NBA Trade Deadline Primer

With the NBA trade deadline three weeks away, we’re going to preview where all 30 teams stand. For each team, every player will be listed in one of four categories:

Not Available – You would have to blow the team away with an offer, and still might not be enough.

Available – These players are available in trade

Available in the right trade – These players aren’t really available, but the team could be talked into moving them

Available but hard to move – These players are known to be available, but have a reason they are hard to trade (contract, injury, etc.)

We’ll also give you an idea of what each team is working with asset-wise (draft picks, trade exceptions, cap space etc.) to aid them in making move. And then a bit of analysis on the mindset of each team approaching the deadline.

Related Links

• 2020-21 NBA Salary Luxury Tax Tracker
• 2021 NBA Free Agents
• 2020-21 NBA Team Manager (New/Beta)

Atlanta Hawks

Current Tax Space: $14.6M
Not Available: De’Andre Hunter, Trae Young
Available: Kris Dunn, Bruno Fernando, Brandon Goodwin, Solomon Hill, Tony Snell
Available in the right trade: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Clint Capela, John Collins, Danilo Gallinari, Kevin Huerter, Onyeka Okongwu, Cameron Reddish, Rajon Rondo
Assets: All of their own first round picks, one extra pick from OKC (2021 lottery protected)
Analysis: The Hawks have underachieved, which led to the dismissal of Lloyd Pierce as their head coach. The front office is also believed to be on shaky ground, as ownership wanted a playoff team this season. That could lead to trades, but Atlanta either just acquired many of their players, or has them under team-control for several years. It’s likely the Hawks will stand pat, or make a small move at the deadline.

Boston Celtics

Current Tax Space: $13.4M
Not available: Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum
Available: Carsen Edwards, Javonte Green, Semi Ojeleye, Jeff Teague
Available in the right trade: Romeo Langford, Aaron Nesmith, Payton Pritchard, Marcus Smart, Daniel Theis, Tristan Thompson, Grant Williams, Robert Williams
Available but hard to move: Kemba Walker
Assets: All of their own first round picks, $28.5 million TPE (Gordon Hayward), $4.7 million TPE (Enes Kanter)
Analysis: Boston has had a rough first half, as they are going to be right around .500. The Celtics challenge, as it has for so many, is related to health. They are also overly reliant on young players for their depth. That’s led to their inconsistency. Danny Ainge will get in the mix on trades, but hasn’t made an in-season deal of significance since 2015. After years of “getting close” will Ainge finally pull the trigger and supplement his young stars with talent for a Finals run?

Brooklyn Nets

Current Tax Space: -$32.3M
Not available: Kevin Durant, James Harden, Kyrie Irving
Available: Bruce Brown Jr., Nicolas Claxton, Jeff Green, Tyler Johnson, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Landry Shamet
Available in the right trade: Joe Harris, DeAndre Jordan
Available but hard to move: Spencer Dinwiddie
Assets: $5.7 million DPE (Spender Dinwiddie)
Analysis: The Nets already made one of the season’s biggest deals when they traded for James Harden. It’s unlikely we’ll see another big move. Recent reports have them dangling Spencer Dinwiddie in trades, but he’s out for the season. It would have to take the right team, one that believes they can re-sign Dinwiddie, to make that sort of move. Expect Brooklyn to hold right at the deadline, but to be very involved in the buyout market.

Charlotte Hornets

Current Tax Space: $27.5M
Not available: LaMelo Ball, Gordon Hayward, P.J. Washington
Available: Bismack Biyombo, Vernon Carey Jr., Caleb Martin, Cody Martin, Jalen McDaniels, Malik Monk, Nick Richards, Cody Zeller
Available in the right trade: Miles Bridges, Devonte’ Graham, Terry Rozier III
Assets: All of their own first round picks
Analysis: Charlotte is firmly in the mix to make the Eastern Conference Play-In tournament. If they felt a little better about making the sixth seed (the final assured playoff spot), you could see them trying to supplement the roster with trades. As that seems a tossup at best, the Hornets will probably let this group play it out. Then, armed with $20+ million in cap space, Charlotte can add to their new core.

