The NBA is known to have one of the crazier trade deadlines in all of sports as teams are making their last moves to hopefully make them future champions. With the Rudy Gobert trade creating a confusing market, the NBA trades at the deadline should be crazy. The deadline is tomorrow and rumors are swirling, so let’s dive into where some big names could be moved.
Potential Trades for the NBA Trade Deadline
Fred VanVleet
Potential Teams: Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat
Fred VanVleet is a name that has been gaining some traction to be traded recently. The 28-year-old is an NBA champion and seasoned vet who knows what it takes to win. He’s a solid scorer and facilitator, averaging 19.7 PPG along with 6.5 APG, while shooting 39.7% from the field and 34.4% from three. VanVleet could provide leadership to a team that lacks it, or be the missing piece for a championship contender.
NBA trades can be tough on organizations, and this would be one of them for Toronto. The Raptors would be willing to move him, but would they feel comfortable trading him to an eastern conference team? They’ve done it before with Kyle Lowry. VanVleet could be next.
Prediction: Traded to Miami Heat
Terry Rozier
Potential Teams: Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves
Since joining the Hornets in 2019, Terry Rozier has proven that he can shoot the lights out. However, his three point percentage has dropped from 37.4% last year to 33.7% this year. This isn’t to worry, as he can easily get hot at any time. He’s gaining attention from some teams in the league. The Hornets aren’t making noise in the playoffs anytime soon. So, he could provide elite shooting for a team down the stretch.
He won’t require a blockbuster package, so multiple teams could look to go get him. There’s no guarantee his shooting percentage will rise, but he’s worth giving a shot for many teams. The Hornets should capitalize on his value and move him now. However, I don’t think they will.
Prediction: Stays on Charlotte Hornets
Bogdan Bogdanovic
Potential Teams: Dallas Mavericks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns
Along with the similarly named Bojan Bogdanovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic has been talked about as potentially being traded. It’s become a trend in the NBA to trade for three point shooters. Bogdan is no different, as he’s another floor spacer who can cause defenses headaches when he gets hot. A career 38.3% three point shooter, Bogdan has shown he can do it over multiple seasons. Only one question since he turned 30: Can he keep it up for a few more years?
Combine his scoring with a solid contract, and you have player with great value. It would be tough for the Hawks to give him up, but any team in need of scoring should look to make a move for Bogdan. Even if the cost might be higher than we’d expect.
Prediction: Stays on Atlanta Hawks
OG Anunoby
Potential Teams: New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, New Orleans Pelicans
Another Raptor on the list. OG Anunoby has made a name for himself with his elite defending and solid shooting. With some people arguing he is the best ‘3-and-D’ player in the league, he’s become a trending name to be traded. He’s shooting 36.6% from three and adding 2.1 SPG on the defensive end. That production on both ends is hard to find.
If the Raptors are looking to move on from Anunoby, they should look to get a decent package. He’s a young and valuable player for any team. Could he be the most important trade piece in the NBA this deadline? Maybe.
Prediction: Traded to Brooklyn Nets
Kyle Lowry
Potential Teams: Los Angeles Clippers, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Lakers
NBA trades are often complicated. A Kyle Lowry trade at the deadline would fall into that category. Lowry has taken a step back in every major statistical category this season. Adding to the poor stats, he is owed ~$30 million next season, turning 37, and has had lingering knee problems. He’s a tough move. However, he is still a veteran who has played in big games.
He could provide some leadership, experience, and solid minutes off the bench. A contending team could be in the running for him. The Heat could also try to move him to a rebuilding team willing to take his cap hit next season, as they would want to get rid of his contract.
Prediction: Traded to Toronto Raptors
John Collins
Potential Teams: New Orleans Pelicans, Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers
A name that seems to be in trade talks a lot is John Collins. He’s a player who could be on many teams radars. His 3-point percentage has dropped from 36.4% last year to 25.7% this season. He can still turn it around, but the numbers are concerning. Still only 25, Collins has a long career ahead of him yet.
The only issue with a Collins trade is what other teams would give up for him. He’s still young and could still improve. Although, it’s clear the Hawks are set on their asking price, and it may be a little too high for teams.
Prediction: Traded to New Orleans Pelicans
Pascal Siakam
Potential Teams: Miami Heat, Brooklyn Nets
Now that Kyrie Irving was traded, Pascal Siakam takes over as the #1 player in trade rumors. A top talent averaging 24.7 PPG, 7.9 RPG, and 6.2 APG, Siakam is a game changer. He’s already been part of a championship team, and could help lead a team to another ring. He’s efficient and proven. That’s a prime target for teams looking to make a run.
If you haven’t noticed yet, Toronto is rebuilding and leaving a lot of players available for trade. Siakam is about to turn 29, so the Raptors could — and probably should — opt to keep him. NBA trades are difficult to make with a player of Siakam’s caliber, but it’s worth exploring for any team with championship aspirations.
Prediction: Stays on Toronto Raptors
Matisse Thybulle
Potential Teams: Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies
Matisse Thybulle is an elite defender who hasn’t found a consistent offensive game. He’s about to be 26, yet he’s only in his fourth NBA season. Thybulle is an interesting player who could turn into a star — if he goes to the right team. He needs to gain more confidence offensively, either on a new team or in Philadelphia. No matter what, an elite defender in the playoffs could be big for a team.
Thybulle is on an expiring contract, and that could cause the 76ers to move him. He is restricted, but his asking price on an extension could be too high. He’ll be an important piece defensively to any team that wants to make a move to get him.
Prediction: Traded to Sacramento Kings
Blockbuster moves are expected this deadline. NBA trades usually break the internet, and I expect more of that. With rumors everywhere, it’ll be interesting who comes out winners and losers of tomorrow. If you’re a fan of NBA trades, just sit back and have fun watching it all happen.