Every NBA Team's Top 3 Trade Targets

NBA trade season is off and running.

The New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors awakened what had been a quiet market of late with Saturday's swap sending OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn to the Big Apple while RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and the Detroit Pistons' 2024 second-round pick heading north of the border.

With the arrival of 2024 pushing us that much closer to the Feb. 8 trade deadline, front offices are officially on the clock to identify their needs and find potential solutions. We'll help get that process rolling here by running through each team's top three trade targets based on need, big-picture direction and realistic budget.

1. Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz

2. Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors

3. Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets

The Hawks have yet to shake the suffocating squeeze of mediocrity, and they've seemingly identified a two-way forward as their key to finally gaining traction and climbing the standings. Markkanen, the Most Improved Player and a first-time All-Star last season, certainly fits that bill, and league personnel expect he's on Atlanta's radar, per Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer.

It's fair to question whether the Hawks would have enough to get Markkanen, but maybe their young talent could pique the Utah Jazz's interest. What's obvious, though, is how fantastic of a fit he could be for this club as the third member of basketball's next Big Three with Trae Young and Dejounte Murray.

The Hawks are also "the suitors most connected to Siakam," who would also scratch their itch for a difference-making forward. If their trade budget doesn't stretch that far, Finney-Smith could be sought after for his blend of defensive versatility and perimeter sharpshooting.

1. Cedi Osman, San Antonio Spurs

2. John Konchar, Memphis Grizzlies

3. Andre Drummond, Chicago Bulls

The full-strength Celtics arguably have the Association's best top-six (or even top-seven if you're a fervid Sam Hauser fan), so they might just snooze through trade season and wait to see what the buyout market has to offer. Then again, the back end of their reserve rotation looks pretty bleak, so they might take a more proactive approach.

They don't have much in the way of wing depth, which is why Osman and Konchar top the list. Both offer some dot-connecting, jack-of-all-trades appeal, and either could slide into the eighth or ninth spot in the rotation.

Drummond, an obvious trade candidate should the Bulls ever blow it up, would offer some paint protection to a center mix that might need more insurance given Kristaps Porziņģis' injury issues and Al Horford's age (37).

1. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers

2. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks

3. Tyus Jones, Washington Wizards

The Cavaliers "have maintained a commitment" to their core, per Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer, but that hasn't stopped others from discussing the possibility of a Mitchell trade. While the New York native has most often been connected to the Knicks, the Nets could also get him back in his home state and surround him with a roster that might be one star away from making a leap.

The Nets have been mentioned as a team "to look out for" in Mitchell trade talks, per Action Network's Matt Moore. While Brooklyn has squeezed a ton of offensive production out of breakout star Cam Thomas, Mitchell could take this attack to new heights it can't otherwise reach. Give him a defensive-minded co-star like Mikal Bridges, and those two could make serious noise.

If Mitchell is too pricey (or simply unavailable), the Nets could try prying Young out of Atlanta. There were trade rumblings around him in April, and the Hawks look less competitive now than they did then. Jones is more of a table-setter than a scoring threat, but his playmaking could help organize and elevate this offense.

1. Draft picks

2. Moses Moody, Golden State Warriors

3. AJ Griffin, Atlanta Hawks

The Hornets look objectively awful, and that was the case even before an ankle injury sidelined star guard LaMelo Ball. They need more talent, and the draft is the best place for a non-destination franchise to look for it.

Charlotte should be aggressively shopping its veterans (namely, Terry Rozier and Gordon Hayward) in search of draft assets. If it doesn't think Miles Bridges has a future in Buzz City beyond this season, then he's another no-brainer trade candidate.

If the Hornets add any players this trade season, they should look for young talent who could be bargain-priced. Moody and Griffin both look like three-and-D wings capable of providing much more than their current employers have allowed.

1. Draft picks

2. Tyus Jones, Washington Wizards

3. Ziaire Williams, Memphis Grizzlies

It seems obvious to everyone outside of this franchise that a roster reset is overdue, but the Bulls still haven't accepted that fate. They seem more than ready to trade Zach LaVine, but they may not seek out the future-focused package you'd imagine or do any other deals beyond that.

