2 Words to Describe Every NBA Team 2 Weeks from the Trade Deadline
The NBA trade deadline is hurtling ever closer. Where do the 30 teams stand nearing the February 6 endgame?
Outside of the three most dominant clubs (Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics), the conferences are otherwise wide open for playoff positioning. As Duke's Cooper Flagg continues to impress (among many other 2025 draft prospects), some teams will focus further on securing the best lottery position possible.
The following list uses just two words to describe each franchise: buyer, seller, or something in between.
Atlanta Hawks: Center Shopping?
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The Hawks run hot and cold on the court and, per competing franchises, in the front office. The team ranges from wanting to trade everyone to treating the roster as untouchable. Now that Atlanta has slumped recently, does the pendulum swing in time for a move ahead of the deadline?
If so, various NBA sources think Clint Capela is the one the team would like to replace most with a younger, long-term fit at the same position. Onyeka Okongwu has played well but may be best suited off the bench. It's unclear if the Hawks would trade De'Andre Hunter, who is having a strong year off the bench.
Boston Celtics: Tax Savings
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The Celtics have one of the highest payrolls in the NBA, which is justified given their recent title. However, the team could look to shed a low-minute player like Jaden Springer to save nearly $13 million. Above the second apron, Boston can't send out cash to get a team to take on Springer's $4 million salary—but a trade partner might be willing to do so for second-round considerations.
Springer has been productive in a bit rotation role for coach Joe Mazzulla, perhaps as a showcase. If he can impact winning, even in the slightest way, the Celtics should stomach the tax bill.
Brooklyn Nets: Still Open
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The Nets have been one of the most active trading teams this season, already sending out players like Dennis Schröder, Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. Now that it is sufficiently losing, the franchise can move Cam Johnson when it gets the best offer.
Look for the bidding to continue through the deadline, and if Brooklyn's ask isn't met, they'll wait until the offseason. Others that could move include Day'Ron Sharpe, Bojan Bogdanović or almost anyone else on the roster if enough is offered.
Charlotte Hornets: Season Lost
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The Hornets have enjoyed productive play from LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, but the team hasn't won many games. Now Miller is out for the year with a wrist injury, joining Grant Williams (knee). Now, it's all about lottery position with the season all but lost.
With that in mind, any moves Charlotte might make would be about the future, not the 2024-25 campaign. Names to watch include Miles Bridges, Cody Martin, Josh Okogie, Vasilije Micić, etc.
Chicago Bulls: Finally Selling?
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Right or wrong, the Bulls seem to refuse to tank for lottery position. Non/short-playoff runs while continually out of reach of the top picks is an awkward way to build a team. However, Chicago may finally look to move out of some of its veterans and focus on the lottery.
The Bulls will need to send their first-round pick to the Portland Trail Blazers if they make the postseason, which probably isn't worth the trouble in a playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers or Boston Celtics. Keep eyes on Zach LaVine and Nikola Vučević.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Weighing Tax
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The Cavaliers can save a ton of money by getting under the luxury tax. Teams under the threshold also get a sizable kickback from the paying teams at the end of the year (projected to be in the $17-19 million range this season).
From a personnel standpoint, the Cavaliers are one of the best teams in the league. Outside of the recent mini-slump, Cleveland may not want to disturb hard-earned chemistry by trying to move end-of-bench players like Craig Porter Jr. and Tristan Thompson to get under the tax. Still, it has to be tempting financially.
Dallas Mavericks: No Panic
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Injuries have made the year challenging for the Mavericks, but the team has stayed competitive. The centers keep going down (Dereck Lively II and Maxi Kleber), which could lead to a trade for help behind Daniel Gafford. Otherwise, Dallas is probably a "hold" team this deadline.
With a healthy Luka Dončić, Kyrie Irving and a tested team that got to the NBA Finals year, the Mavericks aren't going to panic now.
Denver Nuggets: Minor Upgrades
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The Nuggets are about $5.2 million under their second-apron hard cap with minimal draft considerations (near zero). Outside of sending cash, any deals that send out available players like Zeke Nnaji or Dario Šarić likely cost the team some of its young players.
The alternative might be a Michael Porter Jr. trade, but Denver has played well enough that it may avoid significant change and look to improve around the margins.
Detroit Pistons: Respectfully Greedy
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According to other teams, the Pistons are greedy with their cap space—which is appropriate. As the only franchise with room ($14 million), it should ask for first-round considerations for teams to get off unwanted salary scot-free.
Others may have trade exceptions but are too close to the tax to absorb significant salary. Detroit can also boast a winning record and may look to add players who can help it avoid the play-in and compete at a higher level in the playoffs.
