5 Top Storylines to Watch Ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline
In this story:
The Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, and many of the accompanying storylines are coming into focus.
The Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler don’t want to maintain their partnership. The New Orleans Pelicans will want to sell at least some of their assets. The Brooklyn Nets will gladly tear their foundation down in exchange for draft picks and increased lottery odds for Duke star Cooper Flagg.
5 Top Storylines to Watch Ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline
In this story:
The Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, and many of the accompanying storylines are coming into focus.
The Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler don’t want to maintain their partnership. The New Orleans Pelicans will want to sell at least some of their assets. The Brooklyn Nets will gladly tear their foundation down in exchange for draft picks and increased lottery odds for Duke star Cooper Flagg.
That doesn’t mean this year’s trade deadline will become predictable. Negotiations always yield twists and turns. The Heat won’t accept just any deal. The Pelicans may not find the right trade market for Brandon Ingram. After already making moves, the Nets may not attract any more buyers.
Amid that fluidity, below is a look at how things will likely play out for five of the most notable trade candidates.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler walks off the court after his team’s game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on Dec. 16, 2024.
Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Where will Jimmy Butler go?
No one realistically expected the Heat and Butler to iron out their differences during his seven-game suspension for what the Heat considered “conduct detrimental to the team.” Butler made that clear when he reportedly reiterated to Heat president Pat Riley face to face that he wants to be traded. But it’s telling that Butler couldn’t stay on the court in hopes to build his trade value. After playing in only three games following the initial suspension, the Heat handed Butler an additional two-game suspension partly for missing the team’s flight to Milwaukee on Wednesday night.
5 Top Storylines to Watch Ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline
In this story:
The Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, and many of the accompanying storylines are coming into focus.
The Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler don’t want to maintain their partnership. The New Orleans Pelicans will want to sell at least some of their assets. The Brooklyn Nets will gladly tear their foundation down in exchange for draft picks and increased lottery odds for Duke star Cooper Flagg.
That doesn’t mean this year’s trade deadline will become predictable. Negotiations always yield twists and turns. The Heat won’t accept just any deal. The Pelicans may not find the right trade market for Brandon Ingram. After already making moves, the Nets may not attract any more buyers.
Amid that fluidity, below is a look at how things will likely play out for five of the most notable trade candidates.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler walks off the court after his team’s game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on Dec. 16, 2024.
Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Where will Jimmy Butler go?
No one realistically expected the Heat and Butler to iron out their differences during his seven-game suspension for what the Heat considered “conduct detrimental to the team.” Butler made that clear when he reportedly reiterated to Heat president Pat Riley face to face that he wants to be traded. But it’s telling that Butler couldn’t stay on the court in hopes to build his trade value. After playing in only three games following the initial suspension, the Heat handed Butler an additional two-game suspension partly for missing the team’s flight to Milwaukee on Wednesday night.
Don’t expect Butler to play with the Heat ever again. They will deal Butler, even if they don’t find the exact deal they want to ensure they stay in playoff contention. Thankfully, though, the market has played out in Miami’s favor. The Phoenix Suns acquired three first-round picks from the Utah Jazz, which could give the Suns the additional assets needed to acquire the 35-year-old Butler.
This potential deal remains complicated. Suns guard Bradley Beal needs to waive his no-trade clause, and neither Beal nor the Heat appear to have interest in each other. The Suns’ initial trade can at least set up the next stage, though, to ensure another team can acquire Beal. Regardless, it appears likely Butler will receive his wish to play in Phoenix. He will have to adjust to playing with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, but the Suns will gladly welcome his defense and playmaking. Most importantly, Butler’s competitive spirit would ignite a Suns team in dire need of a spark.
5 Top Storylines to Watch Ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline
In this story:
The Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, and many of the accompanying storylines are coming into focus.
The Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler don’t want to maintain their partnership. The New Orleans Pelicans will want to sell at least some of their assets. The Brooklyn Nets will gladly tear their foundation down in exchange for draft picks and increased lottery odds for Duke star Cooper Flagg.
That doesn’t mean this year’s trade deadline will become predictable. Negotiations always yield twists and turns. The Heat won’t accept just any deal. The Pelicans may not find the right trade market for Brandon Ingram. After already making moves, the Nets may not attract any more buyers.
