In addition to the 11 games played on the busiest day of Week 12, fantasy basketball managers also had a trade to evaluate. The Suns, who needed help at the center position, traded Josh Okogie and three future second-round picks to the Hornets for Nick Richards (26% rostered on Yahoo). The Suns had already traded away some of their draft picks to acquire Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, and now they have even fewer picks available.
However, they gained a player in Richards who can help with rebounding and rim protection, areas where their current rotation is lacking. He doesn’t need plays run for him on offense. While Richards had chances to stand out in Charlotte, it was clear that first-round pick Mark Williams was seen as the team’s future (and present) center. Moving to Phoenix gives Richards a chance to be valuable in fantasy leagues, though it’s uncertain if he will succeed.
For the current centers on the Suns, it’s fair to wonder if Jusuf Nurkić’s time with the team is over. He’s been out recently due to illness and didn’t play in the last two games he was available. Rookie Oso Ighodaro has a higher fantasy upside than Mason Plumlee, but their performances, especially in the loss to the Hawks, didn’t inspire confidence. Richards is expected to be the starting center for Phoenix, and if he can get consistent minutes in the 20s, he could be useful in 12-team leagues.
As for Okogie, he’s in an interesting position. The current wing players for Charlotte are Josh Green and Cody Martin, neither of whom have been consistently effective. Will Okogie be given a chance to compete for playing time, or could Charlotte try to trade him to a playoff team before the trade deadline in February? In the short term, Okogie hasn’t done enough in Phoenix to be added in fantasy leagues right now, but it’s worth keeping an eye on him.
Here are some more top fantasy pickups from Wednesday’s games:
PF/C Santi Aldama (46%), Memphis Grizzlies
Aldama started the season strong, providing reliable fantasy value whether he started or came off the bench. With more players healthy on the Grizzlies’ frontcourt, Aldama faces more competition for minutes, but the 2020 first-round pick has continued to perform well. He had 20 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 three-pointer in 27 minutes during Wednesday’s win over the Spurs. For the season, Aldama has provided seventh-round value in 9-cat formats.
SG/SF Buddy Hield (36%), Golden State Warriors
Whenever it seems like Hield might be worth dropping, he has a game that makes fantasy managers rethink. He played 29 minutes in the Warriors’ win over the Timberwolves, scoring 18 points with 1 rebound, 3 steals, 2 blocks, and 3 three-pointers. His defensive stats were impressive, but they’re not typical for him. While he might not do that consistently, he can still shoot well. If Hield can keep his field goal percentage around 50% and hit a few three-pointers each game, he’ll be worth considering in 12-team leagues again.
Buddy Hield reacts after making a 3-pointer
PF/C Nikola Jović (34%), Miami Heat
While Jimmy Butler has stated he plans to return after serving his suspension, it’s hard to imagine the Heat playing him after he’s expressed a desire to leave the team. Should fantasy managers add Jović or SF Jaime Jaquez Jr. (36%)? Jović had the better performance in Wednesday’s loss to the Lakers and has provided top 100 value over the last two weeks. He played 32 minutes off the bench and finished with 12 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 block, and 2 three-pointers.
PG Cole Anthony (29%), Orlando Magic
Anthony didn’t shoot well in Wednesday’s loss to Milwaukee, scoring 11 points on 5-of-13 shooting (1-of-5 from three). However, he had 8 assists before fouling out, limiting him to 27 minutes. Anthony should be added in leagues as long as Jalen Suggs remains out with a lower back strain, as Suggs has missed the last six games.
PG/SG Spencer Dinwiddie (25%), Dallas Mavericks In Wednesday’s game against the Pelicans, Dallas played their second game in two nights, so Kyrie Irving (back) did not play. Spencer Dinwiddie started in his place and was productive in a three-point loss to New Orleans. He finished with 20 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 3 three-pointers in 38 minutes. Jaden Hardy (4%) also had a strong performance, posting 21 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and four 3-pointers in 25 minutes off the bench. Dinwiddie has been more consistent when given a larger role, though he might not be an option for Friday’s game against the Thunder. He could be worth considering for Dallas’ back-to-back games in Week 13.
SG/SF Max Christie (15%), Los Angeles Lakers
In the past month, Christie has provided eighth-round value in 9-cat formats. Having started the Lakers’ last 15 games, it’s clear he will likely continue in that role. Christie played 37 minutes in Wednesday’s win over the Heat, scoring 16 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, and 3 three-pointers. Christie’s value for the rest of Week 12 is boosted by the Lakers playing two more games: one at home against the Nets on Friday and another at the Clippers on Sunday.
PG/SG Stephon Castle (12%), San Antonio Spurs
Because of Jeremy Sochan’s back injury, Castle has started the Spurs’ last three games. He was very productive in Wednesday’s loss to the Grizzlies, scoring a season-high 26 points with 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 three-pointers in 33 minutes. Although he shot 9-of-21 from the field, Castle only had one turnover. He is worth adding to your roster until Sochan returns without restrictions, especially since the Spurs have two more games in Week 12.
Stephon Castle (NBA)
SF/PF Brice Sensabaugh (10%), Utah Jazz
Utah has been without John Collins for six straight games and 11 of their last 12. While Collins’ absence hasn’t moved Sensabaugh into the starting lineup, it has made him a more important part of the Jazz’s bench rotation, especially with Jordan Clarkson also injured. Sensabaugh has scored in double digits in four straight games, and in Wednesday’s loss to the Hornets, he finished with 19 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 three-pointers. He doesn’t provide much value defensively, but his offensive potential makes him worth considering in deep leagues.
