All eyes will be on the big game this Wednesday between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Cleveland Cavaliers, which could be a preview of the NBA Finals. Both teams have the best records in their conferences and are on impressive winning streaks—OKC has won 15 straight games, and Cleveland has won 10. They also feature All-Star players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Donovan Mitchell, and Darius Garland.
Off the court, the NBA is buzzing about Jimmy Butler and what the Miami Heat will do with him before the trade deadline on February 6. Butler was suspended for seven games last week, and many are curious about his future in Miami.
The Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers have already started making trades, and with the trade deadline approaching, expect more deals as teams try to improve their playoff chances or rebuild for the future.
This week, NBA insiders took a look at potential trade options for each of the 30 teams. Some of these trades are surprising, while others are more expected. The goal is to fix any roster weaknesses or add depth for the second half of the season.
Here are the updated rankings for all 30 teams, based on the opinions of ESPN’s panel, which includes Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Michael Wright, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk, Chris Herring, and Kevin Pelton.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Record: 31-4
Cleveland could trade for Cameron Johnson and Maxwell Lewis from the Nets, giving them a versatile two-way player. Johnson’s contract is manageable for the next few years, while LeVert’s deal is expiring. Cleveland is performing well, so making a move isn’t urgent, as they don’t want to disrupt the team’s chemistry.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Record: 30-5
Oklahoma City could be linked to bigger trade targets because they have the assets to make big deals. However, since they’re projected to win 70 games and will need to adjust when Chet Holmgren returns, they might not want to shake up their roster. They could use another shooter off the bench, and a potential target could be Doug McDermott from Sacramento, who has experience with OKC.
Boston Celtics
Record: 27-10
Boston’s roster is mostly set, and they may either stay as is or make a move to save money. Jaden Springer, a guard in the final year of his contract, could be traded, allowing the Celtics to save around $16 million if they don’t take back any salary in return.
New York Knicks
Record: 24-13
The Knicks have struggled with bench production and could benefit from adding a backup center. Mitchell Robinson’s health has been uncertain, so they might look at someone like Jonas Valanciunas from Washington to fill that role. Although Valanciunas isn’t perfect defensively, he could provide much-needed depth.
Houston Rockets
Record: 24-12
Houston could use a scoring wing that fits into coach Ime Udoka’s defense-first system. However, general manager Rafael Stone doesn’t seem interested in making big changes right now, as the team is focused on developing its young players. Major moves, such as targeting De’Aaron Fox, might happen in the summer, but a trade for Jimmy Butler is unlikely.
Memphis Grizzlies
Record: 24-13
Memphis, one of the deepest teams in the NBA, has been connected to Jimmy Butler trade rumors. The Grizzlies have the resources to trade for a star, and they’ve been looking to add a two-way wing. However, with Butler being 35, he might not be the best fit for their future goals.
Denver Nuggets
Record: 20-15
After adding Russell Westbrook in the offseason, the Nuggets have gotten better results than expected. However, Nikola Jokic might need more help to ease the pressure on both him and Jamal Murray. The Nuggets could really use a two-way wing to improve their defense and another scorer. Bulls guard Zach LaVine, who has scored 30 or more points in four of his last five games, could be a good fit, but getting him would likely require trading Michael Porter Jr. in return.
Los Angeles Lakers
Record: 20-16
The Lakers could benefit from adding a two-time All-Star like Zach LaVine, while keeping their top three players—Anthony Davis, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. If they traded players like Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and some draft picks, they could add LaVine without losing too much defensively. LaVine has been playing well this season, averaging 23.1 points and shooting 51% from the field, 45% from three, and 82% from the free-throw line. He could help the Lakers now and in the future.
LA Clippers
Record: 20-16
The Clippers have Kawhi Leonard back and are built around a roster of defensive-minded players. However, they could use more scoring help. They also need a young player with potential. A consistent backup center is needed behind Ivica Zubac. Robert Williams III from Portland could be a great fit, but he has had injury issues, and the Clippers may not be willing to pay Portland’s asking price for him. Williams would strengthen the Clippers’ defense even more.
Orlando Magic
Record: 22-16
Since Franz Wagner joined Paolo Banchero on the sidelines, the Magic’s offense has struggled, ranking 29th. Their strong defense has kept them in the top four of the East, and Banchero could return soon. Still, the Magic will likely look for more scoring help at the trade deadline. With Cole Anthony seeing fewer minutes, Orlando might consider adding a veteran scorer off the bench, such as Utah’s Jordan Clarkson.