Chicago Bulls

Current Tax Space: $10.1M
Not available: Patrick Williams
Available: Ryan Arcidiacono, Cristiano Felicio, Daniel Gafford, Chandler Hutchison, Luke Kornet, Otto Porter Jr., Tomas Satoransky, Garrett Temple, Denzel Valentine, Thaddeus Young
Available in the right trade: Wendell Carter Jr., Zach LaVine, Lauri Markkanen, Coby White
Assets: All of their own first round picks
Analysis: The Bulls are now firmly in the mix to be a part of the Play-In Tournament. That’s a goal for them, since they haven’t been competitive in a few years. Because of that, despite teams asking about the availability of several of their plays, the Bulls are likely to be buyers vs sellers. If they can turn Otto Porter Jr.’s expiring contract into a helpful player, look for that to be the move.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Current Tax Space: $4M
Not available: Jarrett Allen, Darius Garland, Isaac Okoro, Collin Sexton
Available: Matthew Dellavedova, JaVale McGee, Cedi Osman, Taurean Prince, Dean Wade
Available in the right trade: Larry Nance Jr., Dylan Windler
Available but hard to move: Andre Drummond, Kevin Love
Assets: All of their own first round picks
Analysis: Cleveland has by trying to move Andre Drummond for about a month. Because Drummond carries a large salary (difficult with salary-matching) and he’s a pending free agent, the Cavs haven’t found anyone to bite. That one may be headed towards a buyout. Beyond that, Cleveland would move Kevin Love if they could. JaVale McGee will be traded or bought out. Everyone else, including the team’s young core, is likely around for the long-haul.

Dallas Mavericks

Current Tax Space: $5.8M
Not available: Luka Doncic
Available: Jalen Brunson, Trey Burke, Willie Cauley-Stein, Dorian Finney-Smith, Tim Hardaway Jr., Wesley Iwundu, James Johnson, Maxi Kleber, Boban Marjanovic, Dwight Powell, Josh Richardson, Tyrell Terry
Available in the right trade: Josh Green
Available but hard to move: Kristaps Porzingis
Assets: First round picks from 2025 on
Analysis: Dallas is listening on offers for anyone but Luka Doncic. They’ve always very loosely talked Kristaps Porzingis trades. This offense, the Mavs are positioned to have over $30 million in cap space. That’ll have them in the mix for all the top free agents. If Dallas can make a move now in a “pre agency” type of deal, they’ll do it. Beyond that, this team probably lets it play out.

Denver Nuggets

Current Tax Space: $2.1M
Not available: Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray
Available: Will Barton, Bol Bol, Facundo Campazzo, Vlatko Cancar, P.J. Dozier, JaMychal Green, Gary Harris, Isaiah Hartenstein, Paul Millsap, Monte Morris
Available in the right trade: R.J. Hampton, Zeke Nnaji, Michael Porter Jr.
Assets: All but one future first round pick, $9.5 million TPE (Jerami Grant)
Analysis: To this point, the Nuggets have avoided giving up any of their players in an “all in” kind of trade. They’ve preferred to build what they have and to rely on supplementing their homegrown stars through free agency. That said, Denver is positioned with large expiring contract and enough interesting young talent that they could pounce if a star becomes available. If not, they’ll head into the offseason looking to retool a bit around Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.

Detroit Pistons

Current Tax Space: $21.6M
Available: Wayne Ellington, Josh Jackson, Rodney McGruder, Svi Mykhailiuk, Jahlil Okafor, Mason Plumlee, Deividas, Sirvydis, Dennis Smith Jr., Delon Wright
Available in the right trade: Sekou Doumbouya
Assets: All of their own first round picks, minus one protected future pick to Houston
Analysis: Troy Weaver began tearing the Pistons down to their studs almost immediately. Only three players now remain from when he took over prior to this season. Detroit already traded Derrick Rose and worked a buyout agreement with Blake Griffin. Beyond that, expect Detroit to move a few veterans as they rebuild around Jerami Grant and their rookies.

