NBA trade deadline: Ranking all 30 teams in preparation for February 5

The significant trades that characterized last year’s rush to the NBA trade deadline have been overshadowed by injuries to All-Stars: Anthony Davis of the Dallas Mavericks, Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, and Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies.

The injuries, along with lukewarm interest in Davis and Morant, may keep two prominent trade candidates off the market until the offseason.

Regarding Antetokounmpo, sources within the team informed ESPN’s Jamal Collier earlier this month that the Bucks are actively pursuing trades to enhance their roster around their two-time MVP. However, with Antetokounmpo sidelined for an extended period due to a calf injury, will Milwaukee opt for caution and regroup for the offseason? Or might they unexpectedly consider offers for him? Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler III is not a trade target, but his season-ending ACL injury could significantly influence the direction the Golden State Warriors take. His teammate, Jonathan Kuminga, has requested a trade.

This season has seen only one trade so far—Trae Young was traded to the Washington Wizards on January 7—but this does not indicate a quiet deadline. In the past two years, 77% of trades occurred in the week leading up to the deadline.

As we look ahead to February 5, let’s examine each team’s options at the deadline, beginning with two superstars central to the trade season.

Jump to a team:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GS
HOU | IND | LAC | LAL | MEM
MIA | MIL | MIN | NOP | NYK
OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX | POR
SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS

Tier 1: The injured All-Stars

Dallas Mavericks

The status in Dallas

Anthony Davis was initially considered off the list of top trade candidates due to his wrist injury. However, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania earlier this month, Dallas has resumed discussions regarding the 32-year-old forward. This does not imply that Mavs governor Patrick Dumont and the front office are hurrying to trade Davis within the next nine days.

“Patrick is not going to approve a deal just for the sake of making a deal,” a source told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. “Ownership does not feel pressured to finalize an AD trade.” If Davis is traded before the deadline, it would follow a recent trend of “pre-agency,” where teams acquire injured players now for the upcoming season (although Davis could return in time for the playoffs). A deadline trade for Davis would resemble the Toronto Raptors’ acquisition of Brandon Ingram last February and the Washington Wizards’ trade for Trae Young last month.

Davis is under contract for this season ($54.1 million) and two additional seasons ($58.5 million and $62.8 million), with the final year being a player option. On August 6, Davis will be eligible to sign a four-year, $275 million extension.

The Mavericks also have three other players who are attractive to playoff teams: Naji Marshall, Klay Thompson, and Daniel Gafford. Each is under contract through at least next season, while Gafford signed a three-year, $54.4 million extension that begins in 2026-27. Since the Mavericks are over the first apron, they cannot take back more salary in a trade. They are currently $1.1 million below the second apron hard cap. Dallas is projected to exceed the second apron next season if the roster remains unchanged after the deadline.

Did you know…

Caleb Martin ($1.3 million) and P.J. Washington ($500,000) have unlikely bonuses in their contracts. These bonuses still count toward the apron even though they are unlikely to be achieved.

Top draft assets to use in trades:

• 2029 unprotected first-round pick (via Lakers)

• 2031 or 2032 first-round pick

Other notable draft assets:

• First-round pick swap in 2031 or 2032

• Two second-round picks

Memphis Grizzlies

The status in Memphis

The Grizzlies find themselves at a crucial juncture. As Charania reported on January 9, the Grizzlies are considering trade offers for two-time All-Star Ja Morant.

The explosive guard is likely to attract interest from several teams, especially since he will not turn 27 until August and is not a free agent until 2028. Last season, Morant averaged over 20 points per game for the fourth consecutive season.

However, off-court issues, durability concerns (he is on track to play fewer than 60 games for the third consecutive season and recently sustained a shoulder injury), and a notable decline in on-court performance have left potential interested teams feeling lukewarm at best. He is shooting 23.5% from three-point range and a career-low 47% on two-point attempts.

Memphis’ potential return will hinge on how much the franchise values taking back expiring contracts to enhance financial flexibility over the next two seasons. This was the approach Atlanta favored when it traded away Young.

