NBA Trade Block Big Board: Deals for Top Rumored Targets 1 Month Before Deadline

The NBA trade clock is officially ticking.

And the rumor mill is predictably buzzing because of that.

With the Feb. 8 trade deadline growing closer by the second, franchises are putting plans in motion to find potential fixes on the trade market. The New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors recently came together on a substantial swap, bringing lockdown defender OG Anunoby to the Big Apple while sending RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley north of the border.

Anunoby's subtraction opens a spot for this installment of our big board, and another impact two-way player from the Eastern Conference is there to take his place. Let's get to the updated rankings and broker some fake blockbusters for everyone involved.

The Buzz

LaVine's trade market has been mostly quiet, though that could change now that he's finally nearing a return from a foot injury. Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today was the latest to link the scoring guard to the scoring-starved Los Angeles Lakers, so clearly LaVine is a name to monitor this trade season.

He's a two-time All-Star who routinely posts loud offensive stats, so he has a chance to attract the right suitor. However, his injury history is working against him, and the fact he's owed more than $43 million for each of the next three seasons (the final is a player option) could be an even bigger detriment to a deal.

The Trade

Zach LaVine to the Brooklyn Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, Noah Clowney and two second-round picks (2026 and 2028)

The Nets are aiming to improve their roster around Mikal Bridges, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, and they need more perimeter scoring punch after reducing Cam Thomas' role. A healthy LaVine could be the primary scoring option in Brooklyn, not to mention one of its top shot-creators and three-point threats.

The Bulls have yet to signal their willingness for a lengthy rebuild, so they might be open to bringing back plug-and-play pieces like Finney-Smith and Dinwiddie. They'd also leave this swap with a few assets for the future in the two second-rounders and Clowney, a 19-year-old who was taken 21st overall last June.

The Buzz

The Pistons haven't even reached this season's halfway point, and they've already stumbled through a historic losing streak. Yet this somehow doesn't guarantee that Bogdanović, a 34-year-old with only partially guaranteed money on next season's books, will be swapped out this trade season.

The Pistons have "no plans" to trade Bogdanović, per The Athletic's James L. Edwards III, and would only consider if it they received "an offer they can't refuse." That feels an awful lot like posturing, particularly since Bogdanović's trade value as an efficient shooter and strong support scorer should rise in this sellers' market.

The Trade

Bojan Bogdanović to the Los Angeles Lakers for D'Angelo Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino and a 2029 first-round pick (top-five-protected)

The Lakers won't sniff the championship race without upgrading their 24th-ranked offense, and Bogdanović could be the right player to provide that boost. The 6'7" swingman is averaging 20-plus points for the third time in five seasons, splashing a career-high 3.1 triples on 39.7 percent accuracy and dishing a personal-best 2.9 assists per outing.

L.A. probably secretly knows it can't trust Russell, who was demoted to the second team during the club's elimination game of last season's Western Conference Finals. Offloading his salary—which can't be moved before Jan. 15—might be a positive depending on what the Lakers do with their point guard rotation, hence the necessitation of sending both a future first and Hood-Schifino, last summer's No. 17 pick, to the Motor City.

The Buzz

This is the lowest Caruso has landed on our big board to date, as he's been stuck in an offensive cold spell since our last ranking. Granted, it's only six games, but with his sagging shooting rates (40/33.3/78.6), it's possible the market could treat him more like a defensive specialist than a two-way contributor.

That wouldn't help his value, obviously, and might eliminate the possibility of a trade, as Chicago's asking price to this point "sounds exorbitant," per The Athletic's Darnell Mayberry. Caruso may still have universal appeal among win-now shoppers, though, as most teams wouldn't have trouble fitting him into their system or onto their cap sheet.

The Trade

Alex Caruso to the Dallas Mavericks for Josh Green and a 2026 first-round pick (top-three-protected)

The Mavs need all of the defensive help you'd expect in a team following the lead of Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. They rank 22nd on that end, and that's actually an improvement from last season (25th). Caruso, an All-Defensive first-teamer last season, would be the closest this club could find to a cure-all fix, as his energy and athleticism allow him to play much bigger than his 6'5", 186-pound frame.

The Bulls should still be aiming for something greater than Play-In Tournament participation, and their best bet for getting there (eventually) is converting their veterans into long-term assets. The draft pick would be the biggest draw, but the hope would be Green develops into a reliable three-and-D wing with more off-the-dribble utility than the label typically implies.

The Buzz

Nothing is buzzing on the Brogdon trade front for now, but how much longer can that be the case? The 31-year-old clearly doesn't have a long-term future with this rebuilding franchise, and Portland could surely fetch more for him now than it would even this offseason, as win-now shoppers could make two playoff trips with him instead of one before he hits free agency in 2025.

It also doesn't hurt that he's been all-caps HOOPING since our last big board installment. Over these six outings, he's packed 17.8 points on 50/50/85.7 shooting and 6.3 assists against 1.0 turnovers into his 29.6 minutes per night.

