By: Anthony Evangelista
Amidst one of the most shocking trade deadlines in NBA history, there are still 24 hours before the final buzzer sounds on general managers swapping players and picks. Headlined by Saturday night’s bombshell trade of Luka Doncic to the Lakers, this deadline has seen multiple All-Stars shipped to different teams, with plenty of rumors circulating on the final day of potential deals. In this article, we take a look at possible movement across the entire landscape of the NBA.
Embed from Getty ImagesKevin Durant/Jimmy Butler swap?
Jimmy Butler has been in trade rumors for weeks at this point, actively expressing his displeasure with the Miami Heat organization. His preferred trade destination is reported to be the Phoenix Suns, who currently sit at the ninth spot in the Western Conference despite a roster with three star-caliber players in Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Beal’s massive contract coupled with his no-trade clause make him a tough asset to move, but Durant’s presence in trade rumors make him an intriguing resource that could find himself on another team after Thursday afternoon. Durant has expressed no interest in going back to the Warriors, where he won two Finals MVPs during his three seasons in Golden State. Realistically, Durant and Butler being swapped would need to be a multi-team affair, as other assets have to be in-play in order for the trade to work for the Suns and Heat. However, even with both players in their mid-30s, expect multiple first-round picks to be involved, whether it’s from the Heat or another third team. These landing spots seem like the primary destinations for Butler and Durant, who may see themselves stuck in the same location if a deal cannot be struck.
Kevin Durant isn't interested in a Warriors reunion despite a rumored trade, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/jsrtApFz7L
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 5, 2025
Jonas Valanciunas possibly on the move
Jonas Valanciunas seems to be the top big man currently on the market, as the 32-year-old Wizards center could find his way onto a contender before the deadline passes. With multiple squads looking for a paint protector, expect the Knicks and Lakers to be heavy suitors for Valanciunas, who put up 14 points and 17 rebounds in Monday’s win in Charlotte. New York is looking for a strong assistant to Karl-Anthony Towns down low, who was recently named an All-Star starter along with fellow Knick, Jalen Brunson. The move makes sense for the Knicks, who are currently relying on Precious Achiuwa and rookie Ariel Hukporti to man the paint when Towns isn’t on the floor. Valanciunas could be traded for a first-rounder and young assets, such as Miles McBride and Pacome Dadiet. The Lakers, now without Anthony Davis, are in desperate need of a center to couple with the superstar talent of LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Expect a package centered around picks and an easy contract to offload, such as Gabe Vincent. Teams like the Suns will also be in the mix, as a Nurkic-Valanciunas swap would give Phoenix a much better chance to compete in the tough Western Conference. Valanciunas seems like an inevitable trade target for a team looking to contend- the question isn’t if, but when.
Jazz will likely continue to sell
The Utah Jazz are currently in a rebuild. Gathering eight first-round picks from 2026 to 2031, expect Utah to continue to shop their assets, including veterans John Collins, Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson. All three could become contributors on a winning team, with Jazz scoring leader Collins most likely collecting the most value. The Kings were rumored to have a deal in place for Collins before dealing De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs, and plenty of other possible contenders have enough holes in their roster to warrant Utah dealing their top scorers and fully focusing on future years. Expect teams like the Pacers, the Celtics and the Rockets to make calls to Jazz general manager Justin Zanik.
Brandon Ingram finds himself in rumors
A former All-Star and Most Improved Player, Brandon Ingram may have his six-year tenure in New Orleans end abruptly if the team decides to trade him at the deadline. The forward is averaging just over 20 points this season and could be a vital second or third option on a playoff team, something Ingram has only been a part of twice in his eight year career. Squads that are looking towards the future could also be interested in Ingram, as having a solid veteran wing to build around is extremely desirable. Expect teams like the Atlanta Hawks and Detroit Pistons to show interest, although Ingram could find himself staying in the West with the Mavericks or the Spurs, potentially.
Philadelphia could attempt to rectify forgettable season
The 76ers are currently 20-29, sitting at 11th in the Eastern Conference with a roster that had championship aspirations before the season started. While it seems nearly impossible that Joel Embiid would be on the move, other players on the roster are expendable and could garner Philadelphia assets for their future. The most obvious target for teams is Paul George, who has shown to still be solid when on the court. Teams like the Warriors could try to make a splash and pair up George with Stephen Curry, who currently has Golden State at a record of 25-24. Other members of the team that could be on the move include Andre Drummond and Kyle Lowry, two aging players that can still contribute in different ways. The one player Philadelphia shouldn’t trade away is Guerschon Yabusele, who has shown to be a solid bench piece this year that has stepped up in the absence of Embiid. Expect the 76ers to be heavily involved in trade talks over the next 24 hours, although general manager Elton Brand may not pull the trigger unless receiving a package for the future worth accepting.
