​NBA Trade Deadline Buzz: Teams weighing moves as February 8 deadline looms

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NEW DELHI: With the February 8 NBA trade deadline approaching, teams are actively considering moves to improve their rosters or reshape their futures.
Here are the insights into which players are most likely to be traded by each team. Here’s a roundup of the latest trade buzz and potential targets:
Atlanta Hawks — Dejounte Murray
The Atlanta Hawks are reportedly considering trading Dejounte Murray, who has been the subject of numerous trade rumors.Despite signing a lucrative contract extension in the 2023 offseason, Murray’s reported unhappiness in Atlanta has fueled speculation about his potential departure. The Hawks, currently sitting at 20-27, might pivot towards playing young players and seek future assets for Murray to reset their organizational culture.

Boston Celtics — No One
The Boston Celtics, currently enjoying success, are unlikely to make major moves at the deadline. With a strong roster, the Celtics’ top players are deemed untouchable, and any potential trade could involve the Traded Player Exception acquired in the offseason Grant Williams sign-and-trade.
Brooklyn Nets — Royce O’Neale
The Brooklyn Nets, with a 19-28 record, are expected to make moves to strengthen their roster. Royce O’Neale is identified as a likely trade candidate due to his expiring contract. Despite the presence of other trade-worthy players like Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith, O’Neale remains a desirable option for teams seeking a reliable role player.
Charlotte Hornets — Miles Bridges
Amid inconsistent performances and poor team vibes, the Charlotte Hornets are contemplating a significant move involving Miles Bridges. The Hornets are looking to build around LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, and trading Bridges could be a strategic move to reshape the team.
Chicago Bulls — Zach LaVine
The Chicago Bulls are evaluating potential trades involving Zach LaVine, who reportedly expressed a desire to leave earlier in the season. However, LaVine’s significant contract and injury concerns have made trade negotiations challenging. The Bulls might consider moving LaVine for the right offer, but there’s uncertainty about the market for him.

Cleveland Cavaliers — Caris LeVert
While there are other possible trade candidates, Caris LeVert is identified as the most likely player for the Cleveland Cavaliers to move. With overlapping skills with Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, LeVert could be part of a deal to bring in difference-makers or address other team needs.
Dallas Mavericks — No One
The Dallas Mavericks are unlikely to make significant trades, given the limited options on their roster that other teams might find attractive. Key players like Tim Hardaway Jr., Josh Green, and Jaden Hardy are expected to stay put, with the Mavericks preferring to maintain roster stability.
Denver Nuggets — Zeke Nnaji
The Denver Nuggets, defending champions, may not be very active at the deadline, but Zeke Nnaji is considered a potential trade candidate. Playing limited minutes and facing a career-low in playing time, Nnaji could be moved if the Nuggets are willing to part ways and other teams see value in acquiring a cost-controlled big man.
Detroit Pistons — Possibly no one, but maybe Bojan Bogdanovic and/or Alec Burks
The Detroit Pistons, in a rebuilding phase, might not make significant moves. However, there could be interest in moving on from veterans Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks. The Pistons could prioritize acquiring younger, cost-controlled assets in exchange for these contributors.
Golden State Warriors — Andrew Wiggins
The Golden State Warriors are facing questions about the trade status of Andrew Wiggins. Initially struggling in the season, Wiggins has shown improvement, raising questions about whether the Warriors are ready to move on. The decision could hinge on Wiggins’ performance and the offers they receive.

Houston Rockets — Jae’Sean Tate
With Victor Oladipo traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, Jae’Sean Tate emerges as the logical choice for the Houston Rockets to move. Tate’s potential trade could help the Rockets secure a backup center and clear roster space.
Indiana Pacers — T.J. McConnell
The Indiana Pacers, after acquiring Pascal Siakam, might not make significant moves. However, T.J. McConnell is identified as a possible trade candidate. McConnell’s expiring contract and potential contributions make him an asset that other teams might be interested in.
Los Angeles Clippers — PJ Tucker
PJ Tucker has publicly expressed a desire to be traded, and the Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly shopping him. The 38-year-old veteran could be moved with contenders expressing interest, possibly as a buyout candidate.
Los Angeles Lakers — D’Angelo Russell
Despite D’Angelo Russell’s recent strong performance, he remains the most likely player to be traded by the Los Angeles Lakers. Contract considerations and a player option for the next season make Russell a potential trade asset, offering the Lakers flexibility in roster planning.
Memphis Grizzlies — Luke Kennard
After trading Steven Adams for second-round picks, the Memphis Grizzlies seem focused on asset acquisition. Luke Kennard, acquired in the Victor Oladipo trade, might not be in the long-term plans, making him a potential trade candidate for the Grizzlies.
Miami Heat — Tyler Herro
The Miami Heat, with championship aspirations, could explore trades to strengthen their roster. Tyler Herro, with his valuable contract, is considered a potential trade asset. The Heat might target impact players who align with their win-now mentality.