Another Jazz player to watch is rookie PG Isaiah Collier (7%), who recorded his first double-double (11 points, 3 rebounds, 10 assists, and one three-pointer in 27 minutes). His value going forward depends on the availability of Keyonte George and Collin Sexton, with Sexton sitting out Wednesday’s loss.
SF/PF Cam Whitmore (5%), Houston Rockets
Tari Eason remains out with a left leg injury. While Rockets coach Ime Udoka said they hope to get him back during Houston’s current road trip, which ends Saturday in Portland, there’s no guarantee of that happening. As long as Eason is out, Whitmore is worth having in deep leagues. He played 24 minutes off the bench against Denver, scoring 16 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, and 2 three-pointers. Whitmore shot 7-of-11 from the field, and his rebounding performance was particularly impressive.
PG Keaton Wallace (< 1%), Atlanta Hawks
Trae Young did not play in Wednesday’s game against the Bulls, which gave Wallace the chance to make his second career start. Very few fantasy managers decided to add Wallace, and that made sense at the time. However, Wallace had an impressive game in the Hawks’ win over Chicago, setting career-highs with 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 three-pointers.
He also had 6 assists and 4 steals, which matched his previous career-high. Young will be back for Saturday’s game in Boston, so there’s no need to add Wallace now. However, Wallace’s performance against the Bulls might make some managers consider adding him next time Atlanta is without Young.
3 observations after severely undermanned Sixers fall to Thunder originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The Sixers couldn’t overcome a huge difference in player availability on Tuesday night against the Western Conference-leading Thunder.
They lost 118-102 at Wells Fargo Center, falling to 15-23 with their third straight defeat. Oklahoma City improved to 33-6.
Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 32 points and nine assists.
For the Sixers, rookie Justin Edwards scored 25 points. Jeff Dowtin Jr. set a career-high with 18 points, and Guerschon Yabusele added 17.
The Sixers will face the Knicks on Wednesday. For their first game in this back-to-back, they were missing several key players. The following players missed the game against OKC:
Tyrese Maxey (left hand sprain)
Joel Embiid (left foot sprain)
Paul George (right ankle soreness)
Caleb Martin (right groin soreness)
KJ Martin (left foot stress reaction)
Andre Drummond (left toe sprain)
Kyle Lowry (right hip sprain)
Jared McCain (left lateral meniscus surgery)
Sixers head coach Nick Nurse said before the game that Embiid is “day-to-day.”
Drummond is also day-to-day. He and KJ Martin have recently resumed on-court workouts, according to a team official.
Here are some key takeaways from the Sixers’ undermanned loss on Tuesday:
An early OKC blitz
Ricky Council IV made his first career start, and Reggie Jackson also started his first game as a Sixer.
Council scored on an and-one layup to bring the Thunder’s lead to 10-9. But after that, the Sixers’ deficit grew quickly, and the talent gap between the teams was clear.
The Sixers allowed a 22-2 run. Gilgeous-Alexander seemed to easily get wherever he wanted. He scored a layup along the baseline, cut through the defense for an easy basket, and ended the first quarter with 14 points and three assists. He started 10 for 10 from the floor and didn’t miss a shot until the 8:01 mark of the third quarter.
On the other side, the Sixers saw why OKC has the best defensive rating in the NBA by a wide margin. The Sixers had trouble creating space on their drives. Even when they got into the paint, they struggled to get good shots against the Thunder’s long, athletic, and anticipatory defense.
Shai Gilgeous Alexander reacts in the game
Two-ways and rookies off the bench
The Sixers had only four bench players available on Tuesday, and they used all of them.
The second unit consisted of the team’s two-way players—Dowtin, Edwards, and Pete Nance—and rookie center Adem Bona. Nance got his first chance to play, moving between power forward and center, and finished 18 scoreless minutes.
Edwards was more aggressive on offense than usual and made an immediate impact, scoring nine points on 4-for-5 shooting in his first eight minutes. The Sixers cut OKC’s lead to nine points in the second quarter after an Eric Gordon three-pointer, and they had some defensive success. Of course, it’s easier to defend OKC when Gilgeous-Alexander is on the bench.
Oubre was the Sixers’ main defender on Gilgeous-Alexander and also handled the ball at times. He struggled offensively in the first half, missing all seven of his shots.
On the last possession of the second quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander stole an Edwards pass intended for the baseline and turned the Sixers’ 13th turnover into a dunk just before halftime. This gave OKC a 58-43 lead going into the break.
Nothing stunning in the cards
Nurse called a timeout just 95 seconds into the second half after a Gilgeous-Alexander layup. He subbed out Gordon and put Edwards in.
Dowtin and Edwards kept the game from slipping further away in the third quarter. Dowtin has shown he can score in the G League with the Delaware Blue Coats. Edwards exceeded 17 points only once during his one college season at Kentucky, but he made the most of his opportunity against OKC.
Yabusele came alive in the final part of the third quarter, scoring nine points in the last minute and four seconds. He capped the period with a buzzer-beating put-back layup.
The Sixers kept their comeback attempt going early in the fourth. Long-range shots from Edwards and Gordon cut OKC’s lead to 91-87.
Despite this, the Sixers’ chances of catching up to the Thunder were slim.
Even with Edwards and Dowtin scoring, and OKC showing some lapses in focus, the Sixers didn’t have enough defense to slow down the Thunder. As often happens when Embiid is missing, the Sixers lacked rim protection and couldn’t pull off an upset against a healthier, stronger team.
Jimmy Butler’s trade situation is still the biggest story, but there are other trade talks happening around the league as well. Here are the latest updates.