Amid that fluidity, below is a look at how things will likely play out for five of the most notable trade candidates.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler walks off the court after his team’s game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on Dec. 16, 2024.
Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Where will Jimmy Butler go?
No one realistically expected the Heat and Butler to iron out their differences during his seven-game suspension for what the Heat considered “conduct detrimental to the team.” Butler made that clear when he reportedly reiterated to Heat president Pat Riley face to face that he wants to be traded. But it’s telling that Butler couldn’t stay on the court in hopes to build his trade value. After playing in only three games following the initial suspension, the Heat handed Butler an additional two-game suspension partly for missing the team’s flight to Milwaukee on Wednesday night.
Don’t expect Butler to play with the Heat ever again. They will deal Butler, even if they don’t find the exact deal they want to ensure they stay in playoff contention. Thankfully, though, the market has played out in Miami’s favor. The Phoenix Suns acquired three first-round picks from the Utah Jazz, which could give the Suns the additional assets needed to acquire the 35-year-old Butler.
This potential deal remains complicated. Suns guard Bradley Beal needs to waive his no-trade clause, and neither Beal nor the Heat appear to have interest in each other. The Suns’ initial trade can at least set up the next stage, though, to ensure another team can acquire Beal. Regardless, it appears likely Butler will receive his wish to play in Phoenix. He will have to adjust to playing with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, but the Suns will gladly welcome his defense and playmaking. Most importantly, Butler’s competitive spirit would ignite a Suns team in dire need of a spark.
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal reacts after making a 3-pointer against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on Nov. 12, 2024.
Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Which team will acquire Bradley Beal?
The options are limited. Beal has a no-trade clause, meaning he’ll presumably only approve a trade if he lands on a championship contender. Beal has $161 million on a contract that runs through 2026-27, requiring a potential suitor to give up significant assets to make a trade work. And Beal’s extensive injury history could make teams squeamish about making such a commitment.
Because of this complexity, a third or fourth team inevitably will have to become involved to facilitate this trade. It also appears unlikely Beal will land on a championship-caliber team, a significant variable that could influence whether he would waive his no-trade clause. Beal may acquiesce only because there’s no point with maintaining a reserve role on a struggling Suns team.
Though it wouldn’t be his first choice, the Toronto Raptors are actually a reasonably attractive option for Beal. Just like the Oklahoma City Thunder did for Chris Paul in the 2019-20 season, Bradley can accelerate the Raptors’ rebuild before they flip him the following offseason to a championship contender with more assets to dangle.
The Raptors also can offer a combination of Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and Chris Boucher to the Heat so they have enough roster depth to complement Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro.
Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine speaks following his team’s win over the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome on Jan. 20, 2025.
Juan Ocampo-NBAE via Getty Images
Will the Bulls trade Zach LaVine?
Chicago will have more conviction with this decision if it experiences a significant winning or losing streak leading up to Feb. 6. The Bulls (19-26, 10th place in the Eastern Conference) likely will keep LaVine if they somehow go on a surge. But they are likely to deal LaVine if they fall further in the standings. Because this has become the Bulls’ identity in recent reasons, however, expect Chicago to continue to tread in mediocrity these next two weeks.
Because the Bulls haven’t made a trade deadline deal in the past three seasons, don’t expect that to change. Even though the Bulls owe their first-round pick to the San Antonio Spurs if it lands out of the top 10. Even if the Denver Nuggets offer Michael Porter Jr. and a handful of other players to match salaries.
5 Top Storylines to Watch Ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline
In this story:
The Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, and many of the accompanying storylines are coming into focus.
The Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler don’t want to maintain their partnership. The New Orleans Pelicans will want to sell at least some of their assets. The Brooklyn Nets will gladly tear their foundation down in exchange for draft picks and increased lottery odds for Duke star Cooper Flagg.
That doesn’t mean this year’s trade deadline will become predictable. Negotiations always yield twists and turns. The Heat won’t accept just any deal. The Pelicans may not find the right trade market for Brandon Ingram. After already making moves, the Nets may not attract any more buyers.
Amid that fluidity, below is a look at how things will likely play out for five of the most notable trade candidates.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler walks off the court after his team’s game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on Dec. 16, 2024.
Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Where will Jimmy Butler go?
