Deadline Outlook
The NBA season is over halfway done, and as it’s mid-January, the trade deadline and All-Star Weekend are right around the corner. This deadline is likely to be quiet; some big names are rumored to be on the move, such as Anthony Davis and Karl-Anthony Towns. However, the Anthony Davis injury and KAT’s contract situation make me think they may stay put. Despite no rumored stars on the block, nothing is for certain; just look at last season with the Luka Doncic swap for Anthony Davis, which absolutely nobody saw coming. Using Fanspo’s NBA Trade Machine, I will make up some trades that may happen at the deadline.
Trade #1:
Bucks Receive:
Michael Porter Jr. and Haywood Highsmith
Nets Receive:
Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis, Andre Jackson Jr., 2031 MIL Top 10 Protected 1st
Why this trade?
The Bucks need to appease Giannis and keep their star happy, as they are currently sitting outside of the play-in tournament. Giannis has made it known that if he isn’t provided with a winning roster, he will ask out. Michael Porter Jr. is a perfect fit as he is likely the big prize of the deadline, averaging 25 ppg on around 50 FG% and a very good complementary piece next to Milwaukee’s big star. In return, the Nets get a future first that could be quite valuable, some younger guys with high upside, and salary cap filler they may be able to flip in the future for picks.
Trade #2:
Warriors Receive: Rui Hachimura (LAL), Herbert Jones (NOP)
Lakers Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (GSW), Kevin Love (UTA)
Pelicans Receive: Maxi Kleber (LAL), Trayce Jackson-Davis (GSW), 2028 GSW Lottery Protected 1st, 2032 GSW 1st Pick Swap
Jazz Receive: Buddy Hield (GSW), 2031 GSW/MIN 2nd swap, 2032 LAL 2nd
Why This Trade?
The Warriors are looking to make some moves at this deadline with the injury to Jimmy Butler and a depleting championship window. Trading Kuminga, Jackson-Davis, and a couple picks to return Rui Hachimura and Herb Jones fills their gap at forward and gets them a valuable defender in Herb Jones. LA is a perfect landing spot for Kuminga, who has requested a trade and fits well on a team that badly needs athletic wings. The Pelicans sell high on Herb Jones and receive a pair of picks along with a young big with upside in Trayce Jackson-Davis. Lastly, the Jazz join this deal as a cap dump and would likely buyout Buddy Hield after the trade, picking up 2 second round picks in the process.
Trade #3:
Raptors Receive: Ja Morant, Jaylen Wells, Brandon Clarke
Grizzlies Receive: Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, 2028 TOR Top 10 Protected 1st, 2026 LAL 2nd, 2029 TOR 2nd, 2030 TOR 2nd
Why This Trade?
The Grizzlies and Ja’s relationship has deteriorated more and more over the years, and it seems that this season is finally the breaking point. In this deal, they get off of Ja and pick up two younger guards who may have superstar potential when given an opportunity, along with a first and a couple seconds. The Raptors capitalize on the value of Barrett and Quickley and are able to get off their questionable contracts and get back Ja, who is having a rough season but has been All-NBA level in the past. With Ja, they also pick up a promising wing in Wells, who can play minutes right now, and Clarke, who can provide some depth at Big in the playoffs.