Golden State Warriors

Current Tax Space: -$40.3M
Not available: Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson
Available: Kent Bazemore, Marquese Chriss, Damion Lee, Kevon Looney, Mychal Mulder, Kelly Oubre Jr., Jordan Poole, Alen Smailagic, Brad Wanamaker, James Wiseman
Available in the right trade: Eric Pascahall Available but hard to move: Andrew Wiggins
Assets: Future first from Minnesota (top-3 protected in 2021, unprotected in 2022), $9.3 million DPE (Klay Thompson)
Analysis: If the Warriors want to add to their historic tax bill, they could package James Wiseman and the future pick they are owed from Minnesota to get some help now. If they don’t want to take that big of a swing, they could move a collection of smaller deals for some veteran bench help. It’s most likely they play things out and wait to see what they look like next season when Klay Thompson finally returns.

Houston Rockets

Current Tax Space: $3.5M
Not available: Christian Wood
Available: Sterling Brown, Dante Exum, Danuel House Jr., Rodions Kurucs, Kenyon Martin Jr., Ben McLemore, David Nwaba, Victor Oladipo, P.J. Tucker
Available in the right trade: Kevin Porter Jr., Jae’sean Tate
Available but hard to move: Eric Gordon, John Wall
Assets: Extra first round picks from Brooklyn (several), Detroit, Milwaukee, Portland and Washington
Analysis: The Rockets will move anyone on their roster that isn’t Christian Wood. It’s going to be tough to move John Wall (salary and injury history) and Eric Gordon (injury history), but everyone else is fair game. Look for Houston to jettison some of their expiring-salary veterans before losing them for nothing.

Indiana Pacers

Current Tax Space: $4.2M
Not available: Malcolm Brogdon, Caris LeVert, Domantas Sabonis
Available: Goga Bitadze, Jeremy Lamb, Jalen Lecque, Kelan Martin, T.J. McConnell, Doug McDermott, JaKarr Sampson, Edmond Sumner
Available in the right trade: Aaron Holiday, Justin Holiday, Myles Turner, T.J. Warren
Assets: All of their own first round picks
Analysis: The Pacers are probably done making moves after swapping Victor Oladipo for Caris LeVert earlier this season. That was one big move already for a franchise that prefers to stand pat in-season. Indiana does have the full amount of their pro-rated Mid-Level Exception remaining. They could add someone via the buyout market, but the Pacers probably are what they are at this point.

Los Angeles Clippers

Current Tax Space: -$5.7M
Not available: Paul George, Serge Ibaka, Kawhi Leonard
Available: Reggie Jackson, Mfiondu Kabengele, Terance Mann, Daniel Oturu, Patrick Patterson
Available in the right trade: Nicolas Batum, Patrick Beverley, Marcus Morris Sr., Lou Williams, Ivica Zubac
Available but hard to move: Luke Kennard
Assets: First round pick 2027
Analysis: The Clippers went all in to put this team together two summers ago. They have very few tradable assets left. The players on roster they can put together could maybe land someone, but it’s unlikely that player would have a major impact. LA is also tight to the hard cap. They’re probably saving the amount they can offer under the hard cap and their open roster spot for buyout season.

Los Angeles Lakers

Current Tax Space: -$4.6M
Not available: Anthony Davis, Montrezl Harrell, LeBron James
Available: Alex Caruso, Jared Dudley, Marc Gasol, Talen Horton-Tucker, Wesley Matthews, Alfonzo McKinnie, Markieff Morris
Available in the right trade: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Dennis Schroder
Available but hard to move: Kyle Kuzma
Assets: First round picks in 2026 and 2027
Analysis: The Lakers know who they are. It’s all about getting to the playoffs at this point. They cleared some space under the hard cap to be active in trades or buyout. Unless they package together a bunch of smaller salaries, it’s likely Los Angeles will add help via the latter. Expect Hollywood to be destination number one for any players that secures a buyout.