Suns looking at Hornets’ centers Phoenix has been interested in trading for Jimmy Butler, but it seems less likely now. As a backup plan, the Suns are focusing on the Charlotte Hornets and their centers: Nick Richards, Mark Williams, and Moussa Diabate.
The Suns’ experiment with Jusuf Nurkic hasn’t worked out, as he has been moved to the bench and has even had a few DNPs recently. A potential trade could involve sending Nurkic to Charlotte in exchange for Richards and picks. The trade could work if Charlotte sends another player to balance the salary, like Vasilije Micic, and includes picks. The Suns are weighing whether this trade is worth it to improve their team this season.
Zach LaVine trade talks stalled, Lakers involved earlier The Chicago Bulls have been trying to trade Zach LaVine, but talks have slowed down. Earlier in the season, the Los Angeles Lakers spoke with the Bulls about a trade, but they later chose to trade for Dorian Finney-Smith instead.
Recently, the Bulls discussed a trade involving LaVine and Michael Porter Jr. with the Denver Nuggets, but those talks have also stalled. LaVine has been playing well, averaging 33.3 points per game with over 58% shooting in January. He’s also grabbing 5.7 rebounds and dishing out 4.8 assists per game.
LaVine commented on the trade rumors: “People are supposed to talk about you, have opinions about you. If you’re not at that level, they wouldn’t talk about you at all… I’ve done a better job this year of just canceling out a lot of the noise.” While a trade for LaVine remains possible, the Bulls are more likely to trade Nikola Vucevic at the deadline before moving LaVine.
Cameron Johnson (NBA)
Grizzlies, Nets talks on Cameron Johnson “not substantive” The Memphis Grizzlies nearly completed a trade for Dorian Finney-Smith from Brooklyn, but the Nets ended up trading him to Los Angeles. Despite that, Memphis is still in talks with Brooklyn about a potential Cameron Johnson trade, although those talks haven’t progressed much.
According to reports, the discussions aren’t very serious at the moment. Johnson, a 6’8″ two-way wing, is averaging 19.5 points per game and shooting 43.6% from three. Because of his strong performance, the Nets’ asking price is high, reportedly starting at two first-round picks. It’s unclear whether the Grizzlies or any other team will be willing to meet that price.
Pistons looking to improve, not rent cap space The Detroit Pistons are the only team under the salary cap by about $14 million heading into the trade deadline. Typically, this would make them a good candidate to rent out their cap space, helping other teams offload bad contracts in exchange for draft picks.
However, the Pistons, currently sitting at eighth in the Eastern Conference with a 20-19 record and led by Cade Cunningham, are looking to improve their roster to win now. Detroit is letting teams know they aren’t interested in taking on bad contracts just for draft picks. They’re focused on getting players who can help them win in the short term. While they may still be willing to rent out cap space in some deals, the price has gone up.
The Jimmy Butler trade rumors have slowed down recently, and it seems like there hasn’t been much progress on a trade. Let’s look at the current situation.
Latest Jimmy Butler trade rumors and news
Miami is still trying to find a trade for Jimmy Butler, having spoken to several teams in the past week, but there hasn’t been any movement and no trade is close, according to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald.
The main facts haven’t changed: Butler wants to be traded and prefers to go to Phoenix, a team that is also interested in him. However, it’s tough to figure out how to make that trade happen. Other teams aren’t showing much interest unless they can get Butler for a low price or with less favorable contracts coming back to Miami.
Butler is 35 years old, has a history of injuries, and some doubt if his skills are still at their peak. Additionally, he wants a new contract but could also opt into the $52.4 million he’s set to make next season. All of these factors make it hard for teams to commit to a trade for him.
This likely means Butler will return to the Heat after his suspension ends on Friday, which could lead to some uncomfortable situations.
Miami’s team president, Pat Riley, suspended Butler for seven games after Butler expressed frustration with the team, saying, “I want to see me getting my joy back playing basketball. Wherever that may be.” He added that it wouldn’t be in Miami, and he and his agent asked for a trade. Riley acted quickly, remembering how Butler’s trade demands caused issues with his previous teams in Minnesota.
The NBA players’ union plans to appeal the suspension and may recover some, if not all, of the $2.35 million Butler will lose during the suspension.
Butler’s suspension ends on Sunday. The question now is whether everyone will handle things professionally and move on, or if Butler will remain disruptive and not put full effort into games. Another option could be Miami paying him to stay away from the team.
Jimmy Butler not going anywhere until Summer?
It’s clear that Butler wants to be traded, with Phoenix being his ideal destination, and the Suns also wanting him. However, Miami isn’t willing to accept a bad deal just to get rid of him, and there are no good offers on the table. This situation has been like this for a while.
Many sources NBC Sports spoke with believe Butler will stay with Miami past the February 6 trade deadline and into the summer. He is likely to opt into the $52.4 million contract for next season, and Miami will look for a trade later. Executives have said they don’t see any clear way to make a trade happen before the deadline, as stated by Steve Bulpett at Heavy Sports.
Jimmy Butler and Paul Reed in the 1st half
“I don’t know how this gets worked out,” one league source told Heavy Sports. “And I only know of a few teams that want to come anywhere near this.”
“It’s more difficult than people think,” said one team’s head of basketball operations. “First of all, Jimmy’s 35 and doesn’t have much value. And then the team that would like him the most is probably Phoenix, because they’re so bad and they have the worst contract in (Bradley) Beal. Other than that, I don’t know of any teams that would want to take on Jimmy Butler, other than teams that just want to dump contracts — and Miami won’t go for that. I just don’t know how it’s going to work.
