NBA Trade Deadline: Available Players
As the February 5 trade deadline approaches, we revisit the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, focusing on 25 ‘available’ players who could be on the move. The term ‘available’ can be misleading, especially when it comes to stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo. Although murmurs of discontent suggest he may seek a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks, it remains contingent on whether he officially makes that request; until then, the Bucks remain reticent about letting him go. Other players are clearly on the block, either readily accessible or only available for the right price. Each player on our list could potentially shift a team’s championship prospects, leading to the rankings based on their trading value and ability to impact the title race.
Before we dive into the rankings, it’s worth noting one significant name: Karl-Anthony Towns. There have been rumors regarding his trade availability due to the New York Knicks’ current struggles, but given the Knicks’ status as a contender in the East, it’s hard to see them making a significant roster change unless it involves someone like Antetokounmpo. Hence, for now, we’ll leave him off the list.
Honorable Mentions
- Cam Thomas (Brooklyn Nets)
- Chris Paul (Los Angeles Clippers)
- De’Andre Hunter (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Malik Monk (Sacramento Kings)
Ranked Players
25. Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors
A recent trade demand from Kuminga has stirred discussions about his value. With the Warriors experiencing a major injury to Jimmy Butler, there might be an opportunity for Kuminga to earn significant playing time and prove his worth sooner rather than later.
24. Immanuel Quickley, Toronto Raptors
The Raptors are reportedly exploring trade options that include Quickley and RJ Barrett, eyeing potential high-profile acquisitions like Anthony Davis and Ja Morant. However, Quickley’s contract raises concerns for interested teams.
23. Kristaps Porziņģis, Atlanta Hawks
With health issues looming, Porziņģis’ $30.7 million expiring contract makes him a trade asset for the Hawks when seeking out big names like Davis, despite the risks associated with his on-court reliability.
22. Anfernee Simons, Boston Celtics
After acquiring Simons, Boston remains open to leveraging his expiring contract for either financial flexibility or to pursue a stronger roster, underlining their interest in trade discussions.
21. Nikola Vučević, Chicago Bulls
Vučević’s expiring deal of $21.5 million has ignited trade speculation this season, leading to discussions around his future with the Bulls, who themselves are looking to reshape their roster.
20. Jalen Green, Phoenix Suns
While Green’s salary gives the Suns leverage in potential trades, concerns around his defensive performance and recent injuries complicate his trade value.
19. Herb Jones, New Orleans Pelicans
Though the Pelicans are not actively shopping Jones, his presence on the trade radar grows as teams inquire about players from New Orleans’ struggling roster.
18. DeMar DeRozan, Sacramento Kings
With DeRozan among several Kings players rumored to be on the block, speculation about potential trades involving him for younger, more explosive players like Morant is gaining traction.
17. Zach LaVine, Sacramento Kings
LaVine is also viewed as a trade possibility, given his sizable contract. His playoff experience, albeit limited, could attract teams looking for seasoned scorers, despite questions of his defensive capabilities.
16. RJ Barrett, Toronto Raptors
Toronto is linked to Barrett as they look to solidify their roster amidst high-profile trade talks, leveraging his salary to facilitate significant deals while he holds standalone value himself.
15. Coby White, Chicago Bulls
As speculation mounts around White, his expiring contract could entice suitors despite questions regarding extending him beyond this season.
14. Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers
With emerging talents like Evan Mobley taking center stage, Allen might find himself on the trading block as the Cavs reassess their needs this season after playoff disappointments.
13. Tyler Herro, Miami Heat
Herro is a notable asset for Miami aiming to secure a star player, though the question remains whether his contract will sufficiently entice teams willing to part with their superstars.
12. LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets
Ball has been linked with trade discussions, amidst reports of his frustrations with the organization. Although he publicly denies wanting out, teams are still scrutinizing his situation closely.
11. Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers
Garland finds himself in a crowded backcourt behind Donovan Mitchell, and while there is no confirmed interest in trading him, the Cavs could consider deals to improve their overall lineup.
10. Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers
Following discussions involving Reaves and potential trades, he is viewed as a significant bargaining chip should the Lakers pursue a superstar to complement their roster alongside LeBron James.
9. Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings
As Sacramento continues to explore trades to overhaul their team, Sabonis, known for his triple-double capability, is unlikely to remain untouched if the trend continues.
8. Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans
Despite the reluctance from the Pelicans to trade Williamson, his name surfaces in conversations, particularly with teams eyeing a significant trade involving injury-prone players.
7. Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
Despite his recent assertion of loyalty to Memphis, mounting reports suggest the franchise is exploring trade options for Morant, with several teams expressing interest in acquiring him.
6. Trey Murphy III, New Orleans Pelicans
Murphy has earned attention as a player of great potential, making him a prime candidate for teams looking for shooting and versatility in trades despite the Pelicans’ unwillingness to easily part with him.
5. Michael Porter Jr., Brooklyn Nets
Porter has garnered interest from multiple teams as someone who could contribute to a playoff push, contingent on whether the Warriors pursue a trade given recent team needs.
4. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies
As Morant’s trade scenarios unfold, Jackson could also find himself in discussions if Memphis decides to pivot towards rebuilding or making strategic moves moving forward.
3. Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks
Davis’ health concerns are clouding the trade market, leading potential suitors like Atlanta and Toronto to reconsider their interest amid fluctuating injury impacts.
2. Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz
The Jazz hope to retain Markkanen amidst their rebuilding efforts, although interested teams will face stiff competition should they pursue a trade involving his considerable value.
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Despite rumors surrounding his dissatisfaction, measuring how he could affect a trade remains complicated. His standing as a franchise cornerstone means any move would ignite widespread interest across the league. The anticipation of what could unfold around him will continue to dominate discussion leading up to the deadline.