The front office may also believe that Morant can regain his value over the final two months of the season, allowing Memphis to revisit trade discussions in the offseason.

Did you know…

The Grizzlies are tied with Detroit, Oklahoma City, and Philadelphia for the fewest players (one) acquired via trade.

Top draft assets to use in trades:

• 2026 more favorable first of Orlando or Phoenix

• 2030 unprotected first from Orlando

Other notable draft assets:

• Own first in the next seven years

• 2029 top-two protected swap with Orlando

• Six second-round picks

Tier 2: The deal makers

Brooklyn Nets

The status in Brooklyn

The Nets are an intriguing team as the trade deadline approaches.

As the only team with cap space, Brooklyn can act as a third party in a deal to absorb salary or assist a high-spending team looking to reduce expenses to fall below the tax threshold. Brooklyn has $15 million in available space but would need to create a roster spot in either scenario. (The Nets also possess an $8.8 million trade exception, which becomes available only once room is created.)

Brooklyn has two players, Cam Thomas and Michael Porter Jr., who could benefit a playoff team.

On track to average at least 20 points for a third consecutive season, Thomas and the Nets were unable to finalize a long-term contract this past offseason. Consequently, he will be an unrestricted free agent this summer and has the right to veto any trade due to his one-year contract. However, his Bird rights do not transfer, which is a drawback for any team interested in acquiring Thomas.

The Nets are also weighing what is best for both their present and future.

For instance, Porter could be an excellent fit for a playoff team if the Nets aim to enhance their draft lottery position. Porter is averaging a career-high 25.9 points this season and is under contract for two more years ($38.3 million and $40.8 million).

However, trading Porter does not improve Brooklyn’s position for next season, especially since the Rockets can swap first-round picks with them. The Nets could have $50 million in cap space this offseason if Porter remains on the roster.

Did you know…

Brooklyn has drafted nine players currently on its roster, tying with Denver, Detroit, New Orleans, Orlando, and Utah for the league high.

Top draft assets to use in trades:

• 2027, 2029, 2031 unprotected New York firsts

• 2032 unprotected Denver first

Other notable draft assets:

• Own first from 2026 to 2032

• 2028 Philadelphia if 9-30

• 2028 swap firsts with New York

• Nineteen seconds

Note: The Rockets have the right to swap firsts in 2027

Chicago Bulls

The status in Chicago

At the beginning of the season, Bulls coach Billy Donovan provided insight into the team’s situation.

”They need to recognize the urgency because their success is interconnected, and their futures are intertwined,” Donovan stated.

Donovan was referring to the Bulls’ seven players on expiring contracts: Nikola Vucevic ($21.5 million), Zach Collins ($18.1 million), Kevin Huerter ($18 million), Coby White ($12.9 million), Ayo Dosunmu ($7.5M), Jevon Carter ($6.8M), and Dalen Terry ($5.4M). Julian Phillips has a $2.4M team option for next season.

Chicago could approach the deadline in three ways:

1. Continue with the current roster. After a strong start at 6-1, the Bulls find themselves back in play-in contention. Chicago has an estimated $65 million in cap space this summer to construct a team around Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Patrick Williams, Isaac Okoro, Jalen Smith, Tre Jones, and Noa Essengue. The Bulls possess their own first-round picks and could acquire the Trail Blazers’ pick if Portland reaches the conference semifinals.

2. Skip free agency and consider trades, but at the cost of cap flexibility. The free agent class includes veteran stars (LeBron James, James Harden, Norman Powell, Draymond Green, Zach LaVine, Tobias Harris), restricted free agents (Jalen Duren, Walker Kessler, Mark Williams, Bennedict Mathurin), and players with team options (Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Hartenstein, Neemias Queta).

3. Explore trades involving the seven players on expiring contracts. ESPN inquired with team executives about which of the seven players had the most trade value. The unanimous response was Dosunmu.