No one realistically expected the Heat and Butler to iron out their differences during his seven-game suspension for what the Heat considered “conduct detrimental to the team.” Butler made that clear when he reportedly reiterated to Heat president Pat Riley face to face that he wants to be traded. But it’s telling that Butler couldn’t stay on the court in hopes to build his trade value. After playing in only three games following the initial suspension, the Heat handed Butler an additional two-game suspension partly for missing the team’s flight to Milwaukee on Wednesday night.
Don’t expect Butler to play with the Heat ever again. They will deal Butler, even if they don’t find the exact deal they want to ensure they stay in playoff contention. Thankfully, though, the market has played out in Miami’s favor. The Phoenix Suns acquired three first-round picks from the Utah Jazz, which could give the Suns the additional assets needed to acquire the 35-year-old Butler.
This potential deal remains complicated. Suns guard Bradley Beal needs to waive his no-trade clause, and neither Beal nor the Heat appear to have interest in each other. The Suns’ initial trade can at least set up the next stage, though, to ensure another team can acquire Beal. Regardless, it appears likely Butler will receive his wish to play in Phoenix. He will have to adjust to playing with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, but the Suns will gladly welcome his defense and playmaking. Most importantly, Butler’s competitive spirit would ignite a Suns team in dire need of a spark.
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal reacts after making a 3-pointer against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on Nov. 12, 2024.
Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Which team will acquire Bradley Beal?
The options are limited. Beal has a no-trade clause, meaning he’ll presumably only approve a trade if he lands on a championship contender. Beal has $161 million on a contract that runs through 2026-27, requiring a potential suitor to give up significant assets to make a trade work. And Beal’s extensive injury history could make teams squeamish about making such a commitment.
Because of this complexity, a third or fourth team inevitably will have to become involved to facilitate this trade. It also appears unlikely Beal will land on a championship-caliber team, a significant variable that could influence whether he would waive his no-trade clause. Beal may acquiesce only because there’s no point with maintaining a reserve role on a struggling Suns team.
Though it wouldn’t be his first choice, the Toronto Raptors are actually a reasonably attractive option for Beal. Just like the Oklahoma City Thunder did for Chris Paul in the 2019-20 season, Bradley can accelerate the Raptors’ rebuild before they flip him the following offseason to a championship contender with more assets to dangle.
The Raptors also can offer a combination of Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and Chris Boucher to the Heat so they have enough roster depth to complement Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro.
Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine speaks following his team’s win over the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome on Jan. 20, 2025.
Juan Ocampo-NBAE via Getty Images
Will the Bulls trade Zach LaVine?
Chicago will have more conviction with this decision if it experiences a significant winning or losing streak leading up to Feb. 6. The Bulls (19-26, 10th place in the Eastern Conference) likely will keep LaVine if they somehow go on a surge. But they are likely to deal LaVine if they fall further in the standings. Because this has become the Bulls’ identity in recent reasons, however, expect Chicago to continue to tread in mediocrity these next two weeks.
Because the Bulls haven’t made a trade deadline deal in the past three seasons, don’t expect that to change. Even though the Bulls owe their first-round pick to the San Antonio Spurs if it lands out of the top 10. Even if the Denver Nuggets offer Michael Porter Jr. and a handful of other players to match salaries.
For better and for worse, the Bulls will conclude they still have a chance to make playoff noise through the play-in tournament or as a sixth seed. In fairness to LaVine, he has increasingly impressed the Bulls with his leadership, aggressiveness and improved durability. That seems more attractive than hoping Porter can transition from complementary scorer to No. 1 option. Nonetheless, this pathway likely will lead to a first-round playoff exit and result in Chicago dealing LaVine in the offseason and finally start a rebuild.
5 Top Storylines to Watch Ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline
In this story:
The Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, and many of the accompanying storylines are coming into focus.
The Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler don’t want to maintain their partnership. The New Orleans Pelicans will want to sell at least some of their assets. The Brooklyn Nets will gladly tear their foundation down in exchange for draft picks and increased lottery odds for Duke star Cooper Flagg.
That doesn’t mean this year’s trade deadline will become predictable. Negotiations always yield twists and turns. The Heat won’t accept just any deal. The Pelicans may not find the right trade market for Brandon Ingram. After already making moves, the Nets may not attract any more buyers.