Dallas Mavericks
Record: 21-16
With Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving both out due to injuries, the Mavericks are missing key offensive production. While they are still dangerous when healthy, the Mavs could use a defensive player like Javonte Green from the Pelicans, who is on a minimum contract. This could help the team until their stars return.
Milwaukee Bucks
Record: 18-16
The Bucks have been very active in looking for trades this season, especially after a slow start. They are currently up against the second apron, which limits their ability to make trades without sending out matching salaries. Despite these restrictions, Bucks general manager Jon Horst has been one of the most active at trade deadlines in recent years. The Bucks could even attempt to trade for Jimmy Butler, but it would require managing their salaries with players like MarJon Beauchamp, Khris Middleton, and Bobby Portis.
Golden State Warriors
Record: 18-18
The Warriors may wait until closer to the trade deadline to make any moves. This would give their current roster more time to overcome recent struggles and also allow them to see what other deals are available. One player who could help is Nikola Vucevic from the Chicago Bulls. He would fit well into the Warriors’ offense and give Stephen Curry another scoring option. Vucevic could also stretch the floor and help with rebounding. However, Golden State is unlikely to trade young players like Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski unless the deal is for a game-changing player.
San Antonio Spurs
Record: 18-18
The Spurs might be interested in Sacramento’s De’Aaron Fox, as his style would fit well with the Spurs’ young team, especially alongside Victor Wembanyama. But San Antonio is still figuring out the best combinations to play with Wembanyama, so they may not make a serious attempt to trade for Fox unless the right deal comes along. It’s more likely that they will try to make a move for Fox in the summer instead. Players like Keldon Johnson, Tre Jones, and Zach Collins could be on the trade block.
Indiana Pacers
Record: 19-18
The Pacers made a big trade last season by acquiring Pascal Siakam, which helped them reach the Eastern Conference finals. This year, it’s unlikely that they will make a splashy trade like that, but they could still use help on the wings. They have been linked to Cameron Johnson from the Nets, who could add more shooting to their team. The Pacers have been playing well recently, winning seven of their last ten games.
Miami Heat
Record: 18-17
With Jimmy Butler suspended for the entire West Coast road trip, which began Monday in Sacramento, the Heat have some time to figure out what will happen with Butler. His future in Miami will be a major focus until he is either traded or the deadline passes. It’s difficult to see the team focusing on anything else until that issue is resolved.
Atlanta Hawks
Record: 19-18
After acquiring Dyson Daniels in a trade last summer, the Hawks should consider targeting another defensive-minded player like Jevon Carter from the Chicago Bulls. Carter is not known for his scoring, but he showed his ability to score when he put up 26 points, including 19 in the first quarter against the Hawks in a December game. Since Carter doesn’t play every night for the Bulls, he might not cost much in a trade.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Record: 19-17
The Timberwolves made a big trade before the season when they traded Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. After this big move, the Timberwolves are likely to stay quiet at the trade deadline. However, if they decide to make a move, they could trade Randle and his $33 million salary to try and bring in a superstar to play alongside Anthony Edwards.
Detroit Pistons
Record: 18-18
The Pistons are in an unusual position because they are the only NBA team with cap space as the trade deadline approaches. Usually, teams with cap room are near the bottom of the standings, but Detroit is currently fighting for a top-six seed in the Eastern Conference after a four-game winning streak. The Pistons could use their cap flexibility to add to their roster, perhaps by bringing in another guard, especially since Jaden Ivey is out with a fibula fracture. Marcus Sasser has stepped up in Ivey’s absence, but Detroit has limited depth in the backcourt.
Sacramento Kings
Record: 18-19
The Kings are on a five-game winning streak under interim coach Doug Christie, but this probably won’t change their plans for a trade deadline upgrade. The recent play may change the kind of player they go after, though. With Keon Ellis playing well in a starting role and rookie Devin Carter back after shoulder surgery, the Kings may not need to add a guard anymore. Instead, they might focus on getting help for the frontcourt, where they don’t have a reliable backup for Domantas Sabonis and have limited size at the forward positions. Jerami Grant, Brandon Ingram, Cameron Johnson, and Kyle Kuzma could be targets to fill that gap.