Dosunmu is on a favorable $6.5 million salary and is achieving career highs in points (14.3), field goal percentage (51.3), and three-point percentage (44.6). The team acquiring him will gain his Bird rights, allowing it to exceed the salary cap for a new contract. Dosunmu can sign up to a four-year, $86.9 million extension with Chicago until June 30.

Did you know…

The Bulls have 11 free agents on their roster, tying with Golden State and the Los Angeles Lakers for the league high.

Top draft assets to use in trades:

• Own first from 2026 to 2032

Other notable draft assets:

• 2026 top-14 protected first from Portland

• Five seconds

Golden State Warriors

The status in Golden State

The future of Jonathan Kuminga will likely be determined by how Golden State addresses three key questions:

In light of Butler’s ACL tear, is there a renewed focus on retaining Kuminga?

With Butler absent, will the front office seek perimeter assistance? Will they add size? What trades can be made without taking back long-term salary while remaining below the second apron?

“Clearly, there’s a gap at that position in our roster. JK’s role will be significant again,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr remarked following the loss to Toronto, where Kuminga scored 20 points in his first game after nine consecutive DNPs.

The extent to which Kuminga plays a role in the long term remains uncertain. “I know a trade request has been made, but nothing is imminent, and circumstances in this league can shift rapidly,” Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. stated.

The Warriors are operating above the first apron and must match Kuminga’s $22.5 million salary or take back less in any deal. He has a $24.3 million team option for the next season.

In terms of needing frontcourt support, the Warriors rank last in second-chance points and 23rd in blocks. They have utilized a combination of Draymond Green, Quinten Post, and Trayce Jackson-Davis at center this season.

Golden State is also on a financial timeline with Stephen Curry, Green, and Butler under contract for only one more season. They will have five tradeable first-round picks this offseason and close to $100 million in expiring contracts.

Dunleavy dismissed the idea of trading Butler. “My vision for him is to provide us with a boost next year, just as he did last year upon his arrival,” Dunleavy said.

Did you know…

If Kuminga is traded, the Warriors will be responsible for 15% of his remaining salary this season. For cap purposes, the trade bonus is included as incoming salary for the acquiring team.

Top draft assets to use in trades:

• Can trade their own first from 2026 to 2032

• Their 2030 pick can be traded only if it falls within 1-20

Other notable draft assets:

• Allowed to swap firsts in every season (2030 can only be if 1-20)

• One second

Milwaukee Bucks

The status in Milwaukee

Prior to Antetokounmpo’s right calf injury in a loss to Denver, Milwaukee was anticipated to acquire players at the deadline. As reported by ESPN, the Bucks were investigating trade options to enhance the roster around Antetokounmpo.

However, what is the plan now, with Antetokounmpo sidelined for an extended duration? Will Milwaukee seek short-term enhancements at the cost of future cap flexibility and draft picks?

The Bucks have their 2031 or 2032 first-round picks available for any trade but are heavily weighted in salary. Eleven of the 15 players under contract earn between $2.3 million and $5.1 million. Their larger contracts include Myles Turner ($25.3M), Kyle Kuzma ($22.4M), and Bobby Portis ($23.5M).

Or will Milwaukee choose to regroup until the offseason?

The Bucks are currently outside the play-in spots and have a realistic chance of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16. They are 3-11 in games without Antetokounmpo this season and have a minus-11.2 points per 100 possessions when he is off the court.

While missing the playoffs is not ideal, the Bucks would secure a lottery pick (they possess the least favorable of their own or New Orleans) to add to the fifth-oldest roster in the NBA.

The Bucks also do not control their first-round pick until 2031, but starting on draft night, their tradeable first-round picks will increase from one (2031 or 2032) to three (2026, 2031, and 2033).

Regarding Antetokounmpo, unless the Bucks begin engaging teams in trade discussions, more information will emerge this offseason. He is eligible to sign a four-year, $275 million extension on October 1. Without such an extension, he would become an unrestricted free agent in the 2027 offseason if he opts out of his $62.8 million player option. Antetokounmpo has signed three extensions (2016, 2020, 2023) and has never entered free agency.

Did you know…