Golden State Warriors: Considering Changes
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The Warriors have Steph Curry under contract for two additional seasons and would like to improve their playoff chances without adding a salary beyond 2026-27. Jonathan Kuminga expects a large payday this offseason as a restricted free agent. Golden State may look to move him elsewhere for complementary win-now players.
While it's difficult to guess what path the Warriors take, they're one of the more intriguing teams heading into the deadline.
Houston Rockets: Optimistically Holding
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The Rockets knew they were on the right track last year, but the team is better than they thought they'd be this season. While the front office had set up its books for the possibility of a significant trade, it's more likely to wait until the summer for a player like De'Aaron Fox (or even Giannis Antetokounmpo) to become available.
While Jimmy Butler is a Houston native, he is too expensive and doesn't fit the team's age range.
Indiana Pacers: Consolidate Now?
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The Pacers overcame a poor season start but face difficult decisions ahead this offseason. Myles Turner is in the final year of his contract, and the team may need to pay luxury taxes to keep the status quo—which would represent a SIGNIFICANT shift in the team's modus operandi.
Instead, Indiana could consolidate its roster by the deadline, getting out of players like Obi Toppin, Bennedict Mathurin and/or Jarace Walker. The price would be high and the Pacers wouldn't want significant salary back (likely staying below the tax in future seasons)—and the team could choose to wait until it's a "now" problem this summer.
LA Clippers: Deal Ready
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The Clippers have stayed afloat as one of the league's best defensive teams. Now that Kawhi Leonard is back playing, the team is eager to move players like PJ Tucker (not with the team) and Bones Hyland to get reinforcements.
LA is mindful of its long-term flexibility, so expensive players may not be the goal, but if a team like the Indiana Pacers wanted to consolidate and move a high-value player like Ben Mathurin with a 2031 first going out? Sign them up.
Without a deal to improve, the Clippers could also look to drop under the tax with a more minor move.
Los Angeles Lakers: Star Pressured
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The Lakers' top two stars (LeBron James and Anthony Davis) have made their needs known through the media; they want the franchise to add before the deadline. Davis even told ESPN's Shams Charania that he'd like to shift to power forward with the team adding another big.
Will the Lakers capitulate to the demands of the Utah Jazz? Where's the line with draft picks (1-2 firsts) and players they don't want to move (Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, etc.)? Or can L.A. find a reasonable low-cost alternative with limited second-round compensation to offer?
Memphis Grizzlies: Opportunistically Shopping
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The Grizzlies are among the best teams in the West, but the team would like to bolster its postseason chances with a deal. Memphis was close to acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith, but the Brooklyn Nets chose the Los Angeles Lakers' offer instead.
Players who could be on the move include Brandon Clarke, Luke Kennard, John Konchar and Jake LaRavia. A more significant deal might need to include Marcus Smart. Memphis is believed to be one of the teams that are considering Cam Johnson from the Nets.
Miami Heat: Jimmy Butler
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The Heat's relationship with Butler appears to be over in name, but the reality may be trickier to sort out. Can Miami find a deal before the deadline with Butler's salary (in the $49 million range) with a $52.4 million player option for 2025-26?
Any team acquiring Butler will presumably need to commit to an extension, lest they face a similar year with the mercurial forward, who may have to opt in, given how few teams have cap space this summer.
Milwaukee Bucks: Limited Means
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The Bucks would like to improve, but the franchise has limited means with its contracts, apron position and limited draft capital. Any blockbuster adding a player like Jimmy Butler (or facilitating Butler to the Phoenix Suns with Bradley Beal to Milwaukee) would require the team to get under the second apron.
That means finding homes for Pat Connaughton and probably Khris Middleton/Bobby Portis. That's a big ask for a franchise with few sweeteners to offer.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Randle's Future?
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The Timberwolves may be more likely to stand pat at the deadline, but they must consider Julius Randle's long-term future with the franchise. While he's been productive this season, the team isn't as good as a year ago with Karl-Anthony Towns. Getting out of Randle could open minutes (and dollars this summer) for Naz Reid and shift how the team plays on both sides of the ball.
The challenge may be finding a partner willing to pay Randle, an acquired taste as a player as a ball-dominant scoring forward (and three-time All-Star). Randle can opt out of his $30.9 million due for 2025-26 to extend long-term as part of a trade, explore free agency or play out his deal.
New Orleans Pelicans: Ingram Destination?
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The Pelicans likely have two goals: get out of the luxury tax and part ways with Brandon Ingram. The former All-Star (currently nursing an ankle injury) has an expiring $36 million contract. While that's not a manageable number to move, it's not as prohibitive as some other names on the list (Jimmy Butler, Bradley Beal, etc.).
Whoever trades for Ingram would presumably intend to pay him (either immediately through an extend-and-trade or as a free agent this summer). If the Pelicans can't get a deal, the team may need to shop Jordan Hawkins. Remember that it's not just saving money in taxes, but the additional kickback that often motivates teams.
