The NBA trade deadline is almost here! We’ve already seen multiple deals go down this season involving notable names like Dennis Schroder, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Nick Richards. Hopefully, though, there is a lot more player movement to come. Here are seven mock deals that would shake up the league before February 6th.
Trade #1
Hawks receive: Brandon Ingram, Karlo Matkovic
Pelicans receive: Clint Capela, Larry Nance Jr., 2028 FRP via ATL, 2027 SRP via LAC, 2028 SRP via HOU
The Pelicans have had a nightmare season so far in 2024-25. Even though they’ve looked more competitive in recent weeks as their key players have gotten healthy, they’re still buried deep in the standings and it would take a miracle for them to make the playoffs. Even before this year’s struggles, there were many questions about the ceiling of the team’s core. This lost season is the perfect time for them to retool the roster, and they could start by trading Brandon Ingram. Ingram, a one-time All-Star, has done a lot for this franchise. However, he’s set to be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and with no guarantees he’ll return, it would be smart for New Orleans to trade him before potentially losing him for nothing.
The Hawks are a very intriguing suiter for the slender star. They have been better than many expected this season and have a real chance at making the postseason. Their success has been fueled by their well-rounded squad headlined by Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, and Dyson Daniels. Atlanta is missing one thing, though, and that’s another go-to scorer who can take over on any given night. De’Andre Hunter has been masquerading as a second option, but he’s too unproven (for now) to be relied upon to that capacity. Acquiring Brandon Ingram would give the Hawks a second player who can create for themselves and others in a playoff setting, immediately making the team a sneaky threat to the top dogs in the East. They’ve beat Cleveland twice and Boston once this season already— imagine what they could do if they added Ingram.
Clint Capela and Larry Nance Jr. are both on expiring contracts. Atlanta wouldn’t miss them, as their backup center Onyeka Okongwu often plays more than Capela, and Nance Jr. isn’t consistently in the rotation. Karlo Matkovic, a 2024 Summer League standout, would replenish some depth in their big man room. Both teams would have control over their own destiny after this trade, with the Hawks having the option not to extend Ingram and the Pelicans having more money to spend elsewhere with the contracts of Capela and Nance Jr. coming off their books. Overall, this would be a win-win.
Trade #2
Warriors receive: Nikola Vucevic
Bulls receive: Gary Payton II, Kyle Anderson, Gui Santos, 2026 FRP via GSW
In the twilight of Steph Curry’s career, the Warriors are looking to give their franchise GOAT one last hurrah. There’s one problem though— they’re not good enough to do so. As currently constructed, the Dubs are too inconsistent and young to compete for anything besides a chance to lose to the Thunder in the first round. Steph needs help. Enter Nikola Vucevic.
Vucevic has quietly been operating at an All-Star level this year. He’s back to shooting well over 40% from deep while still operating in the post and rebounding the ball as reliably as ever. His offensive skill set would be a nice fit in Golden State’s offense and he’d give the team many more possibilities at the five than they currently have with Trayce Jackson-Davis and Kevon Looney. Don’t ask about the defense, that’s what Draymond Green is there for.
The Bulls, unlike the Warriors, should be trying to lose. Therefore, they’d be happy to part ways with one of the guys anchoring them to mediocrity in exchange for an always valuable first round pick. The pick is the main appeal for them here— Payton II and Anderson would likely be buyout candidates as the team heads in a more youthful direction.
This move wouldn’t turn Golden State into a contender overnight, but it would make them considerably better. At the same time, they wouldn’t be sacrificing any key pieces of their future. Considering the comments Curry and Draymond Green have made about sacrificing long-term assets, this trade would be the perfect one to keep them happy.
Trade #3
Thunder receive: Cameron Johnson
Nets receive: Isaiah Joe, Ousmane Dieng, 2025 FRP via LAC, 2025 SRP via ATL, 2027 SRP via OKC
The Thunder are the best team in basketball right now (besides maybe Cleveland). They already have everything it takes to win a championship, from a top-five player in his prime to an elite defense. On top of all that, they have a gluttonous excess of draft picks stockpiled. Why not use some of them to get even better? If the young superteam has one weakness, it’s their lack of true three-point snipers. Cam Johnson would eliminate that hole.
Johnson is one of the hottest commodities on the trade market. He’s had a phenomenal season for the tanking Nets, putting up a very efficient 20 points a game. The former Tar Heel is one of the premier off-ball threats in the game. He would be the final stone in OKC’s infinity gauntlet, making them borderline unstoppable. His fit there would be enough to make a hoops nerd drool. Johnson would be lethal flying off an Isaiah Hartenstein handoff or spotting up while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drives. Making this trade happen would certify Oklahoma City as title favorites.
