You never know what to expect when the NBA trade deadline rolls around. Last season, we saw the likes of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Russell Westbrook on the move. So far this season, it appears as if several different All-Star talents could be moved, with Pascal Siakam, Zach LaVine, and Dejounte Murray being the featured names on the trade block right now.
The interesting thing about this season and the trade deadline compared to previous years is the fact that there truly aren't any teams looking to give up on themselves and be complete sellers. Obviously the Toronto Raptors could move Siakam, their best player, and the Atlanta Hawks could take a step backwards by dealing Murray, but the fact of the matter is that even the four-win Detroit Pistons are looking to upgrade their roster. As far as teams with an actual shot to make the playoffs goes, one small upgrade could be the difference in them making the playoffs or being outested during the play-in tournament.
The trade deadline is basically a domino effect. When that first domino falls, everything else begins to fall in place after. We already saw one domino fall with the Raptors' OG Anunoby trade, and it seems that could be leading into a Siakam deal. A Siakam trade could then lead to a Murray trade, which could then lead to LaVine being on the move, which could lead to other intriguing and impactful players being dealt since every team is going to be looking to set themselves apart from one another.
So, who will ultimately be on the move? Here are some hypothetical NBA trade deadline scenarios based on recent rumors that could shake up the landscape of the NBA.
Pacers pair Tyrese Haliburton with Pascal Siakam
Pacers Receive: F Pascal Siakam
Raptors Receive: G/F Bruce Brown, F Obi Toppin, F Jordan Nwora, IND 2024 1st Round Pick, IND 2026 1st Round Pick, IND 2028 1st Round Pick
The Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, and Detroit Pistons have been talked about the most when it comes to Pascal Siakam possibly being moved ahead of the trade deadline. While there is always the possibility of the Raptors keeping their prized All-Star, he is in the final year of his contract and appears to be heading towards unrestricted free agency, where he will be one of the best available players available during the offseason. After already moving on from OG Anunoby this season, it seems fitting that Masai Ujiri and the Raptors' front office will do the best they can to acquire maximum value for Siakam in a trade.
While currently injured, Tyrese Haliburton has put the Pacers back on the map in the Eastern Conference and in a position where they can truly contend for an actual playoff spot, not one earned via the play-in tournament. The Pacers, who are the league's best offensive team, have been searching for a reliable and impactful forward for quite some time. Going out and landing Siakam at the trade deadline would be a home run acquisition for them, and it appears as if Indiana is the frontrunner to land the All-Star.
The Pacers and Raptors have been engaged in trade conversations surrounding Siakam, with the two sides “far along” in discussions, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania and Sam Amick. The package being discussed revolves around Bruce Brown, who the Pacers recently signed over the summer, three first-round picks, and salary filler. Indiana is said to be confident in their ability to re-sign Siakam, should they trade for him, when he becomes a free agent in the summer.
The Raptors obviously want Bennedict Mathurin or Jarace Walker, but Indiana is not willing to part ways with either recent first-round pick, hence the abundance of draft assets they have offered up instead. In terms of “salary filler,” Obi Toppin, Jordan Nwora, Jalen Smith, and Andrew Nembhard are the four players who could be included in this deal with Brown. Toppin and Nwora are the two players selected in this hypothetical trade offer, as the Pacers would be able to make this trade happen financially.
Three first-round picks may seem like a lot, but if the Pacers aren't going to give up one of their prized young talents, they are going to have to sacrifice future value for a star like Siakam. After all, the 2024 NBA Draft is expected to be weaker than the last few drafts, and the Pacers' picks will likely be in the middle to end of the first round.