Philadelphia 76ers
Record: 14-20
Daryl Morey, the 76ers’ general manager, is known for being active at the trade deadline, and this year will likely be no different. Despite some early season struggles, the 76ers have been slowly working their way back into playoff contention. With some mid-range salaries and multiple first-round picks, the team could make several moves to improve. KJ Martin, who becomes trade eligible next week, could also be part of any deal if opportunities arise.
Chicago Bulls
Record: 17-19
The Bulls haven’t made a trade at the deadline in recent years, but this season may be different. Veterans Nikola Vucevic and Zach LaVine have been playing well, but they don’t seem to fit with the long-term plan for the team’s rebuild. Currently in 10th place in the East, the Bulls are likely to look for young players with potential rather than draft picks. They will also have to send a 2025 draft pick to the Spurs if it falls outside the top 10.
Phoenix Suns
Record: 16-19
The Suns are focused on trying to acquire Jimmy Butler, and this should be their main focus until it happens or it becomes clear it won’t. They would need Miami to agree to trade Butler, or Bradley Beal would need to waive his no-trade clause. Adding Butler would be a major change for the Suns, who have been struggling to find their rhythm. It would also show Kevin Durant and Devin Booker that the team is still aiming to make the most of their time together.
Portland Trail Blazers
Record: 12-23
If the Blazers trade one of their veteran starters, Jerami Grant or Anfernee Simons, they will likely look for players who can contribute immediately instead of just draft picks. A previous trade for Deni Avdija has worked out well, as he has become the Blazers’ most efficient perimeter scorer. Even though the Blazers have many young guards, they could improve their shooting by adding a player like Sacramento’s Kevin Huerter in a trade.
Brooklyn Nets
Record: 13-23
The Nets have already traded away two starters, Dennis Schroder and Dorian Finney-Smith, and are likely to focus on trading away more talent as they aim to get a top pick in the lottery. Cameron Johnson is expected to be a target for several teams before the trade deadline. The Nets are not looking for win-now players but may inquire about a young guard like San Antonio’s Tre Jones as they continue their rebuilding process.
Utah Jazz
Record: 9-26
The Jazz are likely to focus on acquiring picks rather than players in any trade, but they might look to bring in a young player as well. One possible target could be Grizzlies forward Jake LaRavia. He has shown some potential but may not have a clear future in Memphis, especially after the team declined his fourth-year player option. LaRavia has had a good season with 8.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 50% from the field and 45.3% from beyond the arc. The Grizzlies may face challenges in keeping him due to salary cap rules, making him a potential target for the Jazz.
Toronto Raptors
Record: 8-28
After being a strong team for years, the Raptors are now starting a rebuild around All-Star forward Scottie Barnes. The big question for them in the next month is what happens with guard Bruce Brown, who is back on the court and has a $23 million expiring contract. This makes him a likely candidate to be traded if the Raptors can find the right deal.
New Orleans Pelicans
Record: 7-30
Brandon Ingram is about to become a free agent and is on a team that doesn’t seem ready to compete for the postseason. As a result, the Pelicans are focusing on trading the 27-year-old. They might also be open to moving veteran guard CJ McCollum. Zion Williamson, though still only 24, has superstar potential, and the Pelicans are not yet ready to trade him.
Charlotte Hornets
Record: 8-27
The Hornets are more likely to focus on getting a good lottery pick than trying to win more games. They don’t need to go after major players but could benefit from adding experienced veterans who can set a good example for their young stars, LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, who are expected to lead the team in the future. One way to do this could be for the Hornets to use their cap space to help facilitate trades for other teams and collect extra draft picks in the process, like they did when helping the Knicks and Timberwolves with the Karl-Anthony Towns trade.
Washington Wizards
Record: 6-28
The Wizards have mainly been focused on trading away players, especially Kyle Kuzma, rather than looking to add players. They will continue to gather assets for the future. However, if they do acquire players, Memphis veteran point guard Marcus Smart could be someone who could help in different ways.
Smart is better suited for a team that is ready to win now, so if Washington trades for him, it could be part of a plan to gather more assets. If they hold onto him, Smart could be a valuable mentor for younger players like Bilal Coulibaly, Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, and Kyshawn George.
