The NBA trade deadline has become increasingly important throughout the years.
Every NBA season has had a trade deadline, but such deals have not been as significant or game-changing as they have been over the last four decades.
It’s now one of the most critical times of the season, as teams attempt to improve a championship squad, push a roster closer to a title challenger, or gain draft picks to become a better team in the long run.
The NBA trade deadline is this week, so let’s see what to expect with approximately 2½ months till the postseason begins.
When is the NBA’s trading deadline?
The trading deadline is Thursday, February 8 at 3 p.m. ET.
Teams can make trades until the clock strikes 3 p.m. ET. You may see trades published after the deadline, but they were agreed upon before the deadline, and it takes time for the NBA headquarters in New York to ensure that the trade complies with the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
What is the NBA’s trading deadline?
The trade deadline is the last potential date for teams to trade players during the season. Following that, no trades are authorized until the end of the season. After that day, players can still be bought out of their contracts or waived and signed with another team.
Will this season’s NBA trade deadline be bustling or slow?
That’s always an excellent question. Last season was hectic, particularly with Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Mike Conley, and D’Angelo Russell switching teams before the trade deadline.
The new 2023 collective bargaining agreement complicates problems by making it more difficult and expensive for some teams to add contracts (via luxury tax).
Who are the big stars that could be traded?
Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell reacts during a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Crypto.com Arena.
Atlanta’s Dejounte Murray, Washington’s Kyle Kuzma, Tyus Jones, and Jordan Poole, Chicago’s Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan, Portland’s Jerami Grant and Malcolm Brogdon, Utah’s Jordan Clarkson, Los Angeles Lakers’ D’Angelo Russell, Toronto’s Bruce Brown, Charlotte’s P.J. Washington and Miles Bridges, Golden State’s Andrew Wiggins, Brooklyn’s Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Royce O’Neale, and Detroit’s Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks.
Zach LaVine of Chicago is one notable player who is not on the list. He chose to have season-ending surgery on his damaged right foot.
Which teams are buying at the trade deadline?
Los Angeles Lakers: They currently lack a championship-caliber roster.
The Boston Celtics are looking for depth at the deadline.
Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets are attempting to win their second championship in a row, just like the Celtics.
Sacramento Kings: The Kings are on pace to win 50 games, but it may not be enough to secure home court in the first round.
Los Angeles Clippers: The Clippers, the best team in the West since December 1, have been active in trade talks for supporting players.
Dallas Mavericks: Getting Kyrie Irving back and healthy is critical, as is getting defensive aid.
The Milwaukee Bucks have made significant roster changes and invested heavily in their pursuit of a championship, but still need to improve their bench scoring. The Phoenix Suns, despite having a strong squad, require more bench scoring.
Houston Rockets: The Rockets have draft capital to deal.
What teams are sellers at the trade deadline?
The Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, Portland Trail Blazers, and Charlotte Hornets should all aim to stockpile as many first-round picks as possible.
Are there any teams that include both buyers and sellers?
Oklahoma City Thunder: They are good enough to explore the trade market while holding draft picks that other clubs want.
Golden State Warriors: The Warriors are still in that awkward position of attempting to make something happen this season while realizing that the future is here.
Utah Jazz: The Jazz are looking to trade draft picks and players for assets that will help them now and in the future.
What major transactions have occurred so far this season?
This season has seen a few deals, four of which stand out:
The Portland Trail Blazers traded Damian Lillard to Milwaukee soon before the season began, and the Philadelphia 76ers traded James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers shortly thereafter.
The New York Knicks got OG Anunoby from Toronto, while the Indiana Pacers obtained Pascal Siakam from the Raptors.
