Deadline deal for every NBA Team
The NBA trade deadline is coming up quickly on Friday.
As contending teams look to bolster their rosters for the playoffs, a number of big-name stars could be moving this week.
A number of sides are also planning for the future and will want to add long-term assets to their portfolios. In any case, the NBA’s trade deadline is always a tumultuous event.
So, ahead of Friday’s deadline, we’ve compiled a list of one ideal (and feasible) trade for each of the NBA’s 30 teams.
Marcus Smart and Josh Richardson are among the players who have been assigned to the Hawks.
Kevin Huerter, Danilo Gallinari, and a first-round pick are among the players who will join the Celtics.
Atlanta’s defence is in defensive need of boost, as the Hawks are now tied for bottom in the NBA with a defensive rating of 114. Smart, one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, would provide the Hawks with much-needed aid on defence, as well as the energy that Nate McMillan’s team badly needs. It also enables the Hawks to avoid next season’s high-priced $21 million deal with Gallinari, albeit at the expense of a first-round pick. Given that the Celtics are trading Smart, who is probably their best player and one of the league’s best defenders, one of Bogdan Bogdanovic or De’Andre Hunter might be acquired instead of Huerter in any trade, depending on how highly they value the latter.
John Collins will join the Celtics as a free agent.
Marcus Smart, Josh Richardson, and a first-round pick are among the players who have been acquired by the Magic.
Another Hawks-Celtics trade, this time in the Hawks’ favour. Boston makes a bold move to improve without having to part with star players Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown by bringing in Collins to make a big impact in the Eastern Conference. Tatum, Brown, Collins, and Robert Williams, all of whom are 25 or younger, provide the Celtics with a dynamic core to build around in the long run while also making them more dangerous in the short term. Collins’ re-signing with Atlanta on a five-year, $207 million deal means he’ll be committed to whichever team he joins until 2026, which is a bonus in acquiring him.
Christian Wood and Armoni Brooks have been added to the Nets’ roster.
Joe Harris, Cameron Thomas, and a future first-round pick are among the players who will be acquired by the Rockets.
If the Nets keep James Harden, this move will strengthen their frontcourt and entice him to stay in Brooklyn at the end of the season. Given Paul Millsap’s impending departure, the frontcourt is where Steve Nash’s team could be strengthened. With concerns about his attitude, Wood is a risk, but when he’s on, he’s one of the league’s most dangerous big men. Consider Harden, Patty Mills, Kyrie Irving (if he plays), Kevin Durant, and Wood in Brooklyn’s starting lineup. The Nets get a first-round pick and one of their best young players in Thomas in exchange, but they also get rid of Harris’ $17 million annual salary, which will rise to $20 million in 2024, and is becoming a negative cost due to multiple ankle injuries. Furthermore, if the Nets want to make any significant roster changes without trading Harden or Irving, Harris will almost certainly have to be part of the deal.
Myles Turner and Jeremy Lamb are among those who will join the Hornets.
Gordon Hayward, a first-round pick, is the Pacers’ new acquisition.
The Hornets, who are ranked sixth in the NBA with a 112.3 defensive rating, are in desperate need of a quality big man to help them on defence. Turner or Domantas Sabonis are arguably the best men on the market, and the former makes a lot more sense for Charlotte to anchor its defence while also helping them stretch the floor — a significant upgrade over Mason Plumlee. Assuming Turner’s stress reaction in his foot isn’t serious, this is the move that elevates the Hornets from a fringe playoff team to a legitimate top-six seed in the Eastern Conference. Over the course of his career, the shot-blocking big man has averaged 2.3 blocks per game, making him an ideal fit for Charlotte.
Harrison Barnes, a second-round pick, is on the way to the Chicago Bulls.
Patrick Williams, Coby White, and Troy Brown Jr. are among the players who have been assigned to the Kings.