The Trade

Malcolm Brogdon to the New York Knicks for Evan Fournier, a 2024 first-round pick (top-12-protected, via WAS) and a 2024 second-round pick (via UTA or CLE)

The Knicks lost both backcourt depth and shot-creation in the Anunoby deal, but they'd strengthen both areas in this swap. Brogdon could fit with any of their guards, since he can handle either backcourt spot on both ends, and he's an offensive asset on or off the ball. He could even wind up cracking the starting or closing lineups if Donte DiVincenzo cools off and Quentin Grimes can't heat up.

If the Blazers move Brogdon, they should be on the hunt for more draft picks. This deal not only delivers two, but the first-rounder could get better, as the protection declines in both 2025 (top 10) and 2026 (top eight). Fournier would be included solely to make the finances work and could wind up being a buyout candidate.

The Buzz

The Bulls have remained committed to their core for this long, so it's certainly possible they snooze through trade season or even try to add talent. One would think, though, the light bulb would eventually click for this front office, revealing that a non-contender has little use for a 34-year-old on an expiring contract.

Chicago and DeRozan have actually discussed extending his deal, though they were said to be far apart last month. Maybe that'll be the nudge these two need to finally accept they'll be better off apart. DeRozan belongs in a better winning situation, and the Bulls should be exploring every opportunity to turn win-now talent into win-bigger-later assets.

The Trade

DeMar DeRozan and Andre Drummond to the Memphis Grizzlies for Luke Kennard, Brandon Clarke, Ziaire Williams, a 2024 first-round pick (lottery-protected) and a 2026 first-round pick (top-three-protected)

The Grizzlies are already approaching throw-caution-to-the-wind time, as Ja Morant's 25-game suspension forced them to dig out of a deep hole. If they can see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel, though, they could still try going for it. DeRozan could immediately jolt their league-worst offense, while Drummond's arrival could be hugely helpful for their injury-riddled frontcourt.

This would be a future-focused trade package headed to the Windy City, which is arguably what Chicago should be aiming to acquire. It's all about the draft picks here, though there would certainly be hope of helping Williams unlock his potential. Kennard may have trade value in a future deal, and Clarke could as well once he works his way back from last season's Achilles tear.

The Buzz

Kyle Kuzma has never quite ascended to stardom, but this trade market may regard him as such. The four-year, $90 million deal he inked last offseason—which features decreasing salaries—is a relative bargain and "could bring back some legitimate first-round draft capital" if Kuzma is traded, per Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.

The rebuilding Wizards are mostly a mess, but Kuzma is elevating amid the garbage heap. His career-high 22.8 points are buoyed by a personal-best 55.8 true shooting percentage, and his career-high-shattering 22 assist percentage is enhanced by the fact he has his lowest turnover percentage in four seasons (11.2).

The Trade

Kyle Kuzma to the Indiana Pacers for Buddy Hield, Jarace Walker and a 2025 first-round pick (top-10-protected)

The Pacers are hanging tough in the fight for a top-six seed, but they still seem a tier or two behind the top contenders. Closing that gap requires strengthening their 28th-ranked defense and upgrading at power forward, and acquiring Kuzma should accomplish both. He could settle in as the Circle City's second scoring option and get back some of the defensive strides he'd made before reverting to some bad habits during this disaster season in the District.

Washington's unsightly present will give way to a brighter future at some point, and this trade would up the long-term brightness. Walker, last summer's No. 8 pick, could be a difference-maker if everything breaks right with his development, and the draft pick may lead to another building block. Plus, the Wizards should be able to flip Hield for additional assets before the deadline passes.

The Buzz

The Raptors already shipped Anunoby out of town, and a Siakam trade may be next on the to-do list.

"The view among the league insiders I spoke with after the Knicks trade broke was that the Raptors are likely just getting started," Sportsnet's Michael Grange reported. "Siakam is likely going to be pursued by the Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks and the Dallas Mavericks ... As the trade deadline gets closer, there will likely be more suitors."

If the Raptors are restructuring their roster around Scottie Barnes, then Siakam should be as good as gone. Between the positional and skill overlaps between the pair and Siakam's impending free agency, there just isn't a great argument to keep him past the deadline.

The Trade

Pascal Siakam to the Dallas Mavericks for Grant Williams, Josh Green, Jaden Hardy, Richaun Holmes, a 2025 second-round pick (via TOR) and a 2026 first-round pick

If the Mavs are convinced that Kyrie Irving is the right sidekick for Luka Dončić, they might want to scramble to find a third star and potentially put this club on a championship path. Siakam could be perfect for the gig, since he would be a dynamic screen partner with either guard and could initiate offense when one or both takes a seat. He's also an impact defender who can survive switches against players of nearly all sizes and styles.

The Raptors, meanwhile, should now be focused on making Barnes' life easier, and this trade could do that in myriad ways. Williams and Green could fill three-and-D roles around him, Hardy packs a powerful scoring punch, and the picks could yield more keepers. Holmes would merely make the money work, but he could soak up minutes at center if needed.