Amid that fluidity, below is a look at how things will likely play out for five of the most notable trade candidates.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler walks off the court after his team’s game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on Dec. 16, 2024.
Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Where will Jimmy Butler go?
No one realistically expected the Heat and Butler to iron out their differences during his seven-game suspension for what the Heat considered “conduct detrimental to the team.” Butler made that clear when he reportedly reiterated to Heat president Pat Riley face to face that he wants to be traded. But it’s telling that Butler couldn’t stay on the court in hopes to build his trade value. After playing in only three games following the initial suspension, the Heat handed Butler an additional two-game suspension partly for missing the team’s flight to Milwaukee on Wednesday night.
Don’t expect Butler to play with the Heat ever again. They will deal Butler, even if they don’t find the exact deal they want to ensure they stay in playoff contention. Thankfully, though, the market has played out in Miami’s favor. The Phoenix Suns acquired three first-round picks from the Utah Jazz, which could give the Suns the additional assets needed to acquire the 35-year-old Butler.
This potential deal remains complicated. Suns guard Bradley Beal needs to waive his no-trade clause, and neither Beal nor the Heat appear to have interest in each other. The Suns’ initial trade can at least set up the next stage, though, to ensure another team can acquire Beal. Regardless, it appears likely Butler will receive his wish to play in Phoenix. He will have to adjust to playing with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, but the Suns will gladly welcome his defense and playmaking. Most importantly, Butler’s competitive spirit would ignite a Suns team in dire need of a spark.
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal reacts after making a 3-pointer against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on Nov. 12, 2024.
Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Which team will acquire Bradley Beal?
The options are limited. Beal has a no-trade clause, meaning he’ll presumably only approve a trade if he lands on a championship contender. Beal has $161 million on a contract that runs through 2026-27, requiring a potential suitor to give up significant assets to make a trade work. And Beal’s extensive injury history could make teams squeamish about making such a commitment.
Because of this complexity, a third or fourth team inevitably will have to become involved to facilitate this trade. It also appears unlikely Beal will land on a championship-caliber team, a significant variable that could influence whether he would waive his no-trade clause. Beal may acquiesce only because there’s no point with maintaining a reserve role on a struggling Suns team.
Though it wouldn’t be his first choice, the Toronto Raptors are actually a reasonably attractive option for Beal. Just like the Oklahoma City Thunder did for Chris Paul in the 2019-20 season, Bradley can accelerate the Raptors’ rebuild before they flip him the following offseason to a championship contender with more assets to dangle.
The Raptors also can offer a combination of Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and Chris Boucher to the Heat so they have enough roster depth to complement Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro.
Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine speaks following his team’s win over the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome on Jan. 20, 2025.
Juan Ocampo-NBAE via Getty Images
Will the Bulls trade Zach LaVine?
Chicago will have more conviction with this decision if it experiences a significant winning or losing streak leading up to Feb. 6. The Bulls (19-26, 10th place in the Eastern Conference) likely will keep LaVine if they somehow go on a surge. But they are likely to deal LaVine if they fall further in the standings. Because this has become the Bulls’ identity in recent reasons, however, expect Chicago to continue to tread in mediocrity these next two weeks.
Because the Bulls haven’t made a trade deadline deal in the past three seasons, don’t expect that to change. Even though the Bulls owe their first-round pick to the San Antonio Spurs if it lands out of the top 10. Even if the Denver Nuggets offer Michael Porter Jr. and a handful of other players to match salaries.
For better and for worse, the Bulls will conclude they still have a chance to make playoff noise through the play-in tournament or as a sixth seed. In fairness to LaVine, he has increasingly impressed the Bulls with his leadership, aggressiveness and improved durability. That seems more attractive than hoping Porter can transition from complementary scorer to No. 1 option. Nonetheless, this pathway likely will lead to a first-round playoff exit and result in Chicago dealing LaVine in the offseason and finally start a rebuild.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram reacts after making a 3-pointer against the Phoenix Suns at Smoothie King Center on Dec. 5, 2024.
Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Can the Pelicans find a trade partner for Brandon Ingram?
With an injured Zion Williamson, the Pelicans hoped Ingram could cement himself as a franchise player last season during their first-round playoff matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Not only did New Orleans understandably seem overwhelmed playing against the top-seeded Thunder. Ingram didn’t seem ready for the added responsibility.