The Bulls should be bold in continuing to upgrade their roster in a season where they have exceeded all expectations to emerge as a genuine contender to win the East after a recruitment coup. This year’s Eastern Conference is wide open, and a trip to the NBA Finals is a distinct possibility. Barnes, who is having one of his best seasons, could help the Kings’ wings. He’s the type of player who could fit into almost any team and provide defensive versatility as well as more outside shooting. Surrendering Williams, who the Bulls value highly, is a setback, but they’re getting a proven commodity and moving closer to a win-now strategy, whereas Brown would essentially be a throw-in to match the salaries. In the playoffs, a starting lineup consisting of Nikola Vucevic, Barnes, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Lonzo Ball could cause havoc.
Dennis Schroder is the Cavaliers’ latest acquisition.
Dylan Windler, Dean Wade, and a future second-round pick go to the Celtics.
The Cavaliers already made a big trade deadline splash by acquiring Caris LeVert from Indiana in exchange for the injured Ricky Rubio’s $17 million contract and several draught picks. While Cleveland’s season may be over, it’s worth noting that Rubio and Colin Sexton both suffered season-ending injuries, leaving two huge holes in the team’s backcourt in the midst of a playoff push. As a result, Schroder could be a candidate to fill Sexton’s spot on the roster, but only as a reserve. He’d give the Cavaliers’ bench, which is ranked fourth in the NBA in offensive rating, some offensive punch and a much-needed spark (50.9). Schroder’s $5 million contract expires at the end of the season, and as a rental, he shouldn’t be too expensive to sign. Windler and Wade are included to match salaries, but unless Boston looks to include Schroder in a larger deal, a draught pick is the more likely priority.
Deal with the clock ticking Cleveland has already established itself in the industry.
Caris LeVert, a second-round pick, went to the Cavaliers.
Ricky Rubio, a first-round pick, as well as two second-round picks, were given to the Pacers.
CJ McCollum of the Blazers joins the Mavericks. Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber, and a first-round draught pick are among the players who will be receiving.
Despite the Mavericks’ quietly successful season, it’s clear that Luka Doncic requires assistance in Dallas. But, as it stands, Jason Kidd’s team can’t compete in the West with the Warriors, Suns, or Jazz, and it won’t have much flexibility this offseason regardless of whether Jalen Brunson and Dorian Finney-Smith re-sign. McCollum, who the Mavs are reportedly interested in, appears to be the right fit to help them this season and in the future. The Mavs’ defensive rating of 107.2 is good for fifth in the NBA, while their offensive rating of 110.1 is good for seventeenth. McCollum would relieve Doncic of some ball-handling responsibilities while also providing a second offensive boost as a viable backup option. For several years, we’ve seen McCollum excel alongside Lillard in Portland, and playing alongside Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis could be the perfect role for him to resurrect his career.
Jalen Smith and Abdel Nader join the Nuggets.
Suns get second-round pick JaMychal Green.
The Nuggets have already made a trade for Bryn Forbes and are unlikely to make any more moves before the deadline as the team focuses on getting healthy. Despite signing DeMarcus Cousins to a second 10-day deal, the backup centre position remains a problem for Denver. Cousins isn’t a long-term solution. Jalen Smith, Phoenix’s third-string centre behind DeAndre Ayton and Javale McGee, is a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor. Given that the Suns are reportedly open to trading him, he wouldn’t be that expensive, and he has plenty of upside at just 21 years old.
Coby White, Patrick Williams, Troy Brown Jr., and a first-round pick are among the players who will be acquired by the Pistons.
Jerami Grant joins the Bulls.
Bringing in young players with promise and high selections should be the Pistons’ first objective, which includes dealing Grant. Grant was definitely signed too early in the rebuilding and growth phase, even if Detroit supplied him with the right role for him to succeed in. Grant’s rise over the previous two seasons, on the other hand, has increased his worth to the point where the franchise can now demand a strong amount from whichever opponent makes the best offer. In a trade that better matches their present condition, White (21 years old) and Williams (20 years old) are added to their young bunch, along with a first-round pick. While Williams would assist to ease the sting of Grant’s departure, he would also give Cade Cunningham entire command of the offence.