Memphis Grizzlies

Current Tax Space: $1.4M
Not available: Brandon Clarke, Jaren Jackson Jr., Ja Morant
Available: Grayson Allen, Gorgui Dieng, John Konchar, Jontay Porter
Available in the right trade: Kyle Anderson, Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, Tyus Jones, De’Anthony Melton, Xavier Tillman, Jonas Valanciunas, Justise Winslow
Assets: All of their own first round picks, plus extra picks from Golden State and Utah (one apiece)
Analysis: The Grizzlies will be active, as they look to firm up a playoff/Play-In run, but they won’t make a move just to make one. They’ve got a nice mix of youth and experience already. Expect Memphis to add another shooter if they can, but beyond that, this group probably sticks together the rest of the season.

Miami Heat

Current Tax Space: $7.7M
Not available: Precious Achiuwa, Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler, Udonis Haslem
Available: Avery Bradley, Maurice Harkless, Meyers Leonard, Kendrick Nunn, KZ Okpala, Kelly Olynyk, Chris Silva
Available in the right trade: Goran Dragic, Tyler Herro, Andre Iguodala, Duncan Robinson
Assets: Miami doesn’t have an easily tradable first round pick due to obligations to Oklahoma City. The Heat have a $7.5 million trade exception (James Johnson) and $4.7 million trade exception (Meyers Leonard)
Analysis: Pat Riley is always aggressive. If there is a big move to be made, he won’t hesitate. That doesn’t seem to be there this year for Miami. It’s more likely they bet on better health and consistency in the second half. Then they’ll be set up well for an offseason with all sorts of flexibility.

Milwaukee Bucks

Current Tax Space: -$5.8M
Not available: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton
Available: Thanasis Antetokounmpo, D.J. Augustin, Pat Connaughton, Torrey Craig, Bryn Forbes, Sam Merrill, Jordan Nwora, Bobby Portis, D.J. Wilson
Available in the right trade: Donte DiVincenzo, Brook Lopez
Assets: The Bucks are limited in tradable assets due to the Jrue Holiday trade
Analysis: Milwaukee has a nice core. They’d like to supplement it with some help, especially up front, but are limited in their ability to do so. The Bucks are less than half-a-million under the hard cap. Look for Milwaukee to sit out the trade deadline, but to add a veteran via buyout.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Current Tax Space: $3.6M
Not available: Anthony Edwards, D’Angelo Russell, Karl-Anthony Towns
Available: Malik Beasley, Jarrett Culver, Ed Davis, Juancho Hernangomez, Jake Layman, Jaden McDaniels, Jaylen Nowell, Josh Okogie, Naz Reid, Jarred Vanderbilt
Available in the right trade: Ricky Rubio
Assets: All of their own first round picks from either 2023 or 2024 and beyond (pending when they convey a first to Golden State)
Analysis: The Wolves only true untouchable is Karl-Anthony Towns. Beyond that, they’d listen on everyone. Because they just drafted Anthony Edwards, and because of D’Angelo Russell’s relationship with Towns, neither of them is going anywhere. Most likely course of action is that Minnesota sits this one out, but then makes some big roster changes in the summer.

New Orleans Pelicans

Current Tax Space: $3.3M
Not available: Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson
Available: Lonzo Ball, Eric Bledsoe, Wenyen Gabriel, Willy Hernangomez, Nicolo Melli, J.J. Redick
Available in the right trade: Steven Adams, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Josh Hart, Jaxson Hayes, Kira Lewis Jr.
Assets: All their own first round picks, plus extra picks from the Lakers (2 plus a swap) and Bucks (2 plus two swaps)
Analysis: The Pelicans have let it be known for a while they are open to moving some of their veteran guards. If David Griffin can find players who complement Brandon Ingram and Zion Williams better, he’ll make the move. With extra picks from both the Lakers and Bucks to come, the Pels are in position to rebuild the roster around their young duo this year or next.