Amid that backdrop and hope to trim payroll to avoid second-apron penalties, the Pelicans struggled to find a robust trade market for him last summer — at least enough to land an All-Star-caliber player or a handful of consistent rotation players. Despite Ingram’s ongoing progress as a scorer based on strong fundamentals, he faces tepid interest amid skepticism about whether he can remain a dependable No. 2 or No. 3 option. With the Pelicans (12-32, 14th place in the Western Conference) in a free fall this season during Williamson’s prolonged absence, don’t be surprised if New Orleans moves the goalposts.
5 Top Storylines to Watch Ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline
In this story:
The Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, and many of the accompanying storylines are coming into focus.
The Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler don’t want to maintain their partnership. The New Orleans Pelicans will want to sell at least some of their assets. The Brooklyn Nets will gladly tear their foundation down in exchange for draft picks and increased lottery odds for Duke star Cooper Flagg.
That doesn’t mean this year’s trade deadline will become predictable. Negotiations always yield twists and turns. The Heat won’t accept just any deal. The Pelicans may not find the right trade market for Brandon Ingram. After already making moves, the Nets may not attract any more buyers.
Amid that fluidity, below is a look at how things will likely play out for five of the most notable trade candidates.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler walks off the court after his team’s game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on Dec. 16, 2024.
Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Where will Jimmy Butler go?
No one realistically expected the Heat and Butler to iron out their differences during his seven-game suspension for what the Heat considered “conduct detrimental to the team.” Butler made that clear when he reportedly reiterated to Heat president Pat Riley face to face that he wants to be traded. But it’s telling that Butler couldn’t stay on the court in hopes to build his trade value. After playing in only three games following the initial suspension, the Heat handed Butler an additional two-game suspension partly for missing the team’s flight to Milwaukee on Wednesday night.
Don’t expect Butler to play with the Heat ever again. They will deal Butler, even if they don’t find the exact deal they want to ensure they stay in playoff contention. Thankfully, though, the market has played out in Miami’s favor. The Phoenix Suns acquired three first-round picks from the Utah Jazz, which could give the Suns the additional assets needed to acquire the 35-year-old Butler.
This potential deal remains complicated. Suns guard Bradley Beal needs to waive his no-trade clause, and neither Beal nor the Heat appear to have interest in each other. The Suns’ initial trade can at least set up the next stage, though, to ensure another team can acquire Beal. Regardless, it appears likely Butler will receive his wish to play in Phoenix. He will have to adjust to playing with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, but the Suns will gladly welcome his defense and playmaking. Most importantly, Butler’s competitive spirit would ignite a Suns team in dire need of a spark.
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal reacts after making a 3-pointer against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on Nov. 12, 2024.
Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Which team will acquire Bradley Beal?
The options are limited. Beal has a no-trade clause, meaning he’ll presumably only approve a trade if he lands on a championship contender. Beal has $161 million on a contract that runs through 2026-27, requiring a potential suitor to give up significant assets to make a trade work. And Beal’s extensive injury history could make teams squeamish about making such a commitment.
Because of this complexity, a third or fourth team inevitably will have to become involved to facilitate this trade. It also appears unlikely Beal will land on a championship-caliber team, a significant variable that could influence whether he would waive his no-trade clause. Beal may acquiesce only because there’s no point with maintaining a reserve role on a struggling Suns team.
Though it wouldn’t be his first choice, the Toronto Raptors are actually a reasonably attractive option for Beal. Just like the Oklahoma City Thunder did for Chris Paul in the 2019-20 season, Bradley can accelerate the Raptors’ rebuild before they flip him the following offseason to a championship contender with more assets to dangle.
The Raptors also can offer a combination of Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and Chris Boucher to the Heat so they have enough roster depth to complement Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro.
Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine speaks following his team’s win over the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome on Jan. 20, 2025.
Juan Ocampo-NBAE via Getty Images
Will the Bulls trade Zach LaVine?
Chicago will have more conviction with this decision if it experiences a significant winning or losing streak leading up to Feb. 6. The Bulls (19-26, 10th place in the Eastern Conference) likely will keep LaVine if they somehow go on a surge. But they are likely to deal LaVine if they fall further in the standings. Because this has become the Bulls’ identity in recent reasons, however, expect Chicago to continue to tread in mediocrity these next two weeks.
