Introduction

The 2023-24 NBA season is approaching the All-Star break, which means the trade deadline on February 9th is right around the corner. With contending teams looking to load up for a playoff run and rebuilding franchises eyeing future assets, there is sure to be plenty of wheeling and dealing over the next few weeks. Here is a look at some of the biggest NBA trade rumors currently circulating and how they could impact the landscape of the league.

Buyers Looking to Make a Splash

Several playoff hopefuls are expected to be active in trade talks as they aim to improve their roster for a postseason push.

Phoenix Suns

After falling short in the playoffs the past two seasons, the Suns are hungry to reach the NBA Finals again. Phoenix has been linked to a number of trade targets:

• Jakob Poeltl (San Antonio Spurs): The Suns need a defensive anchor at center and Poeltl would be a seamless fit next to Deandre Ayton. San Antonio is rebuilding and likely to move the 27-year-old big man.
• OG Anunoby (Toronto Raptors): Anunoby is an elite wing defender who can shoot, exactly what Phoenix needs to match up with the West’s star forwards. The Raptors may decide to sell high on the 25-year-old who is signed through 2024.
• Josh Hart (Portland Trail Blazers): While not a splashy move, Hart would provide strong perimeter defense and rebounding as a role player off the bench. He is on an expiring contract, making him expendable for Portland.

Los Angeles Lakers

Sitting outside the playoff picture in the West, the Lakers are eager to upgrade their roster around LeBron James. Some potential trade targets for LA:

• Fred VanVleet (Toronto Raptors): With the Raptors struggling, VanVleet could be made available at the right price. He would give LA a much-needed offensive spark at point guard.
• Bojan Bogdanovic (Detroit Pistons): Bogdanovic’s elite shooting would perfectly complement James and Anthony Davis. Detroit is open to moving the veteran forward for draft capital.
• Jae Crowder (Phoenix Suns): If the Suns pivot to a Poeltl trade, Crowder could be the defensive wing the Lakers covet. He is on an expiring contract.

Dallas Mavericks

Luka Doncic has the Mavs near the top of the West, but Dallas needs more firepower to truly contend. Two names to watch:

• Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls): LaVine is reportedly unhappy in Chicago, so he could ask out. His scoring punch alongside Doncic would make Dallas lethal. The Bulls prefer to re-sign him, however.
• Jonathan Isaac (Orlando Magic): A trade for the injury-plagued Isaac would be a classic buy-low move by the Mavs. If healthy, he is an elite defender who can shoot 3s.

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Sellers angling for future assets

Lottery-bound teams will be looking to cash in veterans and expiring contracts for young talent and draft picks.

San Antonio Spurs

With a bottom-three record in the West, the Spurs are ready to offload veterans and continue rebuilding. Players likely on the move include:

• Jakob Poeltl (see above)
• Josh Richardson
• Doug McDermott
• Gorgui Dieng

All are on expiring deals and could bring back decent draft capital or prospects.

Houston Rockets

The Rockets have a handful of veterans on movable contracts:

• Eric Gordon
• Mason Jones
• Boban Marjanovic
• Bruno Fernando

Gordon is their most valuable trade chip, either bringing back a first-rounder or a young player with upside.

Utah Jazz

Utah traded away Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert over the offseason. Veterans who could be next to go:

• Mike Conley
• Jordan Clarkson
• Malik Beasley

Conley and Clarkson can still contribute offensively and have value for contenders. Beasley is a scorer on an expiring deal.

Orlando Magic

Sitting near the bottom of the East, Orlando may continue selling off veteran pieces:

• Terrence Ross
• Gary Harris

Both are proven 3&D wings on expiring contracts who could plug holes on playoff teams. The Magic would welcome more draft assets or prospects.

Potential Blockbuster Trades

While smaller deals will likely dominate headlines, there are a few blockbuster trades that could go down and reshape team futures across the NBA:

These types of landscape-altering deals cannot be ruled out as teams weigh their options at the trade deadline. The next few weeks promise to be action-packed around the league.

What to Watch at the Trade Deadline

As trade rumors swirl over the coming weeks, here are some key storylines to follow:

• Where do Raptors stars VanVleet, Anunoby, and Trent Jr. end up? Toronto has tough decisions to make.
• Will the Lakers unload Westbrook’s contract and land a big name? LA’s aggression could dictate the market.
• Are the Suns all-in on a win-now move? Phoenix has tempting assets to make a splash.
• Can the Spurs, Rockets and Magic stockpile more picks and young players? Rebuilding franchises should stay busy.
• How will the Mavericks add a co-star alongside Luka? Dallas is expected to make moves.
• Are any true blockbusters like the Gobert or Mitchell deals still out there? Major stars could be on the move.

The 2023 trade deadline could feature fireworks around the league. With the title race wide open and contenders hungry for upgrades, the transaction frenzy promises to be must-see drama for NBA fans. The rumors will only heat up as the deadline approaches, so buckle up for a wild ride.