New York Knicks

Current Tax Space: $36.6M
Not available: Immanuel Quickley, Mitchell Robinson, Obi Toppin
Available: Ignas Brazdeikis, Reggie Bullock, Alec Burks, Taj Gibson, Kevin Knox, Nerlens Noel, Frank Ntilikina, Elfrid Payton, Austin Rivers, Derrick Rose
Available in the right trade: R.J. Barrett, Julius Randle
Assets: $15 million in cap space, all of their own first round picks, plus two additional first rounders from Dallas
Analysis: New York has been the most-pleasant surprise in the NBA. They still have considerable cap space, which makes adding talent much easier. New York won’t add a ton of long-term money by the deadline, but if they can add the right player to make the playoffs a reality, they’ll jump.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Current Tax Space: $36.8M
Not available: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Available: Trevor Ariza, George Hill, Al Horford, Justin Jackson, Ty Jerome, Darius Miller, Mike Muscala, Isaiah Roby, Kenrich Williams
Available in the right trade: Darius, Bazley, Hamidou Diallo, Lu Dort, Theo Maledon, Aleksej Pokusevski
Assets: More first round picks than you can reasonably count, $27.5 million trade exception (Steven Adams), $19.5 million trade exception (Danilo Gallinari) $7.4 million trade exception (Kelly Oubre Jr.)
Analysis: Despite some strong play early on, Oklahoma City has dropped out of the playoff picture. That means that veterans like Trevor Ariza and George Hill are very likely to be traded. Al Horford may be more of an offseason move, when he becomes a semi-expiring contract (2022-23 is about 50% guaranteed). Sam Presti will keep adding to his collection of draft picks and talented young players, as he rebuilds the Thunder around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Orlando Magic

Current Tax Space: $2.8M
Not available: Jonathan Isaac
Available: Al-Farouq Aminu, Dwayne Bacon, Mo Bamba, Khem Birch, Michael Carter-Williams, Gary Clark, James Ennis III, Evan Fournier
Available in the right trade: Cole Anthony, Markelle Fultz, Aaron Gordon, Chuma Okeke, Terrence Ross, Nikola Vucevic
Assets: All their own first round picks, $6.1 million DPE (Markelle Fultz)
Analysis: Orlando is in a tricky spot. They’re close to falling out of the playoff race. That would seem to signal an impetus to trade vets and rebuild around youth. The challenge for the Magic is that their young players have serious health issues, or haven’t developed as hoped for. Evan Fournier may get moved, because he’s on an expiring contract. The bigger, more attractive players (Vucevic, Gordon, Ross) are likely to stick unless Orlando gets blown away with an offer.

Philadelphia 76ers

Current Tax Space: -$11.4M
Not available: Joel Embiid
Available: Tony Bradley, Terrance Ferguson, Danny Green, Dwight Howard, Isaiah Joe, Furkan Korkmaz, Vincent Poirier, Mike Scott
Available in the right trade: Seth Curry, Tobias Harris, Tyrese Maxey, Shake Milton, Ben Simmons, Matisse Thybulle
Assets: Own first round picks through 2024, then one protected first owed to the Thunder in 2025
Analysis: Philadelphia hit the break atop the Eastern Conference. They don’t have any glaring needs. Maybe one more big with some range or a player who can create offense off the dribble. They’ve got some players they could put together to match salary in a trade, so keep an eye on Daryl Morey. He’s always active, especially around the edges of improving his rotation.

Phoenix Suns

Current Tax Space: $7.1M
Not available: Deandre Ayton, Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, Chris Paul
Available: Jevon Carter, Langston Galloway, Frank Kaminsky, E’Twaun Moore, Abdel Nader, Cameron Payne
Available in the right trade: Jae Crowder, Cameron Johnson, Dario Saric, Jalen Smith Assets: All their own first, but one that is owed to the Thunder starting with protections in 2022
Analysis: Phoenix built themselves a pretty deep roster over the course of the last offseason. It’s unlikely they’ll make any further moves via trade. Expect the Suns to explore the buyout market, especially if a big man who can rebound and defend becomes available.

Portland Trail Blazers

Current Tax Space: $627k
Not available: Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum
Available: Zach Collins, C.J. Elleby, Rodney Hood
Available in the right trade: Carmelo Anthony, Robert Covington, Harry Giles III, Derrick Jones Jr., Enes Kanter, Nassir Little, Jusuf Nurkic, Anfernee Simons, Gary Trent Jr.
Assets: All their own first, minus one lottery-protected pick owed to Houston as early as 2021
Analysis: Portland signed Rodney Hood to basically be a walking trade exception. They’re also open to moving Zach Collins. Beyond that, expect the Blazers to sit tight. They aren’t afraid to make trades, but Portland is looking more towards better health than outside reinforcements.