New York Knicks: Bench Center?
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The Knicks must evaluate Mitchell Robinson's progress carefully. Can he fill the backup center role after missing extensive time with an ankle injury (he's yet to play this season)? If so, the team can hold at the deadline.
But assuming Robinson is healthy, in shape and ready to contribute at a high level could lead to a postseason problem if he isn't. Perhaps Precious Achiuwa is the answer, but New York could be in the market for an additional big man.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Picks Available
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The Thunder aren't likely to make any roster changes of note at the deadline. The best team in the West shouldn't risk any loss of chemistry, and few players around the league would crack the rotation. Chasing a star doesn't make any sense, as the team will be prohibitively expensive in future years when players like Jalen Wilson and Chet Holmgren get paid.
Instead, Oklahoma City is looking to consolidate first-round picks. They'll have three when one may be too many. Teams looking to get into the 2025 draft and willing to give up future considerations should give the Thunder a call.
Orlando Magic: Getting Healthy
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The Magic have the means to make a trade, but like the Thunder, the team is happy with the roster and sees an expensive future ahead. Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs were issued extensions this offseason, and Paolo Banchero will get paid this summer.
Instead, Orlando is finally getting healthy after injuries to most of its best players. Credit to coach Jamahl Mosley and the roster for pushing through tough times to stay afloat in the East. The Magic may hold at the deadline.
Philadelphia 76ers: Nursing Wounds
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It's been a trainwreck in Philadelphia since the start of the season. Coach Nick Nurse has tried to find healthy combinations, but it's been a challenge with Joel Embiid, Paul George, Jared McCain (done for the year), Andre Drummond, and others in and out of the lineup.
Philadelphia is still within range of the play-in tournament, but the team may be hesitant to make a "go for it" type move given how bad it's been all year. Still, executive Daryl Morey has a reputation for chasing deals at the deadline, so keep an eye on the Sixers (KJ Martin may be the most expendable player).
Phoenix Suns: Beal Home
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The Suns are entirely beholden to Bradley Beal and his no-trade clause. Beal can block it if Phoenix can find a taker to acquire Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat in a multi-team deal. There's no real way around that for the Suns.
Other moves could include finding a home for Jusuf Nurkic, though his $19.4 million for next season may deter prospective suitors.
Portland Trail Blazers: Centers Available
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The Blazers are focused on player development and the lottery. The team has too many centers, and Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams III can be had at the right price. Since neither is on an expiring contract, Portland can afford to wait until the offseason—but the team is open to conversations.
Of the two, Williams may be more likely to move (if a team is willing to risk his durability), while Ayton is probably an offseason concern.
Sacramento Kings: Much Improved
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The Kings went from chaos—teams believing they'd trade De'Aaron Fox—to calm after firing coach Mike Brown and handing the reigns to Doug Christie. Sacramento has been significantly better since then, and it seems to have found desperately needed stability (for now).
Still, the team is looking to improve and could move Kevin Huerter, Trey Lyles and others to get a player like Cam Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets.
San Antonio Spurs: No Rush
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The Spurs could force the issue to add a high-level talent next to Victory Wembanyama. Still, the top names potentially available aren't necessarily the right fits (Zach LaVine, Julius Randle, Brandon Ingram, etc.).
The franchise is in no rush and can save its many draft picks and movable contracts this offseason.
Toronto Raptors: Flipping Brown
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The Raptors are open for business. Injuries have led to a disappointing season, but the Raptors aren't looking for an extended stay at the bottom of the standings. The priority is finding a deal for Bruce Brown Jr., who the team acquired in the Pascal Siakam deal last deadline (with the Indiana Pacers). Toronto chose to opt Brown into his final year at $23 million to utilize him in trade but has yet to find a deal.
The team is also believed to be shopping Chris Boucher, Kelly Olynyk and possibly RJ Barrett (in the right situation). The latter would come at a much higher price.
Utah Jazz: Patiently Greedy
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The Jazz are among the worst teams in the league, and they are hoping to get a top selection in the draft lottery. The franchise has plenty of available veterans, but none need to be traded in the next few weeks.
Instead, Utah will be patiently greedy, asking for too much for John Collins, Collin Sexton, Walker Kessler and Jordan Clarkson. The Jazz will make a deal if they can find a team eager enough to pay their price. Of those listed, Clarkson is probably the least expensive to acquire.
Washington Wizards: Vets Available
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The Wizards are in a similar position as the Utah Jazz, with plenty of available players but few they feel urgency to move. The exception would be guard Malcolm Brogdon, who is in the final year of his deal.
Players like Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole have expensive deals that may make it difficult to move by this deadline. Several teams are interested in Jonas Valančiūnas, but Washington could wait on moving the veteran center until closer to the draft.
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on X/Twitter @EricPincus.
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