Mike Muscala joins the Warriors.
Juan Toscano-Anderson, Damion Lee, and a second-round pick are among the players acquired by the Thunder.
Unless James Wiseman, Kevon Looney, and Moses Moodey are moved, the Warriors will be restricted in their options. And, for the most part, the Warriors have little incentive to do anything extreme now that Klay Thompson is no longer a member of the team. With Draymond Green injured and Wiseman yet to make his season debut, Muscala might give the big man depth that Golden State needed, as well as help spread the floor with his ability to shoot from distance. While Toscano-Anderson and Lee are both on expiring contracts and unlikely to be part of the Warriors’ rotation once fully healthy or in the future, the move adds another pick to Oklahoma City’s already large number of picks.
Josh Richardson, Dennis Schroder, and a first-round pick are among the players who will be acquired by the Rockets.
Eric Gordon joins the Celtics.
To free up salary cap room and offer Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. more minutes and touches in the backcourt, Houston should move Gordon and his $57 million salary for the next three seasons. The first-round pick is Houston’s major gain here, and it’s possibly their best outcome in any Gordon trade. There are multiple teams interested in Gordon, and the Celtics seem like a good fit for him to boost his outside shooting and alleviate some offensive load off Jayson Tatum and Jayson Brown.
OG Anunoby, a first-round pick, is on the way to the Pacers.
Myles Turner joins the Raptors.
Caris LeVert was sent to the Cavaliers in exchange for Ricky Rubio and a slew of draught selections, and Indiana has already made some changes ahead of the deadline. Turner and Domantas Sabonis are also said to be available for the appropriate price, suggesting that they aren’t done yet. Although Herb Simon, the Pacers’ franchise governor, recently declared that a significant rebuild was not in the cards, trading LeVert to Cleveland in return for a plethora of draught selections may suggest otherwise. Sabonis is handed entire control of the Pacers’ frontcourt, as Goga Bitadze and Isaiah Jackson fight for backup minutes. Anunoby is on his path to become a top-tier two-way player, and he might receive more offensive chances in Indiana than he had in Toronto. TJ Warren is sidelined indefinitely, so he’d fill in for him on the wing and assist Indiana’s outside shooting.
Indiana has already reached a deadline agreement.
Ricky Rubio, a second-round pick, as well as two second-round picks, were given to the Pacers.
Caris LeVert, a second-round pick, went to the Cavaliers.
Spencer Dinwiddie and Thomas Bryant are the Clippers’ new acquisitions.
Luke Kennard and Ivica Zubac are on their way to the Wizards.
While the Clippers have already bolstered their roster with the arrivals of Robert Covington and Norman Powell, it’s been rumoured that they’re on the lookout for a proven point guard, with Reggie Jackson being seen as a scorer. They also receive a strong component in Dinwiddie to complement Paul George and Kawhi Leonard when they’re healthy, as well as Bryant’s $8 million deal, which is due to expire. In the meanwhile, Bryant, Serge Ibaka, and Isaiah Hartenstein fight for minutes at centre, while the Clippers trade Kennard, who has become expendable with the signing of Powell.
Clippers already made a deadline deal.
Norman Powell and Robert Covington were the Clippers’ picks.
Eric Bledsoe, Justice Winslow, and a future second-round pick were among the players acquired by the Trail Blazers.
DeVonte Graham, Josh Hart, Tomas Satoransky, and Willy Hernangomez are among the players who have joined the Lakers.
Russell Westbrook, as well as a future first-round pick, will be received by the Pelicans.