If the Pacers want to get a deal for Siakam done, and they believe they can re-sign him when he becomes a free agent, giving up this much capital may not be the worse scenario in the world. After all, Siakam is a proven star and the type of player the Pacers need to put next to Haliburton if they are to have any chance to becoming a championship threat in an Eastern Conference ruled by Jayson Tatum, Joel Embiid, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Lakers push for championship with Dejounte Murray
Lakers receive: G Dejounte Murray
Hawks Receive: G D'Angelo Russell, G Jalen Hood-Schifino, LAC 2025 2nd Round Pick (via LAL), LAL 2029 1st Round Pick
The Los Angeles Lakers continue to be the team that comes up in trade talks around the league pertaining to Dejounte Murray. Aside from the fact that he is a Klutch Sports and Rich Paul client, Murray checks off a lot of boxes for what the Lakers need to compete at the highest level possible. The former All-Star combo guard can defend at the point of attack, he has the ability to push the pace of play, and he is currently shooting a career-best 39.1 percent from three-point range.
Still just 27 years old and in his eighth NBA season, Murray can help the Lakers compete for a title right now, as well as give them someone to build with moving forward with LeBron James not getting any younger. The Hawks appear to be in more of a sell than buy mode at the moment pertaining to the trade deadline, and Murray is the most likely name to be moved from their roster. On an affordable contract over the next several seasons, Murray is exactly what Los Angeles needs.
From the Hawks' perspective, they have been in talks with the Lakers regarding Murray and tend to want Austin Reaves included in trade talks. The Lakers, who are not wanting to move Reaves whatsoever, have not mentioned their young guard in any trade scenarios with the Hawks. It is worth mentioning that Clint Capela's name has come up in these brief discussions and could possibly be an extension of any deal Atlanta makes involving Murray. For the Lakers to acquire Capela, they would likely need to add Rui Hachimura and possible another draft pick to this trade package.
Looking at the scenario outlined above, there shouldn't be much reason for the Lakers to be hesitant about giving up their rookie. Jalen Hood-Schifino could possibly develop into a factor one day, but he is not going to help the team be a championship contender right now. The draft pick in play is really the big question mark here from Los Angeles' side of things, as their 2029 first-round pick is the last outright draft pick that the Lakers can deal at this time.
In terms of if the Hawks would accept this offer, Atlanta doesn't have much interest in D'Angelo Russell. If the Hawks were to pursue a trade like this one, they would likely need a third team involved to take on Russell's extended contract.
Zach LaVine heads to Sacramento
Kings receive: G/F Zach LaVine, F Terry Taylor
Bulls receive: G/F Kevin Huerter, F Harrison Barnes, G Davion Mitchell, SAC 2024 2nd Round Pick, SAC 2026 1st Round Pick (First available pick two years after prior obligation in 2024, Top-10 Protections)
Pascal Siakam has been the player at the top of the Sacramento Kings wish list this season. However, it appears as if the Kings are falling out of the running for the All-Star with their package of Harrison Barnes, Kevin Huerter, Davion Mitchell, and draft compensation. The good news for Sacramento is there is still an All-Star talent out there on the trade market who could make a whole lot of sense to trade for given his natural scoring abilities.
Zach LaVine's contract is not favorable whatsoever. If the Kings were to trade for him, they would tie themselves down financially for the foreseeable future. However, LaVine's stock continues to drop as a result of teams not showing interest in him. This could potentially lead to a team like the Kings being able to get a discount for the production the All-Star swingman can bring. What this type of trade comes down to is Sacramento realizing they need another go-to scoring option and that they won't be able to pursue any big names in free agency.
The only way the Kings can truly improve their roster is by making a trade. LaVine would be the perfect scoring option to have alongside De'Aaron Fox not only because he has the capability to take over a game, but because the Chicago Bulls' two-time All-Star can push the pace of play in transition with his explosiveness. After being the best offensive team in the league last year, the Kings have been a very average scoring team through the first part of the 2023-24 season.
It is clear to see that this team needs to find an upgrade on the wing, which is why LaVine is actually their best option. If they can get away with dealing Harrison Barnes, Kevin Huerter, Davion Mitchell, and a heavily protected first-round pick, the Kings would surely win this trade with Chicago.
Warriors make significant frontcourt upgrade at trade deadline
Warriors receive: F/C Wendell Carter Jr.