"The Bulls are currently valuing players who can help them win and a potential draft pick, depending on the incoming player(s), over tearing down the roster completely and rebuilding by taking expiring contracts and more draft picks," HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported.

Chicago should prioritize draft picks over everything—this roster will require a complete overhaul at some point—but if chases win-now talent for some reason, then a pass-first point guard like Jones might connect this roster the way Lonzo Ball once did. Williams, meanwhile, represents the kind of low-cost flier this franchise should be taking if it ever leans into a youth movement.

1. Monte Morris, Detroit Pistons

2. Delon Wright, Washington Wizards

3. Davion Mitchell, Sacramento Kings

Point guard feels like an obvious focus for the Cavaliers this trade season. Darius Garland is out with a fractured jaw, Ricky Rubio might be off the roster soon and Ty Jerome can't shake an ankle injury that's sidelined him since October.

If these voids still exist whenever Morris returns from the quad strain that has delayed his season debut so far, he'd be worth a not insignificant investment. He is a serviceable starter when needed, but slot him on the second unit, and he's among the Association's best backcourt backups.

Wright is recovering from an MCL sprain, but his healthy version features plenty of defensive versatility and open-court attacking. Mitchell, the No. 9 pick in 2021, might be an interesting reclamation project after seemingly losing his rotation spot this season, though his shooting woes could be tough for Cleveland to stomach given the lack of spacing in the Evan Mobley-Jarrett Allen frontcourt.

1. Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets

2. Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls

3. Isaiah Stewart, Detroit Pistons

Not to spin a broken record here, but the Mavs could be really interesting (maybe championship-contending interesting) if they could upgrade their defense. Why not attempt that upgrade with one of the players responsible for supplying some of the best defense Dallas has seen in recent years with Finney-Smith?

He was shipped out in last season's Kyrie Irving deal, and all Finney-Smith has done since is sharpen his three-point shot like never before. The 6'7" swingman, who spent his first six-plus NBA seasons with the Mavericks, would be an effortless (and wildly effective) fit alongside Irving and his former (and future?) running mate, Luka Dončić.

Dallas could also set its sights on Caruso, who might be even stingier on defense but isn't as threatening from three-point land. The Mavs have also "shown great interest" in Stewart, per The Athletic's James L. Edwards III, and they could certainly stand to expand their center rotation beyond rookie Dereck Lively II.

1. Jae'Sean Tate, Houston Rockets

2. Trendon Watford, Brooklyn Nets

3. Jalen Smith, Indiana Pacers

The defending champs might have enough to go back-to-back, but their roster is noticeably top-heavy. While that says a good deal about this club's masterfully crafted starting five, it also speaks to some weak spots on the second unit.

The Nuggets could use a do-it-all connector on the bench mob to fill the role previously held by Bruce Brown and presumably expected to be handled this season by Vlatko Čančar, who tore his ACL in August. Tate could be tremendous in that spot, assuming the ahead-of-schedule Rockets would let him go. Watford might be a less expensive alternative.

Denver could also eyeball a backup center, as Zeke Nnaji still hasn't taken the leap, and DeAndre Jordan might be unplayable in a lot of matchups. Smith would give this bench bunch a rim-running jolt, plus he's capable of launching from long range.

1. Draft picks

2. Quentin Grimes, New York Knicks

3. Jett Howard, Orlando Magic

For reasons known only to them, the Pistons felt they were close to breaking out and therefore threw historic money at Monty Williams to coach this season. They've only fallen further into basketball abyss since, which sound the clear and concise message that this roster isn't ready yet.

They still may not get it, of course. Tobias Harris has emerged as a potential target, per The Athletic's James L. Edwards III, so maybe Detroit has some win-now (or win-soon) intentions despite not having the necessary talent.

The Pistons need to prioritize the future over the present, and if they do, then picks and prospects should populate their trade season wish list. A potentially discounted up-and-comer like Grimes, whose role has been reduced this season, or Howard, who hasn't cracked Orlando's rotation despite the club's glaring shooting shortage, would make tons of sense for this squad.

1. Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors

2. Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards

3. Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets

Golden State's rotation features a great player at the top in Stephen Curry, and a bunch of good-to-average ones in a crowded mix behind him. A consolidation swap that both nets an impact player and relieves some of this congestion could help this roster reach its full potential.