“But all this stuff with Jimmy — all the stuff in Miami and Minnesota and Chicago and Philly — all of it is because he wants to get paid. That’s where he’s at right now. He wants to be paid for what he’s done for Miami.”
The main issue remains Butler’s next contract. This situation has always been about money, not basketball. Butler didn’t get the two-year, $100 million-plus extension he wanted last summer from Pat Riley, so now he’s looking for that deal elsewhere. Phoenix is the only team that might come close to offering that amount, but making a trade to send Butler to Phoenix is nearly impossible.
So, it seems likely that Butler will still be with the Miami Heat after the trade deadline, which could lead to some awkward situations.
What do Heat want in Butler trade?
Miami isn’t looking to sell Jimmy Butler cheaply. The team’s main goals in any trade are to get players who can help them win this season and next, not just future picks or young players, and to avoid taking on long-term contracts. If Miami makes a trade, it wants the flexibility to build around Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro without being stuck with another long-term, expensive contract.
The problem is that Butler is making $48.8 million this season, with a player option for $52.4 million next season. Butler is 35 years old and wants an extension, which could either be added to the end of his current contract, taking him to age 38, or he could opt out and sign a two-year deal worth more than $100 million, which would take him to age 37.
Trading for Butler means that teams either have to send another expensive player to Miami, or multiple players to make the deal work. If a trade happens, it will probably be a three- or four-team trade, which is very difficult to arrange both financially and to make all the teams involved happy.
Because of this, some league sources believe Butler will stay with the Heat until summer, when a trade might be easier to complete around the NBA draft or in July.
Top Butler destinations
There’s really only one team seriously in the mix:
Phoenix Suns
The latest news confirms that Phoenix wants Butler badly, but the only way to make the trade work is by including Bradley Beal. However, no one wants to take on Beal and the $110 million he’s owed over the next two seasons (Marc Stein reported this over the weekend).
There are basketball reasons why Butler would want to go to the Suns: playing alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker makes sense, and the Suns could use more toughness, something Butler could bring. But mostly, Butler wants to join the Suns because their owner, Mat Ishbia, has indicated he would offer Butler the kind of extension he wants.
Jimmy Butler reacts after scoring
The problem, however, is making the trade happen. As mentioned, Phoenix would need to include Beal, but there is no interest in taking him on, either in Miami or across the league. For one, Beal has a no-trade clause and can block any trade he doesn’t agree with.
Moving Beal to the bench, though it might make sense on the court, could be seen as Phoenix trying to make him unhappy enough to waive his no-trade clause. The bigger issue is that the Miami Heat don’t want Beal.
They want players who can help them win now and don’t want to take on long-term money. Beal was just benched in favor of a rookie and is owed more than $100 million for the next two seasons.
Phoenix is trying to find a three- or four-team trade where Beal goes to a third team. While it’s an idea, it’s hard to pull off because, like the Heat, other teams aren’t eager to take on Beal.
The few teams that might consider it will want a lot of extra assets, like first-round picks that the Suns don’t want to give up. These teams would also want Beal to give up his no-trade clause, something he would likely be hesitant to do.
Because of all these complications, many people around the league believe that Butler will still be with the Heat after the trade deadline.
Brooklyn not going to pursue Butler
If Butler isn’t traded before the February 6 trade deadline, he will have to decide whether to pick up his $52.4 million option for next season or become a free agent.
Butler is looking to get paid, and Brooklyn is the only team with enough cap space to offer him a deal next summer. However, according to Marc Stein’s Sunday newsletter, the Nets aren’t interested in pursuing Butler as a free agent. They want to keep their resources ready in case Giannis Antetokounmpo gets unhappy in Milwaukee and wants to leave.
This lack of interest in Butler is one of the reasons why many expect him to opt into the $52.4 million for next season. The only question is whether he might choose to opt out and sign a new deal, like two years for $70 million, which would offer him more guaranteed money over a longer period.
Golden State Warriors not interested
On the surface, it seems like a good fit: The Golden State Warriors are looking for a star player who can create shots and play defense alongside Stephen Curry. Butler is available. However, The Athletic reports that the Warriors aren’t interested in pursuing him for three reasons: Butler’s age, his injury history, and his price.
To make a trade work, the Warriors would have to send out either Draymond Green or Andrew Wiggins, along with Jonathan Kuminga and at least two other players. Plus, they’d have to pay Butler a large new contract next summer.
This reasoning reflects what many teams are thinking about Butler.
Fans hold up a portrait of Jimmy Butler in the 2nd half
Grizzlies, Bucks out of running
When Butler and his agent requested a trade from the Heat, ESPN reported that Butler wanted to play “anywhere but Miami.” But “anywhere” doesn’t seem to include Memphis or Milwaukee. Butler’s representatives have told the Memphis Grizzlies that he doesn’t want to be traded there, according to Chris Haynes.
Other reports say the Bucks are also not on his preferred list. Since Butler can opt out after this season and become a free agent, he has some control over where he is traded. However, that doesn’t mean he can easily force a move to Phoenix.
What happened between Jimmy Butler and Pat Riley?
The issues between Butler and the Heat are all about money. After last season, Butler wanted to discuss a contract extension, hoping to opt out of his $52.4 million for next season and get a two-year deal worth $112.6 million. However, Pat Riley rejected that idea, saying:
“That’s a big decision on our part to commit those kinds of resources unless you have somebody who’s going to be there and available every single night. That’s the truth.”
Butler played only 60 games last season and was unavailable for the Heat’s playoff series against the Celtics.
Butler told the Washington Post this week that he still believes he’s in his prime.