Westbrook joins a Pelicans team in dire need of a shake-up and is allegedly become more aggressive as buyers ahead of the deadline in a five-player trade, ending his miserable career with the Lakers. Although it won’t fix all of LA’s issues, it will allow them more flexibility in the future when it comes to offloading Westbrook’s $44 million annual salary and other LeBron James and Anthony Davis-related assets. They’d also have to give up a future first-round pick due to Westbrook’s dismal performance. Frank Vogel’s rotation is bolstered by Graham, Satoransky, and Hart, the latter of whom is a former Laker, who provide a two-way wing, outside shooting, and guard depth.
Harrison Barnes joins the Grizzlies.
Dillon Brooks, De’Anthony Melton, and a future first-round pick are among the players who have been acquired by the Kings.
The roster of the Memphis Grizzlies is in serious need of an overhaul. This isn’t a team constructed to win right now, but it should get closer after surpassing all expectations this season and emerging as a legitimate west Conference contender. Barnes, who is under contract through 2023, is a great complement to Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jarrett Jackson Jr. and a step up from Brooks. Barnes is averaging 16.6 points per game and shooting 40% from three-point range, which is a career best. Barnes would be a good fit for Memphis, who are presently 23rd in the NBA in three-point shooting. He’d also give you additional defensive options.
Ben McLemore to the Heat; KZ to the Blazers Okpala, a second-round draught pick in the near future
Kyle Lowry joins a title-chasing Miami Heat team, but he’s only played a few minutes alongside Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler, while Victor Oladipo has yet to play a game this season. Despite this, the Heat are just one game behind the first-placed Bulls in the East. As a consequence, don’t anticipate the Heat to go all-in before the deadline, with their most logical option being to add another quality rotational player on a low-cost deal. McLemore is brought in as a low-risk move to provide shooting depth and insurance around Lowry and Oladipo.
Nerlens joins the Bucks. Donte DiVincenzo and Semi Ojeleye join the Noel Knicks.
The Bucks have shown to be a formidable force when fully fit, another team for whom keeping healthy is vital to success, and in this instance, a second straight championship. Despite Bobby Portis’ efforts, Brook Lopez’s recovery from back surgery is unclear, creating a massive vacuum at centre. Noel, a defensive specialist, could immediately contribute to the Bucks, and he’s under contract through 2024, which is a huge advantage. Grayson Allen’s influence compensates for DiVincenzo’s absence, while Pat Connaughton has established himself as a solid guard in the weekly rotation.
Marcus Smart joins the Timberwolves.
Malik Beasley (first-round pick) goes to the Raptors.
While the Wolves are intrigued in Ben Simmons, acquiring him currently looks to be more of a pipe dream than a realistic prospect, considering that D’Angelo Russell is their best tradeable asset. As a consequence, Smart, who is reportedly being pursued by Minnesota, looks to be a more feasible target with a lesser price tag. As the Timberwolves quest for a playoff spot, Smart, one of the best perimeter defenders in the game, would help balance Russell’s scoring firepower in the backcourt and fill out a strong frontcourt with Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. Meanwhile, the Celtics acquire some much-needed shooting with Beasley and a first-round pick.
Derrick White joins the Pelicans.
Spurs get: Nickel Alexander-Walker, Tomas Satoransky, and a second-round pick in the future.
Before the deadline, the Pelicans are likely to become more aggressive buyers in order to bring in players with multi-year seasons. White gives them a player who is not only under contract through 2025, but also fills a hole at point guard on a regular basis. While White isn’t a natural facilitator, he is one of the best backcourt defenders in the NBA, which helped compensate for Lonzo Ball’s absence last season. White isn’t a big name, but his arrival shows Zion Williamson that the team is serious about developing and upgrading its squad in order to fight for a playoff place.
De’Aaron Fox and Marvin Bagley join the Knicks as free agents.
Julius Randle, Alec Burks, Kemba Walker, and a first-round pick are among the players who will be acquired by the Kings.