(Note that all of this talk about OKC being the favorite is dependent on Chet Holmgren returning in time for the playoffs.)
Trade #4
Rockets receive: Collin Sexton, Patty Mills
Jazz receive: Cam Whitmore, Jeff Green, Jae’Sean Tate, 2027 FRP via HOU
The Rockets have been a force to be reckoned with this regular season, but they lack the scoring punch needed to make a deep playoff run. Many people are against the team putting in its chips early and acquiring a big star to fill that gap. This deal is a less risky alternative. Collin Sexton is one of the most underrated players in ball. The “Young Bull” is an efficient microwave scorer from all three levels who plays with his heart on his sleeve. He hustles hard every night and sets an example as a leader. Sexton is built to play winning basketball, and yet, he’s never been to the playoffs in his career. Landing in Houston would change that. Sexton could elevate the team as a super sixth man or even take Fred VanVleet’s starting spot, as the vet has underperformed this season from an offensive standpoint.
The Jazz may be hesitant to part with their lead guard, as he’s just 26 and has been so good for them. However, the team isn’t going to start competing seriously anytime soon, and this return package for Sexton would help them more in the long run. Cam Whitmore is just 20 years old and was once considered a top-five caliber draft prospect. He’s been somewhat buried in Houston’s depth chart but could really flourish in a bigger opportunity in Salt Lake City. The first-round pick is nice, too.
Trade #5
Grizzlies receive: Jerami Grant, Duop Reath
Trail Blazers receive: Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, 2026 SRP via MIA, 2027 SRP via ATL, 2030 SRP via DAL
Perhaps no team in the league is deeper than the Memphis Grizzlies. Their front office has an eagle eye for young talent— they’ve found countless hidden gems in recent years, from Desmond Bane to Jay Huff. If this squad wants to make a deep postseason run, though, they could benefit from consolidating their depth into some higher-end talent. Jerami Grant is a quality starter at minimum who has averaged 20+ points in three different seasons. He could be the glue that holds Memphis’ starting lineup together with his well-rounded game. Grant is having a down year, averaging 15 points on an abysmal 38% from the field. However, Portland is one of the worst situations in the league right now. The stocky forward would likely return to form for the much more structured and competitive Grizzlies.
Memphis wouldn’t have to part ways with any important young players to get this deal done since Grant’s stock is low. Marcus Smart has been injury-prone since becoming a Grizzly, making him easily expendable for a team that is built on a next-man-up mentality.
Trade #6
Magic receive: Corey Kispert
Wizards receive: Gary Harris, Caleb Houstan, 2026 FRP via ORL
Despite facing injury after injury to key players, Orlando has maintained a top seed in the East throughout the season. Their ability to completely muck up games with their stifling defense is reminiscent of 90’s style basketball— they hold opponents to the second least points per game in the NBA. Unfortunately, while the young Magic excel at stopping baskets from being made, they themselves can’t score. The team ranks 30th in points per game and 28th in offensive rating! They’re also dead last in three-point percentage and three-point makes. If the Magic want to hang with juggernauts like Boston and Cleveland in the playoffs, they need more guys who can put the ball in the hoop. Corey Kispert does exactly that.
Kispert isn’t a creator, but he’s about as good as it gets as an off-ball scorer. He’s a career 38% three-point shooter who can confidently knock down any type of triple in the book. When defenses take away his outside shot, the 6’7” wing is a decisive cutter and closeout attacker. He would mesh very well with Orlando’s stars on offense. Kispert is set to make just $13 million a year through 2028-29, an incredibly cheap deal for a good role player in today’s climate.
Washington, like the aforementioned Jazz, is far away from being a playoff team. Corey Kispert is a valuable asset already entering his prime age-wise, and trading him now would be smart for their rebuild as they would net a first-rounder and also clear up more minutes for younger prospects like 2024 draftee Kyshawn George.
Trade #7
Clippers receive: Bruce Brown
Raptors receive: Terance Mann, P.J. Tucker, 2026 SRP via LAC
No Kawhi Leonard, no problem. Even in the absence of their franchise player, the Clippers have been able to stick firmly in the playoff race. Leonard is back now, and if he ramps up to star form and stays healthy, this team has the potential to win a series or two come April. Bruce Brown would help them do just that. Brown is a championship role player currently stuck on a rebuilding team, and his junkyard dog services would be much more valuable if he was brought to Los Angeles. He would fit right in with the defensive culture the team has established this season.
The Raptors have a history of falling in love with lengthy, versatile wings. They might be able to unearth some of Terance Mann’s lost potential. P.J. Tucker is just in this trade for salary purposes— he is currently away from the Clippers and hasn’t played a game this season. Nobody knows what he’s up to.
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