In short, Butler wants to be paid, but the Heat don’t want to pay him, so Butler is now seeking a trade to a team where he thinks he can get the money he’s asking for.
Fans hold up a portrait of Jimmy Butler in the 2nd half
The NBA trade deadline is approaching in one month, and there will likely be a lot of attention on whether the Miami Heat will trade Jimmy Butler, especially after the ongoing situation with the six-time All-Star.
However, Butler won’t be the only big name potentially on the move before the February 6 deadline. The New Orleans Pelicans, who are currently at the bottom of the Western Conference standings, need to decide what to do with Brandon Ingram. Additionally, the Brooklyn Nets may trade another key player, Cameron Johnson, if they find a team that has higher playoff ambitions.
Whether a team makes a trade or not, every team has at least one player who could be involved in a trade to either improve their chances for the playoffs or take steps in their rebuilding process. ESPN insiders Bobby Marks (Eastern Conference) and Kevin Pelton (Western Conference) offer a look at one trade candidate for each team.
Eastern Conference
Atlanta Hawks
Trade candidate: Larry Nance Jr., Forward
The Hawks don’t need to make a move to avoid the play-in tournament, but they might consider changing their roster. Nance’s $11.2 million expiring contract is valuable. Before he broke his right hand on December 28, Nance had been playing his best basketball, averaging 11.2 points and 7.6 rebounds in the previous five games. One trade that could help the Hawks improve their backcourt depth is swapping Nance for Spurs guard Tre Jones. The Hawks have struggled with turnovers, ranking 24th in the league, and have allowed the fourth-most points off turnovers.
Boston Celtics
Trade candidate: Jaden Springer, Guard
Trading Springer depends on whether the Celtics are willing to add a second-round pick to move his $4 million salary or find another player making less money. Since the Celtics are over the salary cap, they can’t send cash and take on more salary than they give away. The Wizards, with a $12.4 million trade exception and space under the luxury tax, could help by taking on his salary. A trade involving Springer would save the Celtics $16 million in luxury tax payments.
Brooklyn Nets
Trade candidate: Cameron Johnson, Forward
The Nets will likely want more in a trade for Johnson than they received when they traded Dennis Schroder and Dorian Finney-Smith. Johnson fills three key needs for playoff teams: he plays a needed position, is on a team-friendly contract for the next three seasons, and is having career-high numbers in points (19.5), field goal percentage (49.6%), and 3-point percentage (43.6%). One issue is his $4.5 million in unlikely bonuses, which could complicate trades, such as one with Golden State, making the deal illegal.
Charlotte Hornets
Trade candidate: Nick Richards, Center
Last season, the Hornets made several veteran trades and received valuable picks. Now, with Mark Williams healthy, the team may consider moving Richards, especially if Williams’ injury history makes Richards an important backup. Richards has had a strong season, averaging 11.3 points and 10.2 rebounds in nine starts. His contract, worth $5 million this season and next, is considered a good deal.
Chicago Bulls
Trade candidate: Nikola Vucevic, Center
The Bulls face a tough decision regarding Vucevic, their second-leading scorer. Should they trade him now and get a mix of a first-round pick, expiring contracts, and a young player? Or should they wait until the summer when Vucevic enters the final year of his contract? Vucevic is playing well, averaging 20.4 points, shooting a career-high 55.8% from the field, and also shooting 43.6% from 3-point range. He has averaged double-digit rebounds for the seventh season in a row. The Bulls currently hold the last play-in spot, just ahead of Philadelphia.
Lonzo Ball and Nikola Vucevic hugs in the preseason
Cleveland Cavaliers
Trade candidate: None, but watch for guard Caris LeVert
The Cavaliers, with the best record in the league, likely won’t make an in-season trade. However, they could move under the luxury tax by trading LeVert, whose $16.6 million expiring contract could be included in a deal. LeVert is having a great season, shooting career-highs from the field (50.4%) and 3-point range (45.9%).
Detroit Pistons
Trade candidate: None, but watch for cap space
Detroit is in an interesting position with $14.1 million in cap space. They also have an $8 million midlevel exception available to acquire a player once they use up the cap space. Many teams can’t take on extra salary due to salary cap restrictions, so Detroit could serve as a third team in trades, taking on contracts in exchange for draft picks.
Indiana Pacers Trade candidate: Obi Toppin, Forward
Trading Toppin for an expiring contract wouldn’t help the Pacers on the court but would give them more flexibility for the offseason to re-sign Myles Turner and extend Bennedict Mathurin. With Toppin’s $14 million salary next season, Indiana is $20 million under the luxury tax before deciding on Turner’s future. Toppin is averaging double-digit points for the second year in a row.
Miami Heat Trade candidate: Jimmy Butler, Forward
On December 26, Heat president Pat Riley said the team would not trade Butler. However, things changed when Riley announced on Friday that Butler was suspended for seven games due to conduct harmful to the team, and Miami would look into trading him. The Heat now need to figure out if they can find a trade that keeps the team competitive while also maintaining financial flexibility for the future.
Milwaukee Bucks Trade candidate: Bobby Portis, Forward
Portis is averaging 16.4 points and shooting 38.6% from 3-point range in his last 10 games, but he’s listed because the Bucks have a high payroll with 80% of their salary going to four players. Portis’ $12.6 million salary and their 2031 first-round pick are the biggest assets the Bucks could use in a trade. Since the Bucks are $6.5 million over the salary cap, they can’t take back more salary than they send out in a trade. Portis could also become a free agent next season if he declines his $13.4 million player option.
