Some NBA teams aiming for a championship may need to shake things up. They must find a balance between making improvements while maintaining financial flexibility under the league’s strict salary cap rules. As ESPN’s Bobby Marks highlighted, the trend seems to lean towards smaller deals rather than big splashes.
Despite these limitations, there are players in the market who could be traded before the upcoming deadline. Here’s a look at 10 players who might be on the move:
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler is seeking a significant contract extension but is currently under contract with the Heat until 2025-26.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram faces uncertain contract negotiations as the team may not be able to afford re-signing him in free agency.
Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma’s team-friendly deal could make him an attractive trade asset in the future.
Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine, known for his scoring prowess, could draw interest from teams looking for a scoring guard.
Washington Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas, acquired in the offseason, could be a trade target for teams offering draft picks.
Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic continues to perform well, making him a valuable asset with an expiring contract in 2026.
These players represent potential opportunities for teams to make strategic moves in the evolving landscape of the NBA.
Should the New Orleans Pelicans consider trading Zion Williamson, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 draft? Despite his impressive career averages of 24.6 points per game and a 58.8% field goal shooting percentage, injuries have plagued Williamson, limiting him to just two full seasons of play. The talented forward missed the entirety of the 2021-22 season and has only participated in seven games so far this season. Given this injury history, a fresh start for both the team and the player might not be out of the question.
In terms of Williamson’s contract situation, he is currently in the second year of a substantial five-year, $197.2 million extension that ties him to the Pelicans through the 2027-28 season. It is worth noting, however, that this contract is not fully guaranteed and is contingent upon factors such as games played and weight.
Moving on to Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox, there is growing speculation that he may not remain with the Kings for much longer. Whether a trade materializes before the deadline or during the offseason remains to be seen. Fox’s on-court performance speaks for itself, with averages of 26.7 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game, along with a solid 48.6% shooting from the field. As for his contract, Fox is currently in the fourth year of a five-year, $163 million deal and is set to become a free agent after the 2025-26 season.
Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson has been enjoying a breakout season, showcasing career-high numbers in points (19.5 per game) and shooting percentages. With the Nets looking to acquire more first-round draft picks, Johnson’s value on the market is significant. He is under contract for the next three seasons, with a four-year, $94.5 million deal that concludes in the summer of 2027.
Meanwhile, Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga could be part of a trade package if the Warriors decide to make a move before the deadline. Kuminga, a promising young talent at just 22 years old, has shown glimpses of his potential with impressive performances, including back-to-back 34-point games. He is currently in the final year of his rookie contract valued at $24.8 million and will be a restricted free agent at the end of the season.
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the speculation surrounding these and other players intensifies. Jeff Zillgitt, NBA reporter, provides valuable insights on potential player movements. Stay updated on social media @JeffZillgitt for the latest developments in the ever-evolving landscape of NBA trades and transactions.
This article was originally featured on USA TODAY and highlights ten players who could potentially be on the move prior to the trade deadline on February 6.