The Knicks trade Randle for a much-needed boost at point guard in the middle of a poor season that leaves them outside of play-in contention after failing to recreate his amazing 2021 debut season. Both Randle and Fox’s names have been connected to trades after lacklustre seasons, and a change of scenery may be just what both players need to reinvigorate their fire. By bringing Bagley into the equation, New York gets a good look at him before he becomes a free agency. The Knicks will also become younger while retaining a win-now mentality by offloading Burks and Walker’s contracts, tightening their rotation to give Cam Reddish more playing time, and becoming younger while maintaining a win-now mentality.
Serge Ibaka, a future second-round pick, is on his way to the Thunder.
Money is given to the Clippers.
Ibaka is back in OKC, but just for a few days. Serge Ibaka’s $9.7 million salary expires this summer, and the Thunder have the flexibility to absorb huge deals from clubs trying to shed players. The big man hasn’t been at his best since recovering from back surgery, and moving his deal would reduce the Clippers’ luxury cap by about 33%. If Ibaka wants to join a contender, he could be dismissed by the Thunder immediately away. Although it isn’t the most thrilling move for OKC, it does improve their long-term position by boosting their draught pick haul.
Davis Bertans and Deni Avdija join the Magic.
Gary Harris, a future second-round pick, will be received by the Wizards.
Gary Harris, Mo Bamba, and Terrence Ross are all possible trade options for Orlando ahead of the deadline, with the former’s $20 million deal expiring being especially important to clubs eager to add roster flexibility. Bradley Beal might agree to re-sign with Washington on the condition that the team surrounds him with new talent, freeing up contract space for next season. As part of their commitment to rebuilding and a long-term plan, the Magic add Avdija to their crop of young players on the condition that the team takes on Bertans’ $16 million annual salary until 2025.
James Harden has been assigned to the Sixers.
Ben Simmons, Matisse Thybulle, a first-round pick, and a future second-round pick are among the players acquired by the Nets.
Yes, Nets coach Steve Nash stated that the team has no plans to trade Harden before the deadline, but we’re not buying it yet. With the Sixers’ acquisition of 10-time All-Star Harden, the Simmons saga comes to a close. While parting with Thybulle and draught picks isn’t ideal, Philadelphia is now the clear favourite to win the Eastern Conference and return to its powerhouse status of recent years. Of course, the Sixers would only do this deal if Harden, who is set to become a free agent this off-season, agrees to re-sign with the team on a long-term basis in order to solidify a dangerous duo with Joel Embiid. The Sixers should be even more motivated by the uncertain state of the Eastern Conference, as few teams are only one realistic move away from being title contenders. Meanwhile, Simmons joins Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant in forming an exciting new-look big three in Brooklyn, which is undergoing a roster makeover.
Thaddeus Young joins the Suns
Dario Saric, Frank Kaminsky, and a second-round pick are among the players who will join the Spurs.
The team has a 41-10 record, which is the best in the NBA. The Suns don’t need to make any significant changes before the deadline in order to contend for the championship. Young has been connected to them on many times, and his diversified skill set would be advantageous in the playoffs, allowing them to face a range of opponents. He could easily fill in as a sixth player in a smaller lineup, playing both forward and centre. Saric’s two-year, $18 million deal, which cost Phoenix a second-round pick, is also assumed by the Spurs.
Myles Turner joins the Blazers.
Jusuf Nurkic, Ben McLemore, Tony Snell, a first-round pick, and a future first-round pick are among the players acquired by the Pacers.
The Blazers and Pacers were reportedly strong to finalising a trade when Turner’s shot-blocking big man suffered a stress reaction in his foot. However, considering how far Portland has gone this season — as seen by the trades of Covington and Powell — and the fact that Damian Lillard is set to miss the remainder of the season with an abdomen ailment, that shouldn’t dissuade them. The Blazers now have a much stronger defensive identity around Lillard, with Turner manning the five position, perhaps the best shot-blocking big man in the NBA. Portland offloads Nurkic, McLemore, and Snell’s expiring contracts, as well as two first-round selections, during a bidding battle for Turner. Of course, both of these clubs have already made deadline moves, but as reorganisation teams, they may not be through yet.