New York Knicks Trade candidate: Mitchell Robinson, Center
Robinson has not played yet this season, but he is the Knicks’ most valuable trade asset. His contract is attractive for teams needing frontcourt depth and rebounding, but Robinson is still recovering from two surgeries on his left ankle. Coach Tom Thibodeau said Robinson should be ready for practice in January. If Robinson is cleared before the trade deadline, the Knicks will have to decide if he has more value on their roster or as part of a trade to strengthen their bench. The Knicks’ bench has been the least productive in the league in terms of minutes and points. Because of salary restrictions, New York can’t take back more than $14.8 million in a trade, but a deal for the Wizards’ Jonas Valanciunas could work.
Utah Jazz and New York Knicks
Orlando Magic Trade candidate: Cole Anthony, Guard
The Magic are last in the league in 3-point shooting, so it makes sense to explore trades involving Jonathan Isaac and a future first-round pick. However, Isaac is important as insurance for the injury-prone frontcourt. Isaac’s contract drops from $25 million to $15 million next season, making him more valuable for a trade in the future. Anthony has struggled to find playing time this season, despite scoring 35 points in a win against Miami. He is averaging a career-low in points and field goal percentage and is getting limited minutes. Trading Anthony and two second-round picks for Utah’s Jordan Clarkson could help the Magic with their perimeter shooting.
Philadelphia 76ers Trade candidate: KJ Martin, Forward
Martin’s contract, which was raised to $16 million over two years, seemed like an overpay, especially after he averaged only 3.7 points per game last season. However, this increase is less about rewarding his on-court performance and more about giving the 76ers a valuable trade asset. With rookie guard Jared McCain injured, Philadelphia is looking for another shot-creator.
Toronto Raptors Trade candidate: Chris Boucher, Forward
Boucher, not Bruce Brown Jr., is a trade candidate for a few reasons. His length and ability to guard multiple positions are valuable to playoff teams. Boucher is also having one of his best seasons, averaging 9.9 points in 17.5 minutes per game. More importantly, Boucher’s $11.7 million salary this season is half of what is owed to Brown, who had knee surgery in the offseason and has only played three games.
Washington Wizards Trade candidate: Jonas Valanciunas, Center
Valanciunas is one of the Wizards’ veterans (along with Malcolm Brogdon, Kyle Kuzma, Marvin Bagley III, and Richaun Holmes) who could be traded before the deadline. He is playing a career-low 20 minutes per game but is still averaging 11.7 points and 8 rebounds.
Valanciunas has two years and $21.4 million left on his contract, with both years being non-guaranteed. His $9.9 million salary this season fits with teams like the Lakers, who are over the salary cap and can’t take on more salary in a trade.
Western Conference Dallas Mavericks Trade candidate: Maxi Kleber, Forward
After making two starter trades last season, the Mavericks are not expected to be as active this time. They may consider trading guard Quentin Grimes, who is likely to get a raise as a restricted free agent this summer, but Grimes has been an important backup player. Kleber has been moved to a smaller role, and trading his $11 million salary could help the Mavericks get under the luxury tax. This would give them more flexibility to re-sign Grimes in the summer without going over the tax limit.
Dallas Mavericks and Washington Wizards
Denver Nuggets Trade candidate: Michael Porter Jr., Forward
If the Nuggets decide to make a big trade, Porter’s $35.9 million salary will probably need to be included. However, his recent performance might make the Nuggets think twice. He’s shooting a career-high 52% from the field, including 42% from three-point range, and his size has allowed the Nuggets to move guard Russell Westbrook into the starting lineup for the injured Aaron Gordon. With Jamal Murray playing better in December, adding a shot creator doesn’t seem as necessary for Denver, and improving their defense looks like a bigger priority.
Golden State Warriors Trade candidate: Jonathan Kuminga, Forward
Golden State already made one move by trading for Dennis Schroder to add depth behind Stephen Curry. Kuminga’s future with the team is now the main question, as he is set to become a restricted free agent this summer. Kuminga is averaging a career-high 16.8 points per game but is shooting a career-low 50% on two-point shots, which lowers his efficiency. Kuminga lost his starting position and is out for at least three weeks due to an ankle injury, which makes him less attractive for a big trade. However, he is only 22 years old, and another team might think he would do better in their system than with the Warriors, who focus on winning now.
Houston Rockets Trade candidate: Cam Whitmore, Forward
Since the Rockets are competing for home-court advantage, it seems unlikely they will make a major trade before the deadline. However, they might consider trading Whitmore to a team that needs more young talent. During five games from Dec. 23 to New Year’s Day, Whitmore averaged 14.6 points per game and had shooting splits near 50/40/90. Despite being a top prospect on many teams, Whitmore is just one of many players on Houston’s roster. He might not have a regular role with the team when they are fully healthy, so trading him could help the Rockets get a better pick than the 20th overall pick they used to select him in 2023.
LA Clippers Trade candidate: P.J. Tucker, Forward
Tucker has been in limbo this season. The deep Clippers haven’t needed him in a big role, but they haven’t let him go yet to see if he could still contribute at the trade deadline. Tucker has been at home all season after playing just 420 minutes with the Clippers in 2023-24, following his trade to the team as part of the James Harden deal. At 39, Tucker isn’t as reliable as he used to be as a 3-and-D player, and his $11.5 million salary might make him a better candidate for a buyout than a trade.
Los Angeles Lakers 2025 NBA trade deadline
The 2025 NBA trade deadline is getting closer. Here’s everything you need to know before February 6, including the latest deals, rumors, and information across the league.