Magic receive: F Jonathan Kuminga, G Gary Payton II, GSW 2026 1st Round Pick (First available pick two years after prior obligation in 2024, Top-14 protected)
Nothing is going well for the Golden State Warriors right now. In fact, recently losing to the Memphis Grizzlies, who were without Ja Morant, Marcus Smart, Desmond Bane, and other key factors, may just be rock bottom for the Warriors' season. If this team is to have any chance of competing for a title (or even to just make the playoffs at this rate), some sort of roster change needs to occur.
The Warriors have held internal discussions about moving former All-Star wing Andrew Wiggins, but it is a major unknown what they could possibly get for the 28-year-old seeing as he is in the midst of the worst season of his career. There is also a belief that Golden State would not deal Wiggins unless they were getting a significant player in return who would take over his salary spot.
Despite being one of the better rebounding teams in the league, lack of size and impact from the frontcourt continues to play into the Warriors' downfall this season. While not necessarily known for his shot-blocking abilities, Wendell Carter Jr. can provide the Warriors with a bigger paint presence, as well as someone who can help make a difference offensively. Carter has shot 40 percent from three-point range this season and averaged a career-high 15.2 points per game with the Orlando Magic last season.
The best part about trading for Carter is his contract, which declines in value over the next two years. Whether or not the Magic would consider moving Carter remains a question many around the league are asking right now due to Orlando's position in the Eastern Conference. Should they be able to get a solid return for him, the Magic appear to be willing to hear offers for the 24-year-old big man.
From the Warriors' point of view, moving Jonathan Kuminga for Carter makes sense both financially and in terms of finding success right now. Kuminga is still growing and could eventually be a key contributing factor, but he is not the same impactful player as Carter. Not to mention, Kuminga will be extension-eligible this offseason as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. Carter comes with a very simple, affordable contract that is one of the better ones in the NBA, as long as he stays healthy. Although the Warriors like Kuminga and Gary Payton II, they must find a way to make a move that can set this team up for success the rest of the season.
Knicks go all-in with Jerami Grant at trade deadline
Knicks receive: F Jerami Grant
Trail Blazers receive: G/F Evan Fournier, G Quentin Grimes, DAL 2024 1st Round Pick (Top-10 Protected in 2023-25, else 2025 second round pick), MIL 2025 1st Round Pick (Top-4 Protected)
The closer we get to the NBA trade deadline, the louder rumors surrounding Jerami Grant get. The Portland Trail Blazers are awful in the post-Damian Lillard era. Just about 20 games below .500 on the season, Portland will be extremely lucky to finish with more than 25 wins. It makes no sense for the Blazers to hold onto their veterans in the midst of a rebuild, especially ones who have massive contracts like Grant.
Although they re-signed Grant in the offseason, the Blazers did so well before they traded Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks. The whole perspective of this organization has changed since then, which is why Grant should be viewed as a likely trade candidate over the next few weeks. Grant, who has made a name for himself through the years for being a key scoring weapon and reliable defensive option, will have many suitors should Portland make him readily available. Quite honestly, it's not hard to believe that he will be the most sought-after trade target if this happens.
Out of all the teams that could pursue Grant, the New York Knicks are quietly a team that makes a ton of sense. OG Anunoby can really play anywhere for the Knicks, so the concern that this team would have too many forwards if they traded for Grant shouldn't really factor into this decision. New York wants high-impact players around Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, as well as guys who can really get after it defensively. Grant would be yet another perfect player in head coach Tom Thibodeau's system, supplying the Knicks with the secondary scoring and primary defense they will need against the best teams in the league.
The best part about pursuing Grant is the Knicks have plenty of assets they can offer up. Portland should only be worried about building for the future right now, hence why they should want players on rookie deals and first-round draft picks. The Knicks own all of their first-round picks, as well as four additional picks from trades made over the last two seasons. If it takes three picks to get Grant instead of the two listed above, the Knicks can make this deal happen unlike other teams around the league.
Just think about a starting lineup of Brunson, Anunoby, Grant, Randle, and Isaiah Hartenstein. Now factor in Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, Miles McBride, Precious Achiuwa, and Mitchell Robinson if he is able to return from his injury this season. All of a sudden, the Knicks stack up against any other team in the Eastern Conference due to their defense prowess.
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