The Dubs don't quite have the assets to chase some of the biggest names on the market, but they might have enough to add Siakam or Kuzma. Those aren't tier-one stars, but they might be capable of being the second or third options on a contender, provided the primary option is good enough (Curry clearly is) and the roster has high-level support players around them (it would).

If Golden State's budget wouldn't allow that, then a three-and-D forward of Finney-Smith's ilk might be the best option. The Warriors don't have enough players who positively impact both ends of the floor, but Finney-Smith checks that box with shape-shifting defense and a three-ball that's never looked better.

1. Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers

2. Corey Kispert, Washington Wizards

3. Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz

The Rockets have constructed a playoff-ready defense, but the offense has flaws that could torpedo this team's postseason aspirations if not addressed.

Houston needs help virtually everywhere, but shooting is a massive need, and the second unit could use more creation and scoring punch. Brogdon could check every box, and given his experience and ability to play on or off the ball, he might factor into the closing lineup, too.

Kispert probably isn't someone the Wizards are trying to move, but with the size and scope of rebuilding project they're facing, they're unlucky to deem a 24-year-old role player off-limits. He could be the three-point splasher Space City needs.

Shooting has never been Clarkson's go-to skill, but he's a walking bucket who can heat up in a hurry.

1. Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors

2. Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards

3. Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers

The Pacers have stalled a bit of late, but the high gear they flashed early in the season might justify making an aggressive push. If they want to aim higher than the play-in tournament, though, then defense needs to drive their deadline direction.

OG Anunoby would've been a dream get, but now that the former Hoosier is off the board, the Pacers could pivot toward his ex-Raptors teammate Siakam, who's been linked to Indiana for a while. He isn't the same caliber of stopper, but he offers flexibility on that end, plus a deeper offensive bag.

Kuzma and Grant should be in the crosshairs, too, so long as Indiana would be willing to stomach their not insignificant salaries. Drop a difference-making power forward onto this roster, and the Pacers puzzle becomes infinitely easier to solve.

1. Cedi Osman, San Antonio Spurs

2. Jae'Sean Tate, Houston Rockets

3. Reggie Bullock, Houston Rockets

The Clippers have pumped asset after asset into assembling this team, and it would all be worth it if they ever make good on their championship potential. This spending splurge has, however, depleted their collection of assets, leaving them little to work with this trade season.

That's not an issue, though, if they're merely looking to add support players. An all-purpose swingman like Osman, for instance, wouldn't break the bank, but he could carve out a complementary role on the second unit.

The same holds true for Tate, whose skill set offers a little of everything (and a lot of hustle), other than outside shooting. Bullock has barely seen the floor this season, but he has a long enough track record to convince suitors he's still capable of pairing high-energy on-ball defense with a reliable outside shot.

1. Zach LaVine, Los Angeles Lakers

2. Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls

3. Bojan Bogdanović, Detroit Pistons

There are myriad ways for the Lakers to talk themselves out of LaVine—namely, his enormous salary and lengthy injury history—but the argument for him might be the only one that matters. They need more offense if they hope to crack the championship race, and LaVine is arguably more skilled on that end than anyone on the trade market.

On paper, he also looks like a hand-in-glove fit with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. LaVine can create his own shots, but he's just as potent off the ball as a catch-and-shoot option or an off-ball cutter with anti-gravity ups. They'd also help cover for some of his limitations on the defensive end.

If L.A. wants to further strengthen its defense, a reunion with Caruso could be in order. If the Lakers seek shooting and self-sufficient scoring instead, then Bogdanović might be the player to get.

1. Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards

2. Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets

3. John Collins, Utah Jazz

Ja Morant's 25-game suspension put Memphis behind the proverbial 8-ball, but there might be time for the Grizzlies to salvage their season. They just have minimal margin for error moving forward, which might motivate them to add one more impact player this trade season.

Kuzma could be worth the splurge, since he could settle in as their second or third scorer while also holding his own in most defensive matchups. Finney-Smith is more of your traditional three-and-D wing, but Memphis could use more of both, so he'd be a fit.

If the Grizzlies aren't interested in parting with actual assets, Collins could be available for cheap. He hasn't exactly enamored himself to the Jazz so far, but in a better defensive environment, his shooting and finishing could shine.

1. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers

2. Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors

3. Tyus Jones, Washington Wizards

The Heat have yet to pivot since losing this summer's Damian Lillard sweepstakes, but they could still be in the market for a high-end shot-creator. Should the Cavs ever put Mitchell up for grabs, they may not find more young talent than Miami could potentially offer, assuming the Heat would be willing to part with all three of Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jović.

If Miami prefers to spend less, this still looks like a sneakily intriguing landing spot for Siakam. Spacing could get cramped on a front line with him, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, but the talent level would be tremendous, and the defense could be impenetrable.

The Heat could also be a candidate to seek out an upgrade at point guard. They don't have a top-shelf ball-mover on the roster, but a trade for Jones would change that.

1. Delon Wright, Washington Wizards

2. Royce O'Neale, Brooklyn Nets

3. P.J. Tucker, Los Angeles Clippers

It's tempting to slot Alex Caruso into the No. 1 slot here, since he'd arguably move the needle for Milwaukee as much as anyone being discussed on the rumor mill. But if the Bulls actually put their defensive stopper up for grabs, there simply isn't a scenario in which the Bucks would win that bidding war. They just don't have the draft picks or prospects needed to pull it off.

So, they instead aim lower here with rock-solid stoppers in Wright, O'Neale and Tucker.

Wright might be the most natural point-of-attack defender, and since that's where Milwaukee needs the most help, that's what gets him atop this list. O'Neale probably offers the best two-way play, so he slides in at a close second. Tucker, who lost his rotation role in L.A., is almost devoid of offensive value at this point, but he's still plenty stingy and savvy on defense.

1. Monte Morris, Detroit Pistons

2. Vasilije Micić, Oklahoma City Thunder

3. Bones Hyland, Los Angeles Clippers

The Timberwolves don't have many on-court needs, but a backup point guard tops the list. Shake Milton has always been a little...well, shaky, but he's been even more erratic than normal during his debut season in the Gopher State. Jordan McLaughlin had a few mildly intriguing flashes before, but this season he's been either injured or an afterthought.

If Minnesota is, in fact, in the market for a second-team lead guard, its trade season wish list should look something like this.

Morris needs to get healthy, but the second he does, he'll offer brilliant ball control and a there-when-he-needs-it perimeter shot. Micić has been squeezed out of Oklahoma City's rotation, but there's plenty to like about a 6'5" table-setter with clever handles and razor-sharp instincts. Hyland is a more natural scorer than passer, but maybe that would be an asset if he was paired with a pass-first forward like Kyle Anderson.

1. Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers

2. Isaiah Stewart, Detroit Pistons

3. Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks

The Pelicans have finally received mostly healthy seasons out of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram—expeditiously knocks on all wood within arm's reach—but they still haven't quite cracked the contending ranks. Maybe upgrading at the center spot would finally do the trick.

Jonas Valančiūnas is fine, but he isn't an ideal fit for Williamson, since neither is a high-volume shooter or shot-blocker. The Pels could stand to add more bounce and paint protection to the position, putting both Allen and Capela on the list. Allen is firmly on the franchise's radar, per Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.

Stewart should be in the mix, too. He can't offer as much length or paint protection as the others, but his perimeter shot would widen attack lanes for Williamson to exploit.

1. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers

2. Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks

3. DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls

The Knicks arguably nudged their floor higher with the OG Anunoby acquisition, but he isn't the star talent that could push their ceiling into championship-contending territory. Luckily, since they managed to do that deal without giving up any first-round picks (and only a single second), they should still have enough to go star-chasing this trade season.

That's why they should keep pushing for Mitchell, even if there are no real whispers of his availability coming out of Cleveland. He'd scratch their longstanding itch for a star, not to mention form an unstoppable backcourt combo with Jalen Brunson.

New York has also "expressed exploratory trade interest" in Murray, per HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. Murray is more of a borderline All-Star than a full-fledged superstar, but his relentless defense and complementary offensive game could make him a clean fit with Brunson.

Third on the list is DeRozan, who should be the cheapest of the three and probably by a lot, considering he's a 34-year-old on an expiring contract. His lack of a reliable three-point shot could give the offensive end a claustrophobic feel at times, but he can consistently create chances for himself and his teammates.

1. Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz

2. Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors

3. Bojan Bogdanović, Detroit Pistons

The Thunder previously downplayed the possibility of an acceleration trade, but two-plus months of championship-caliber basketball may have changed things. League personnel see Oklahoma City as a natural suitor for Markkanen, per Yahoo Sports Jake Fischer.

Markkanen could immediately step in as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's offensive sidekick while also making his mark on this stingy defense. Markkanen, who turned 26 in May, is also young enough to stick with this nucleus long-term. If anyone can convince the Thunder to part with several of their trade chips before the deadline, it's probably him.

If Oklahoma City doesn't want to spend so large, it has enough picks and prospects to reel in someone like Siakam or Bogdanović without doing much damage to its collection. Adding an impact player with experience could give this young core enough guidance and production to embark on an expectation-obliterating postseason journey.

1. Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers

2. Bogdan Bogdanović, Atlanta Hawks

3. Corey Kispert, Washington Wizards

Orlando's defense is ferocious, but the offense could hold this club back if not bolstered between now and the deadline. The Magic are woefully short on shooters, and they don't have enough players who can create something out of nothing.

Both Simons and Bogdanović could help with that. The former could cost a fortune, but he might be worth the investment given his chance to grow alongside Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Bogdanović has already pushed past his 31st birthday, so he'd be more of a win-right-now addition, but you could argue the Magic have already shown enough to warrant such a move.

If Orlando decided a lights-out shooter would do the trick, then Kispert could be the preferred target. The 24-year-old would immediately buy this offense more breathing room, and he's young enough to spend a ton of time with this team, especially if Jett Howard, this year's No. 11 pick, doesn't pan out.

1. Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors

2. DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls

3. Gary Harris, Orlando Magic

The 76ers don't necessarily need to make a dramatic trade, but they have the requisite assets, plus their prominent position in the championship race can justify an all-in push. They might only get one crack at this, though, so they have to get this right.

Toronto could still be in the wheeling-and-dealing business after the OG Anunoby trade, and Philly might view Siakam as a super-charged version of Tobias Harris. Siakam is a more natural shot-creator, and he's supplied better defensive film over his career.

The low volume of DeRozan's long-distance game is a worry, but perhaps his playmaking could still sway the front office. If the Sixers believe they have enough creation, that might covet Harris' on-ball defense and outside shooting. Plus, neither of these players are owed money beyond this season, meaning Philly could rent them for a playoff run and still bring more than $50 million in cap space into the 2024 offseason.

1. Goga Bitadze, Orlando Magic

2. Monte Morris, Detroit Pistons

3. T.J. McConnell, Indiana Pacers

It might be panic time in Phoenix with frustration mounting—along with the injury count and the numbers in the loss column. And yet, it's virtually impossible for the Suns to do anything this trade season after sacrificing so many assets to bring Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal to town.

Phoenix can merely hope for marginal upgrades, and those could be focused at the point guard and center spots—i.e., not the natural positions of Durant, Beal and Devin Booker. The Suns need to supplement their stars, and they could maybe do it with an interior anchor like Bitadze or a pass-first floor general like Morris or McConnell.

Bitadze might have the best chance of the three to step into a sizable role, as he can control the painted area and sometimes score away from it. Morris and McConnell would both thrive in quarterbacking roles provided they could score enough to keep opposing defenses honest.

1. Draft picks

2. Cam Whitmore, Houston Rockets

3. Jarace Walker, Indiana Pacers

The Blazers are still a matter of months removed from penning the end of their Damian Lillard chapter, and they should act accordingly on the trade market. They could be years away from playing any kind of competitive basketball, so they should be stacking draft picks (and losses) for the foreseeable future.

They have a few players who could convince win-now shoppers to part with draft assets. Malcolm Brodgon plays both ends and has five postseason trips under his belt. Jerami Grant can serve as a big-wing defender and be the third or fourth offensive option on a contender. Defense-needy shoppers could have an interest in Matisse Thybulle.

Beyond draft picks, Portland could seek out young players who have a chance to grow with Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. Could either Whitmore or Walker be had for 50 cents on the dollar given how little they've played to this point? Those are the kinds of questions this front office needs to get answered this trade season.

1. Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz

2. Pascal Siakam, Sacramento Kings

3. Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards

The Kings finally orchestrated their playoff breakthrough last season, and they seem determined to push even further this time around. They've been connected to some of the biggest names on the trade market, and they might have the trade chips needed to land one.

Markkanen would be a dream get. He's the most talented of the three listed here, and he could strengthen this squad on both ends of the floor. On offense, he could slot in between De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis on the scoring pecking order. On defense, he'd give Sacramento a reliable stopper at the forward spot, which it might really need if his arrival necessitates the sacrifice of Keegan Murray or Harrison Barnes.

Moving down the wish list, Siakam is a competent and versatile defender who can score, finish and create. Kuzma could give this frontcourt a similar lift on both ends.

1. Draft picks

2. Brandin Podziemski, Golden State Warriors

3. Kobe Bufkin, Atlanta Hawks

With 7'4" Victor Wembanyama as their centerpiece, the Spurs have seemingly limitless options when it comes to building a roster around them.

It's too early to tell which is the best to pursue, so they should increase their optionality by adding more draft picks to their collection. That would not only feed a pipeline of young talent to the Alamo City, but it would also equip the front office for a fast-forward type of trade as soon as this roster signals its readiness.

Otherwise, San Antonio can target players with a realistic chance of growing alongside Wembanyama. Both Podziemski and Bufkin would have a chance to do just that, since they are capable of creating offense but also add value off the ball, meaning they wouldn't get in the way of Wembanyama's on-ball development.

1. Draft picks

2. Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz

3. Jarace Walker, Indiana Pacers

The Raptors opted not to swap out OG Anunoby for a pick-heavy package, instead bringing back Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett and a single second-rounder (albeit an early one) instead. Perhaps that indicates a desire to compete sooner than later, but they should still be on the hunt for draft assets if they move one (or both) of Pascal Siakam and Gary Trent Jr.—both impending free agents.

Quickley and Barrett fit the same timeline as Scottie Barnes, but this young nucleus still needs to grow. Toronto needs to nail a draft class or two to eventually put itself on a championship track, and it's best hope for doing so is getting more cracks at getting it right.

If Toronto doesn't want to punt on this season, then it might make sense to trade for Sexton, especially since he's young enough (24) to keep around for a while. If this season's win total doesn't matter, then it's worth testing the Pacers' resolve on Walker, this summer's No. 8 pick.

1. Draft picks

2. Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks

3. Josh Green, Dallas Mavericks

Regardless what the Jazz do with Lauri Markkanen, they should be on the hunt for more draft picks. They aren't winning this season, but teams that are could be willing to give up legitimate assets for Jordan Clarkson and Kelly Olynyk.

If Utah plans on keeping Markkanen, though, it needs to improve the roster around him. Murray could do that. He's an impact defender who's previously posted the offensive numbers needed to land an All-Star spot. He makes plenty of sense (on paper, at least) as a backcourt partner with Keyonte George.

Green also looms as a sneaky-smart target for a team like this. He has already shown off his three-and-D skills, and at 23 years old, he still has plenty of time to grow into more. And yet, he might be up for grabs, since the Mavs might need more than he can presently provide.

1. Draft picks

2. Jarace Walker, Indiana Pacers

3. Davion Mitchell, Sacramento Kings

The Wizards haven't fully committed to a youth movement, but there's no better time to embrace it. There aren't many obvious sellers this trade season, and there could be an abundance of buyers, as the championship race feels wide open.

Shopping its veterans feels like a no-brainer for Washington. Kyle Kuzma has legitimate trade value, and Tyus Jones should, too. The Wizards could easily take things a step farther, too, if teams want to overpay for the likes of Daniel Gafford or Corey Kispert. It might even make sense to move Deni Avdija, provided the return is rich enough.

If Washington adds players, it should seek out developmental projects who haven't shown their best yet. If the Pacers are at all antsy, maybe they'd let Walker go for cheaper than they should. Mitchell, meanwhile, might cost next to nothing after losing his rotation role. Maybe he's too limited offensively for this league, but the Wizards would have very little to lose and maybe a lot to gain by finding that out for themselves.