• Trade tracker: Latest deals and details
• Trade grades: Kevin Pelton on Lakers, Warriors
• Brian Windhorst on what 15 contenders can do
• Bobby Marks’ trade season outlooks for all 30 teams
• Butler trade request: 6 deals | Everything we know
• Trade Machine: Swing a deal for a star
Los Angeles Lakers players in the 2nd half
Trade candidate: Christian Wood, Forward
The Lakers probably already made their biggest trade by acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton from the Nets last week. However, they could still make a smaller move before the deadline. Wood hasn’t played yet this season due to knee surgery in September, and trading his $3 million salary to a team with an open roster spot is one of the most likely moves before the deadline. This would also help the Lakers save about $11 million in luxury tax.
If the Lakers decide to make another significant move, they could think about acquiring Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas. The Lakers have Gabe Vincent’s $11 million salary, two future first-round picks (2029 and 2030), the option to swap first-round picks in five seasons (2026, 2028, 2029, 2030, 2031), and two second-round picks that they might use.
Memphis Grizzlies Trade candidate: Luke Kennard, Guard
Kennard was part of Memphis’ reported offer for Finney-Smith before the Nets accepted the Lakers’ deal instead. Kennard is making $9.25 million on a one-year contract and has the ability to block any trade but might get more playing time elsewhere. He led the NBA in 3-point shooting percentage during both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons and is still shooting 45% from 3, but he hasn’t played as much because younger players Jaylen Wells and Jake LaRavia have taken on bigger roles.
Minnesota Timberwolves Trade candidate: None, but watch for Joe Ingles
The Timberwolves made their big move before the season when they traded Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks and brought Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle to Minnesota. Although that trade hasn’t worked out exactly as they hoped, another trade isn’t expected to fix things. Minnesota doesn’t have a clear player to trade in order to cut the team’s high luxury tax bill. Ingles has played only a limited role, but his value is more about his experience in the locker room than his on-court play.
New Orleans Pelicans Trade candidate: Brandon Ingram, Forward
With Ingram about to become an unrestricted free agent in less than six months, he is one of the most interesting players who could be traded before the deadline. If another team had been willing to offer a player who fits better with the Pelicans’ roster and salary, the trade would have already happened. New Orleans, which is also facing a decision on Zion Williamson’s future, may have to wait for another team to believe Ingram is the biggest upgrade they can make before the deadline. If that doesn’t happen, will the Pelicans accept a lower offer for him during a lost season, or will they keep Ingram for a potential sign-and-trade next summer? We’ll find out soon.
Oklahoma City Thunder Trade candidate: Ousmane Dieng, Forward
At the 2024 trade deadline, Oklahoma City traded former first-round pick Tre Mann to add a veteran player (Gordon Hayward) and clear space for future moves. A similar deal could happen this year. Dieng, picked 11th overall by the Thunder in 2022, has not been able to get more playing time despite Oklahoma City’s injuries in the frontcourt. Still only 21, Dieng might find more chances with a rebuilding team, just like Mann did with the Charlotte Hornets.
Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves
Phoenix Suns Trade candidate: Jusuf Nurkic, Center
If the Suns want to make a big trade for Jimmy Butler, they would need to trade Bradley Beal. Otherwise, Nurkic is the most likely player to be traded due to the team’s second-apron restrictions. Nurkic is playing only 24.3 minutes per game, the least since the 2016-17 season, when he backed up Nikola Jokic before being traded to Portland. If Phoenix wants to get a more versatile player that fits better with coach Mike Budenholzer’s system, they might have to take on more years of salary than Nurkic’s contract, which ends in 2026.
Portland Trail Blazers Trade candidate: Jerami Grant, Forward
The Blazers might have waited too long to trade Grant, who re-signed with the team right before Damian Lillard asked to be traded, starting Portland’s rebuild. Grant had a great 2023-24 season, averaging 21.0 points per game, but he has been less effective in 2024-25, scoring only 15.0 points per game, his lowest since 2019-20. With three years left on his contract, it might be best for the Blazers to move on from Grant to get the best return.
Sacramento Kings Trade candidate: Kevin Huerter, Guard
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported that before firing coach Mike Brown, the Kings considered trading for several players on this list, such as Ingram, Johnson, LaVine, and Kyle Kuzma. With a salary of $16.8 million and one year left on his contract, Huerter could be part of those trade talks. Huerter was a key addition for Sacramento, averaging a career-high 15.2 points per game and shooting 40% from 3-point range in 2022-23 when the Kings made the playoffs. Since then, his shooting and scoring have decreased, suggesting that a change of scenery could benefit him.
San Antonio Spurs Trade candidate: Keldon Johnson, Guard
With the arrival of Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs’ performance has improved, but Johnson’s numbers have gone down. Johnson averaged 22.0 points per game in 2022-23 but is only scoring 12.2 points per game this season. His drop in 3-point shooting from 35% to 27% is especially surprising. Since his free-throw shooting has stayed consistent at 76%, it is possible that Johnson will improve his 3-point shooting again. At 25 years old, he could be an appealing trade target for a team looking for a low-cost deal.
Utah Jazz Trade candidate: Jordan Clarkson, Guard
At 32 years old, Clarkson is unlikely to be part of the Jazz’s future as they continue rebuilding. He won the 2021 Sixth Man Award and is still one of the best bench scorers in the league, ranking third among players who have started fewer than half their games, with 16.7 points per game. With a salary of $14.1 million this year and $14.3 million in 2025-26, Clarkson’s salary should work for a playoff team needing depth. He could be a good addition to a team like Orlando, which needs more scoring.
The Charlotte Hornets had a tough time against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night. Cleveland, with a 31-5 record, dominated the Hornets’ big men in the first half of the game.
