deal done, and a big forward who can handle, score and defend might be worth the splurge.
1. Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks
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The Buzz
For teams hoping to pluck an impact talent from this trade market, Hawks guard Dejounte Murray continues looking like their best bet. The 27-year-old has both an All-Star selection (2021-22) and an All-Defensive honor (second team in 2017-18) on his resume, while his current stat line of 21.4 points (on 46.8/38.7/83.5 shooting), 5.0 assists and 5.0 rebounds impresses from all angles.
The Lakers have made Murray "their priority right now," The Athletic's Jovan Buha said on the HoopsHype podcast, though they face "the big hurdle" of finding a third team to take on D'Angelo Russell in a Murray trade.
Of all the 10 players on our list, Murray seems the likeliest to move by the deadline. He clearly hasn't fit alongside Trae Young, and Atlanta should be incentivized to act by Murray's prominent placement in this trade market.
The Trade
Dejounte Murray and AJ Griffin to the Utah Jazz for Kelly Olynyk, Talen Horton-Tucker, Brice Sensabaugh, a 2025 first-round pick (via CLE) and a 2029 first-round pick (top-five protected, via MIN)
Since trudging to a 7-16 start, the Jazz have gone 15-7 with a strong plus-4.3 net rating over this stretch. This group has shown enough fight for the front office to buy this trade season in an attempt to win while Lauri Markkanen is at his best.
Utah could use an impact talent at the point guard, and Murray is the best this market has to offer. He could handle primary playmaking duties while serving as the second scoring option to Markkanen and hopefully rediscover his defensive form. Griffin, meanwhile, would have a chance to fill a rotation role as a three-and-D wing.
If Atlanta took this offer, it would essentially be pouncing on the picks, but there's more in this package. Olynyk has value in this market, so the Hawks could quickly flip him for more assets. Sensabaugh was the No. 28 pick last summer, so he might be someone Atlanta wants to develop. Horton-Tucker would mostly just make the money work, but he's had some intriguing flashes at both ends and is still just 23 years old.
Alternate Landing Spot: Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers need everything Murray has to offer, and it feels like they have enough to entice the Hawks even if they keep Austin Reaves off-limits. L.A. needs a high-end perimeter talent to make any noise down the stretch, and Murray is the best man for the job.
Statistics courtesy of Basketball Reference and NBA.com and current through games played on Jan. 24.
Zach Buckley covers the NBA for Bleacher Report. Follow him on X, @ZachBuckleyNBA.
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.jpg?w=600 "Mike Vrabel Makes Statement")