The Buzz

The Hawks might finally be ready to hop off the treadmill of mediocrity. They are, as ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski put it, "absolutely open for business" and seemingly "determined to make changes" to the roster.

Rival executives expect Atlanta to consider dealing Murray, per NBA insider Marc Stein, and his trade market should be robust. The 2017-18 All-Defensive second-teamer is averaging better than 20 points and five assists for the third consecutive season while simultaneously setting career highs in three-point makes (2.4 per game) and accuracy (38.3 percent).

The Trade

Dejounte Murray to the Philadelphia 76ers for Robert Covington, Jaden Springer, Danuel House Jr., a 2026 first-round pick (via OKC, HOU or LAC) and a 2028 first-round pick (via LAC)

Philly fetched enough assets in the James Harden deal to trade for a star, and Murray could be an interesting option to explore. He'd fit an interchangeable backcourt with Tyrese Maxey, as both can create, drive or add value off the ball. Plus, their minutes could be staggered to keep a high-end initiator on the floor at all times.

Atlanta would be focused on accumulating assets here and perhaps re-investing them in future deals once it's more clear what this team needs to take the next step. The future firsts would be the Hawks' motivation to make this move, but Springer might have a shot at sticking around. Covington and House, meanwhile, are serviceable veterans on expiring contracts.

The Buzz

Trade chatter around Markkanen is quieting, and it was never very audible to begin with. Still, it hasn't completely silenced, so it's worth keeping him here to relay the latest rumors, even if they downplay the possibility of a deal.

"A majority of NBA executives who spoke with HoopsHype believe Markkanen will remain in Utah for several reasons: He wants to stay in Utah, the price tag for him is too high with his looming free agency, and he can renegotiate and extend his contract after the season," HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported. "Multiple executives called the thought of Markkanen being traded 'wishful thinking.'"

Saying that, the Jazz don't remotely resemble championship contenders and may never hit that level while Markkanen, who turns 27 in May, is in his prime. They aren't in position to simply make him off-limits, though they're certainly within their rights to request a colossal return.

The Trade

Lauri Markkanen and Kelly Olynyk to the New Orleans Pelicans for Jonas Valančiūnas, Dyson Daniels, Jordan Hawkins, a 2024 first-round pick (via LAL), a 2027 first-round pick (via MIL) and a 2028 first-round pick

The Pelicans could absolutely talk themselves into the idea of Markkanen, Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson forming a championship-level trio, particularly with how strong the supporting cast would be around them. Having Olynyk at center would be a sneaky-strong get, too, since he's a good enough shooter to space the floor and a clever enough passer to take full advantage of that spacing.

If the Jazz moved Markkanen, this feels in the ballpark of what they'd be seeking value-wise. All three firsts are unprotected, while Daniels (No. 8 in 2022) and Hawkins (No. 14 in 2023) are recent top-10 picks. Valančiūnas would mainly be a money-matcher, but he's a solid center who could soak up minutes in Salt Lake City or potentially command some draft considerations on the trade market.

The Buzz

Mitchell's hold on our top spot is slipping, but his play isn't to blame. There's simply a dearth of evidence that Cleveland would actually consider shipping out the All-Star guard.

However, his name is generating enough noise on the rumor mill that leaving him out of this exercise would feel wrong. The latest whispers, courtesy of NBA insider Marc Stein, laid out how the Knicks "do not intend to mount an all-out pursuit" of Mitchell and that the Cavaliers "signaled to rival teams throughout December that they aren't prepared to entertain Mitchell overtures anyway."

Could either (or both) of those things change over the next month? Without question. The Knicks likely still sit a star short of contention, and Mitchell might be their best hope for acquiring one. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, might have to explore all options if they slide down the standings while awaiting the returns of Darius Garland (fractured jaw) and Evan Mobley (knee surgery).

The Trade

Donovan Mitchell and Damian Jones to the Miami Heat for Tyler Herro, Nikola Jović, a 2027 first-round pick and a 2029 first-round pick

Like most high-end shot-creators, Mitchell has been previously linked to the Heat. It's easy to assume that interest remains, as Miami's offense needs more juice. While Herro is having a career year, he isn't as good as Mitchell now and may never be. The Heat might have to ditch their dreams about Herro's potential for Mitchell's All-Star reality. They'd also have to take Jones, too, for the money to work.

As for the Cavs, they may not necessarily take a huge step back this season if Herro sustains his play and Jović shines with more floor time. Herro might even prove a better on-court fit than Mitchell, as Herro's shooting gives him more off-ball utility and could align better with Darius Garland and Evan Mobley.

Long-term, there's almost no debate Cleveland would come out ahead. Herro is younger (23 to 27), signed for longer (through 2026-27, whereas Mitchell could enter free agency in 2025) and clearly still growing his game. Tack on Jović and the picks, and this package could really be something down the line.