Milwaukee Bucks — Donte DiVincenzo
As the Milwaukee Bucks seek to bolster their roster for another championship run, Donte DiVincenzo is identified as a potential trade chip. DiVincenzo, returning from injury, could be moved to address specific needs or acquire additional depth.
Minnesota Timberwolves — Patrick Beverley
The Minnesota Timberwolves, looking to solidify their playoff position, might explore trades involving Patrick Beverley. Beverley’s defensive prowess and veteran leadership could be attractive to teams in need of backcourt help for a playoff push.
New Orleans Pelicans — Josh Hart
The New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly open to trading Josh Hart, who has been a consistent contributor for them. With the Pelicans exploring different roster combinations, Hart could be part of a deal to address other team needs.
New York Knicks — Kemba Walker
Kemba Walker’s time with the New York Knicks could be coming to an end. The Knicks are reportedly looking to trade Walker, who has seen a reduced role in recent games. Finding a suitable trade partner for Walker could be challenging due to his contract and recent performance.
Oklahoma City Thunder — Derrick Favors
The Oklahoma City Thunder, focused on player development and asset accumulation, might look to move veteran Derrick Favors. Favors, a respected locker room presence, could be of interest to playoff-bound teams seeking frontcourt depth.
Orlando Magic — Terrence Ross
As the Orlando Magic continue their rebuilding efforts, Terrence Ross emerges as a trade candidate. The veteran wing could provide scoring off the bench for a playoff-bound team, and the Magic might seek future assets in return.
Philadelphia 76ers — Tobias Harris
The Philadelphia 76ers, with James Harden now on the roster, might explore trades involving Tobias Harris to address other needs. Harris, with a significant contract, could be moved to create financial flexibility and balance the roster.
Phoenix Suns — Cameron Johnson
The Phoenix Suns, with a deep roster, might consider moving Cameron Johnson to address specific needs. Johnson’s shooting and versatility could be attractive to teams looking to strengthen their playoff rotations.
Portland Trail Blazers — Robert Covington
The Portland Trail Blazers, in a transitional phase, are reportedly open to trading Robert Covington. The veteran forward’s defensive skills and three-point shooting could be valuable for a contender, making him a potential trade asset.

Sacramento Kings — Harrison Barnes
Harrison Barnes’ name has surfaced in trade rumors, with the Sacramento Kings reportedly open to moving him. The Kings, looking to build for the future, could seek young assets or draft picks in exchange for Barnes’ services.
San Antonio Spurs — Thaddeus Young
Thaddeus Young, acquired in the Dejounte Murray trade, might not be a long-term fit for the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs could explore trades involving Young to acquire additional assets or reshape their roster for the future.
Toronto Raptors — Goran Dragic
After acquiring Dejounte Murray, the Toronto Raptors might look to move Goran Dragic. The veteran point guard’s expiring contract could be appealing to teams in need of backcourt help, and the Raptors might seek to add depth or future assets.
Utah Jazz — Joe Ingles
With Joe Ingles returning from injury, the Utah Jazz might explore trades involving the veteran forward. Ingles’ shooting and playmaking could be valuable for playoff-bound teams, and the Jazz might seek assets in return.
Washington Wizards — Spencer Dinwiddie
Spencer Dinwiddie’s future with the Washington Wizards is uncertain. The Wizards, currently out of playoff position, might explore trades involving Dinwiddie to address other needs or acquire assets for the future.
(Inputs from agencies)



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