Sacramento Kings

Current Tax Space: $25.4M
Not available: De’Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton
Available: Nemanja Bjelica, Justin James, DaQuan Jeffries, Cory Joseph, Jabari Parker, Jahmi’us Ramsey, Hassan Whiteside, Robert Woodard II
Available in the right trade: Marvin Bagley III, Harrison Barnes, Buddy Hield, Richaun Holmes
Assets: All of their own first round picks
Analysis: The Kings hoped this would be the year they’d be supplementing a playoff push at the trade deadline. Instead, they’re looking at deciding which veterans to sell off once again. Sacramento could be among the league’s most active teams, as they can set themselves up quite well if they were to deal away players like Harrison Barnes, Buddy Hield or Richaun Holmes. One thing to note: the current front office didn’t sign or draft most of the veterans on this roster. They have no attachment to them, unlike the previous front office may have.

San Antonio Spurs

Current Tax Space: $1M
Not available: Keldon Johnson, Dejounte Murray, Devin Vassell, Lonnie Walker IV, Derrick White
Available: LaMarcus Aldridge, DeMar DeRozan, Drew Eubanks, Rudy Gay, Tre Jones, Trey Lyles, Patty Mills
Available in the right trade: Jakob Poeltl, Luka Samanic
Assets: All of their own first round picks
Analysis: San Antonio never makes in-season trades. This year could be different, as they have several veterans that could bring them nice returns. But with the Spurs firmly in the mix for a playoff spots, they’ll probably sit the deadline out as they always do.

Toronto Raptors

Current Tax Space: $2.8M
Not available: OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet
Available: Aron Baynes, DeAndre’ Bembry, Stanley Johnson, Patrick McCaw, Matt Thomas, Paul Watson
Available in the right trade: Chris Boucher, Terence Davis, Malachi Flynn, Norman Powell
Available but hard to move: Kyle Lowry
Assets: All of their own first round picks
Analysis: The Raptors will listen to offers on Kyle Lowry, but given his big salary and how much he means to the franchise, it’s unlikely he’ll be traded. They’ve got an untouchable young group made of Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby. Everyone else is on the table in the right deal, or is very available. Never count out Masai Ujiri on making a huge trade, especially one you don’t see coming.

Utah Jazz

Current Tax Space: -$1.7M
Not available: Jordan Clarkson, Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell
Available: Udoka Azubuike, Elijah Hughes, Juwan Morgan, Georges Niang, Miye Oni
Available in the right trade: Bojan Bogdanovic, Derrick Favors, Joe Ingles, Royce O’Neale
Available but hard to move: Mike Conley
Assets: All of their own first round picks, minus a protected first they owe to Memphis as early as 2021
Analysis: The Jazz have been the NBA’s best team. They’d love to add a 3-4 with some range, but they aren’t going to give up much to do it. Instead, expect Utah to hold tight and then maybe add a player or two on the buyout market.

Washington Wizards

Current Tax Space: $928k
Not available: Deni Avdija, Bradley Beal, Davis Bertans, Rui Hachimura
Available: Isaac Bonga, Troy Brown Jr., Anthony Gill, Alex Len, Raul Neto, Jerome Robinson, Ish Smith, Moritz Wagner
Available in the right trade: Thomas Bryant, Robin Lopez
Available but hard to move: Russell Westbrook
Assets: All of their own first round picks, minus a lottery-protected first they owe Houston starting in 2023
Analysis: Washington seemed prime for a big sell-off. Now, they’ve won enough games to put them in the Play-In mix in the Eastern Conference. They won’t move Bradley Beal, Davis Bertans or any of their recent draftees. It’s unlikely they could move Russell Westbrook at the deadline, if they even wanted to. Expect Washington to stand pat, but then maybe make some big moves in the summer instead.