Because the Bulls haven’t made a trade deadline deal in the past three seasons, don’t expect that to change. Even though the Bulls owe their first-round pick to the San Antonio Spurs if it lands out of the top 10. Even if the Denver Nuggets offer Michael Porter Jr. and a handful of other players to match salaries.
For better and for worse, the Bulls will conclude they still have a chance to make playoff noise through the play-in tournament or as a sixth seed. In fairness to LaVine, he has increasingly impressed the Bulls with his leadership, aggressiveness and improved durability. That seems more attractive than hoping Porter can transition from complementary scorer to No. 1 option. Nonetheless, this pathway likely will lead to a first-round playoff exit and result in Chicago dealing LaVine in the offseason and finally start a rebuild.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram reacts after making a 3-pointer against the Phoenix Suns at Smoothie King Center on Dec. 5, 2024.
Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Can the Pelicans find a trade partner for Brandon Ingram?
With an injured Zion Williamson, the Pelicans hoped Ingram could cement himself as a franchise player last season during their first-round playoff matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Not only did New Orleans understandably seem overwhelmed playing against the top-seeded Thunder. Ingram didn’t seem ready for the added responsibility.
Amid that backdrop and hope to trim payroll to avoid second-apron penalties, the Pelicans struggled to find a robust trade market for him last summer — at least enough to land an All-Star-caliber player or a handful of consistent rotation players. Despite Ingram’s ongoing progress as a scorer based on strong fundamentals, he faces tepid interest amid skepticism about whether he can remain a dependable No. 2 or No. 3 option. With the Pelicans (12-32, 14th place in the Western Conference) in a free fall this season during Williamson’s prolonged absence, don’t be surprised if New Orleans moves the goalposts.
Under that framework, here’s an educated guess that the Pelicans trade Ingram to the Portland Trail Blazers for center Deandre Ayton. Ingram would immediately help a young team with his scoring and work ethic. Though the Blazers could risk losing Ingram via free agency this summer, he may consider staying in Portland to be his best option. Ayton has his own question marks about consistency and attitude, but the Pelicans need size and an insurance policy for Williamson’s injury history.
5 Top Storylines to Watch Ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline
In this story:
The Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, and many of the accompanying storylines are coming into focus.
The Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler don’t want to maintain their partnership. The New Orleans Pelicans will want to sell at least some of their assets. The Brooklyn Nets will gladly tear their foundation down in exchange for draft picks and increased lottery odds for Duke star Cooper Flagg.
That doesn’t mean this year’s trade deadline will become predictable. Negotiations always yield twists and turns. The Heat won’t accept just any deal. The Pelicans may not find the right trade market for Brandon Ingram. After already making moves, the Nets may not attract any more buyers.
Amid that fluidity, below is a look at how things will likely play out for five of the most notable trade candidates.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler walks off the court after his team’s game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on Dec. 16, 2024.
Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Where will Jimmy Butler go?
No one realistically expected the Heat and Butler to iron out their differences during his seven-game suspension for what the Heat considered “conduct detrimental to the team.” Butler made that clear when he reportedly reiterated to Heat president Pat Riley face to face that he wants to be traded. But it’s telling that Butler couldn’t stay on the court in hopes to build his trade value. After playing in only three games following the initial suspension, the Heat handed Butler an additional two-game suspension partly for missing the team’s flight to Milwaukee on Wednesday night.
Don’t expect Butler to play with the Heat ever again. They will deal Butler, even if they don’t find the exact deal they want to ensure they stay in playoff contention. Thankfully, though, the market has played out in Miami’s favor. The Phoenix Suns acquired three first-round picks from the Utah Jazz, which could give the Suns the additional assets needed to acquire the 35-year-old Butler.
This potential deal remains complicated. Suns guard Bradley Beal needs to waive his no-trade clause, and neither Beal nor the Heat appear to have interest in each other. The Suns’ initial trade can at least set up the next stage, though, to ensure another team can acquire Beal. Regardless, it appears likely Butler will receive his wish to play in Phoenix. He will have to adjust to playing with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, but the Suns will gladly welcome his defense and playmaking. Most importantly, Butler’s competitive spirit would ignite a Suns team in dire need of a spark.
