In the ten days leading up to the trade deadline, let’s take a realistic look at each team based on the conversations
that players, agents, and executives are having.
A crucial disclaimer: This isn’t fantasy basketball. Up until February 8 at 3 p.m. ET, hypotheticals between teams are
happening every hour of the day. These transactions are a crucial component of piecing together every trade in NBA
history. However, that’s not the same as just conjuring up an absurd but plausible scenario, even if it sounds good.
In light of that, let’s take a look at what might occur for each team individually.
Dejounte is most likely to be traded. Murray
Atlanta’s 2022 trade for Murray hasn’t gone as planned. The Hawks are underperforming, have a potentially costly
roster, and are losing a number of first-round picks in the future. Although Murray has been available for a month,
Atlanta seems unlikely to move him. In the event that a reasonable offer is made, it will probably be for draft
compensation.
The $6.2 million trade exception from the Grant Williams deal is most likely to be transferred.
Having completed their trades, the Celtics still have two first-round picks available for trade. The Celtics are also
more likely to sign a buyout player to fill the open roster position because their current tax burden of $39 million is
the highest in team history.
To be traded: Spencer Dinwiddie is most probable
The Nets appeared to be potential buyers going into the trade season. However, a 5β12 record following Christmas
Day has dimmed their prospects, and they are currently considering all of their options. Anything is possible because
they have seven tradable first-round picks, but they might also wind up in a three-team trade that preserves valuable
assets for the future. D’Angelo Russell, a former Nets All-Star, has been mentioned as a potential guard in the event
that a deal is reached. Dinwiddie is probably the pivot of any major transaction made before the deadline because of
his $20.3 million contract that is about to expire.
Kyle Lowry and Miles Bridges are most likely to be dealt.
Whether the Hornets decide to retain Bridges when he becomes an unrestricted free agency this summer is
debatable.
They can acquire an asset if they move on immediately. Because Bridges’ $8 million pay makes sense given his
output, contenders are drawn to the opportunity. Bridges, however, has the right to veto any trade because doing so
would mean giving up his Bird rights and making it more difficult for him to sign a larger contract in the summer.
He probably would have preferred the 76ers, or any other team with cap capacity to pay him, but he would also
probably want to be guaranteed a big role.
With a $30 million contract that is about to expire, Lowry recently joined Charlotte in the trade that sent Terry
Rozier to Miami. If he is not relocated again, he is a contender for a buyout.
Zach LaVine is most likely to be moved.
It’s no secret that the Bulls and LaVine both want to trade for each other. Although a match with the Lakers hasn’t
truly progressed, there might be clubs that are interested. League executives have been keeping an eye on the
Pistons, whose contracts are about to expire and could be of interest to Chicago.
Caris LeVert is most likely to be moved.
As the team’s sixth man, LeVert is enjoying a fantastic season, and the Cavaliers, who have won 10 of their last 11
games, aren’t aggressively seeking to move him. However, the two-year, $32 million contract he signed last summer
was intended to be flexible.
It’s more likely that the team won’t make any significant adjustments until after Darius Garland and Evan Mobley
recover from their injuries. The Cavaliers are a buyout target because they have two open roster spots and are $3
million above the luxury tax.