Because of Charlotte’s struggles inside, head coach Charles Lee decided to bring in veteran forward Taj Gibson, who hadn’t played much recently. Despite his effort, Gibson couldn’t make a big impact on the stat sheet, while Cleveland’s big men, Allen and Mobley, combined for 36 points and 16 rebounds on 15-23 shooting, easily overpowering the Hornets’ front line.
A key point in this game was the limited playing time for backup center Nick Richards. Mark Williams’ return to form has led to a decrease in Richards’ minutes, and Richards has not been as effective as he was earlier in the season when Williams was sidelined.
Richards played only eight minutes in this game, his lowest of the season. This could be a sign that the Hornets may consider trading him before the trade deadline. Since Charlotte drafted him in the second round of the 2022 NBA draft, Richards has been a part of trade rumors.
His size (7’0″, 245 lbs) and solid two-way play make him a potential target for teams looking for depth, especially those in the Western Conference, where teams face strong centers like Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, and Anthony Davis. Teams like Golden State, Houston, and the Los Angeles Lakers might be interested in Richards.
LaMelo Ball’s Foul Issues Keep Undermining His Potential and the Charlotte Hornets’ Late-Game Success
Another player who saw limited minutes on Sunday was Vasilije Micic. He played just five minutes, his lowest this season, after being an important part of the rotation earlier in the year. Micic has had his playing time reduced in recent games, with K.J. Simpson and Nick Smith Jr. getting more time in the backcourt.
Nick Smith Jr. stood out in the game against the Cavaliers. The 20-year-old, making his first extended appearance since December 7th, scored 18 points on 7-12 shooting. Smith Jr. impressed with his ball-handling and smooth jumper, helping the Hornets’ offense during the second and third quarters. His performance earned him more playing time over the veteran Micic.
Like Richards, Micic has also been part of trade rumors since the summer. Could he join his fellow countryman Nikola Jokic in Denver? Or perhaps he might head to Minnesota to back up Mike Conley Jr.? It remains to be seen, but if Micic continues to see limited minutes, his name will likely remain in trade talks as the deadline approaches on February 6th.
Several teams, including the Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Sacramento Kings, are reportedly interested in trading for Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson, as shared by NBA insider Marc Stein.
The Grizzlies are “frequently mentioned” by sources in the league as a possible destination for Johnson. However, after the Nets traded Dorian Finney-Smith to the Los Angeles Lakers instead of completing a deal with Memphis, Stein pointed out that it’s “unclear how eager the Grizzlies are to return to the trade table.”
Stein described the Pacers as “a team to watch” regarding a potential Johnson trade and confirmed that the Kings have also discussed a possible trade with the Nets. Currently, the Kings are not including rookie guard Devin Carter in these talks.
Johnson’s trade value has risen, as he’s averaging a career-high 19.5 points per game through 32 starts with the Nets. Brooklyn might look to trade him before the February 6 deadline. Stein has reported that the Nets are seeking “multiple first-round picks” in exchange for Johnson.
However, after both Finney-Smith and former Nets guard Dennis Schröder were traded for multiple second-round picks, Stein expressed doubt that the Nets would be able to secure such a large return. Still, the interest from various teams might help increase Johnson’s trade value ahead of the deadline.
Brett Siegel from ClutchPoints recently reported that the Grizzlies, Kings, Lakers, Orlando Magic, and Golden State Warriors have all contacted the Nets about a potential Johnson trade this season. Siegel also mentioned the Pacers, San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, and Miami Heat as potential suitors for Johnson.
Indiana Pacers (NBA)
There’s also a possibility that the Grizzlies could include former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart in a trade for Johnson. Some believe Memphis has turned down trade offers for Smart, possibly in hopes of sending him to Brooklyn, as noted by Siegel.
Sam Amick from The Athletic confirmed that Sacramento has had “extensive talks” with the Nets about Johnson.
However, trade discussions could stall if the Nets demand Carter in return. According to Stein, the Kings “value Carter highly.”
The Pacers might also want to acquire Johnson to improve their defense in the second half of the season. They could look to send a combination of Aaron Nesmith and Obi Toppin’s contracts as part of the deal.
With so many teams reportedly interested in Johnson, the Nets will likely try to drive up the price of this bidding war as much as they can before the February 6 deadline.
The Memphis Grizzlies seem ready to make it to the playoffs this season after finishing with a 27-55 record in 2023-24. They may try to add a key player on the wing to improve their chances as the season moves forward.
Sam Vecenie from The Athletic reported on Sunday that Memphis “is in the market for a big wing with a defensive edge.”
With this in mind, Vecenie mentioned the Grizzlies as his “favorite wild-card” in the possible Jimmy Butler trade and pointed out that the team showed interest in Dorian Finney-Smith before the Los Angeles Lakers acquired him.
Butler, who was suspended by the Miami Heat and is available for trade, would be a huge addition that could completely change the team’s performance on the court. The six-time All-Star would become another key player alongside Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., and would also be able to defend the opposing team’s best wing player each game.
However, the Grizzlies may not need to make such a big move to improve their situation.
Memphis Grizzlies (NBA)
They are currently 23-13 and tied for second place in the Western Conference. Even a small improvement on the wing could raise their potential and would likely cost less than a trade for Butler.
It’s not surprising that they’re looking for help on the wing, as they could face bigger, stronger players like LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Edwards, Kevin Durant, and others in the Western Conference playoffs.
Morant and Jackson provide the Grizzlies with strong players in both the backcourt and frontcourt. Adding a wing who can take some of the defensive pressure off their shoulders would definitely be a positive development for the team.