Deal with the clock ticking Already made in Portland:
Eric Bledsoe, Justice Winslow, and a future second-round pick were among the players acquired by the Trail Blazers.
Norman Powell and Robert Covington were the Clippers’ picks.
Kings receive: Tobias Harris, Ben Simmons
Sixers receive: De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield, Harrison Barnes
The availability of Fox has been reported in a variety of ways, but the bottom line is that if the Kings can strengthen their roster by selling him and getting a better at his position (like Simmons), they should do so. There have also been claims that the Kings have dropped out of the Simmons sweepstakes, although that is most likely due to the desire to retain Fox. This trade has been discussed, and if the Sixers are unable to obtain a James Harden or Bradley Beal before the deadline, this package may entice Daryl Morey to sign with them. Sacramento, which hasn’t reached the playoffs since 2006, gets the much-needed overhaul. Furthermore, Hield’s $22 million salary is becoming increasingly untenable, while Barnes is experiencing a sell-high moment. The Kings have brought in two guys who have been to the playoffs several times and know what it takes to win. Simmons, Harris, Tyrese Haliburton, and Richaun Holmes form a promising core that has the potential to rekindle true enthusiasm in Sacramento for the first time in a long time.
Spurs receive: PJ Washington, Ish Smith, first-round pick
Hornets receive: Jakob Poeltl, Tre Jones
The Spurs are allegedly prepared to part with Poeltl and his low-cost three-year, $26.3 million salary provided they are well paid. A first-round pick plus a quality young player in Washington as assets more in line with San Antonio’s rebuilding agenda would be a very appealing offer. Washington, who was taken with the 12th overall pick only two years ago and should have a great chance to grow under Gregg Popovich’s tutelage, will play a smaller role this season. Meanwhile, it returns to the Hornets the seasoned big man they sorely need.
Raptors receive: Jakob Poeltl
Spurs receive: Chris Boucher, first-round pick, future second-round pick
How daring will Toronto be in its pursuit of a seasoned centre? Following reports that the Spurs might be ready to trade Poeltl for a first-round pick and a quality player, the Raptors are interested in a number of big men. Instead, the Spurs receive Boucher’s $7 million contract and a future second-round pick in exchange for gently tanking this season in order to acquire a higher draught pick. Poeltl would be a fantastic addition for the Raptors, as he would relieve Nick Nurse of the nightly problem of rotating among Pascal Siakam, Boucher, Precious Achiuwa, and Khem Birch at the five position.
Jazz receive: Jerami Grant
Pistons receive: Bojan Bogdanovic, first-round pick, future-second round pick
Utah is apparently looking for a strong defensive winger to compete with Western Conference powers Phoenix and Golden State, and has been connected to Grant in trade negotiations. He seems to be a great complement to the Jazz’s starting lineup of Mike Conley, Donovan Mitchell, Royce O’Neal, and Rudy Gobert, and they should make a strong push for him now that Joe Ingles is gone. Bogdanovic has been a valuable asset to Utah, but Grant offers much more flexibility on both sides of the floor. In the playoffs, he’d be Quin Snyder’s go-to guy against opposing superstars, which may be crucial.
Wizards receive: Domantas Sabonis
Pacers receive: Montrezl Harrell, Rui Hachimura, Deni Avdija, first-round pick
In Indiana, let the rebuilding begin. The Wizards take advantage of the Pacers’ fire sale and sign Sabonis, who is under contract through 2024 for a modest $58 million. The move places a legitimate All-Star player next to Bradley Beal in an attempt to persuade him to sign a long-term extension with the Wizards. Sabonis helps the Wizards make a real push for the play-in tournament, if not higher, in a season that is slipping away from them, with six defeats in their previous seven games. Washington loses two potential young players in Hachimura and Avdija, but gains the best player and the most talent on the team since John Wall’s prime.