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal reacts after making a 3-pointer against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on Nov. 12, 2024.
Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Which team will acquire Bradley Beal?
The options are limited. Beal has a no-trade clause, meaning he’ll presumably only approve a trade if he lands on a championship contender. Beal has $161 million on a contract that runs through 2026-27, requiring a potential suitor to give up significant assets to make a trade work. And Beal’s extensive injury history could make teams squeamish about making such a commitment.
Because of this complexity, a third or fourth team inevitably will have to become involved to facilitate this trade. It also appears unlikely Beal will land on a championship-caliber team, a significant variable that could influence whether he would waive his no-trade clause. Beal may acquiesce only because there’s no point with maintaining a reserve role on a struggling Suns team.
Though it wouldn’t be his first choice, the Toronto Raptors are actually a reasonably attractive option for Beal. Just like the Oklahoma City Thunder did for Chris Paul in the 2019-20 season, Bradley can accelerate the Raptors’ rebuild before they flip him the following offseason to a championship contender with more assets to dangle.
The Raptors also can offer a combination of Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and Chris Boucher to the Heat so they have enough roster depth to complement Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro.
Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine speaks following his team’s win over the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome on Jan. 20, 2025.
Juan Ocampo-NBAE via Getty Images
Will the Bulls trade Zach LaVine?
Chicago will have more conviction with this decision if it experiences a significant winning or losing streak leading up to Feb. 6. The Bulls (19-26, 10th place in the Eastern Conference) likely will keep LaVine if they somehow go on a surge. But they are likely to deal LaVine if they fall further in the standings. Because this has become the Bulls’ identity in recent reasons, however, expect Chicago to continue to tread in mediocrity these next two weeks.
Because the Bulls haven’t made a trade deadline deal in the past three seasons, don’t expect that to change. Even though the Bulls owe their first-round pick to the San Antonio Spurs if it lands out of the top 10. Even if the Denver Nuggets offer Michael Porter Jr. and a handful of other players to match salaries.
For better and for worse, the Bulls will conclude they still have a chance to make playoff noise through the play-in tournament or as a sixth seed. In fairness to LaVine, he has increasingly impressed the Bulls with his leadership, aggressiveness and improved durability. That seems more attractive than hoping Porter can transition from complementary scorer to No. 1 option. Nonetheless, this pathway likely will lead to a first-round playoff exit and result in Chicago dealing LaVine in the offseason and finally start a rebuild.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram reacts after making a 3-pointer against the Phoenix Suns at Smoothie King Center on Dec. 5, 2024.
Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Can the Pelicans find a trade partner for Brandon Ingram?
With an injured Zion Williamson, the Pelicans hoped Ingram could cement himself as a franchise player last season during their first-round playoff matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Not only did New Orleans understandably seem overwhelmed playing against the top-seeded Thunder. Ingram didn’t seem ready for the added responsibility.
Amid that backdrop and hope to trim payroll to avoid second-apron penalties, the Pelicans struggled to find a robust trade market for him last summer — at least enough to land an All-Star-caliber player or a handful of consistent rotation players. Despite Ingram’s ongoing progress as a scorer based on strong fundamentals, he faces tepid interest amid skepticism about whether he can remain a dependable No. 2 or No. 3 option. With the Pelicans (12-32, 14th place in the Western Conference) in a free fall this season during Williamson’s prolonged absence, don’t be surprised if New Orleans moves the goalposts.
Under that framework, here’s an educated guess that the Pelicans trade Ingram to the Portland Trail Blazers for center Deandre Ayton. Ingram would immediately help a young team with his scoring and work ethic. Though the Blazers could risk losing Ingram via free agency this summer, he may consider staying in Portland to be his best option. Ayton has his own question marks about consistency and attitude, but the Pelicans need size and an insurance policy for Williamson’s injury history.
Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson reacts after making a 3-pointer against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on Dec. 19, 2024.
Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Will the Nets trade Cam Johnson?
Every NBA team would love to have Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson. He has become one of the league’s most consistent 3-and-D players. He has cemented a strong locker-room reputation. He has vast playoff experience. Considering the Nets already became sellers in mid-December, they probably plan to clear more assets to build around Nic Claxton and maximize their draft lottery odds. Therefore, expect a robust market for Johnson’s services.
