Roome Mishra
These are the NBA teams that are most likely to sell aggressively ahead of the upcoming 2025 trade deadline on February 6. Creating such a list is quite difficult during this time of year due to the fluid nature of buyer and seller markets.
While familiar teams often fit into expected categories, unexpected developments are common in the Association. Teams frequently shift their strategies from one end of the market spectrum to the other.
Which NBA teams are most likely to be sellers by the 2025 deadline?
Creating such a list is quite difficult during this time of year due to the fluid nature of buyer and seller markets. While familiar teams often fit into expected categories, unexpected developments are common in the Association. Teams frequently shift their strategies from one end of the market spectrum to the other.
Toronto Raptors: The Toronto Raptors’ recent trade moves, including the departures of OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam, leave their future uncertain. The team is stuck between not being strong contenders and not being bad enough to target top draft picks.
If they hover around 11th or 12th in the Eastern Conference, they might consider a major shift. While Scottie Barnes is untouchable, other players, including recent draft picks, could be on the table.
Detroit Pistons: Trajan Langdon’s new front office has added spacing to benefit Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson, and Ron Holland. However, with many young players and lacking strong infrastructure, the Pistons are likely to remain near the Eastern Conference’s bottom.
If they don’t exceed expectations, Langdon might trade any player, even if they’re performing well. Cunningham remains central to Detroit’s plans, and Langdon may explore trades as the deadline nears.
Utah Jazz: The Utah Jazz will not trade Lauri Markkanen until the offseason, but they are still in the mix. The Jazz face two choices: use their prospects and future picks for immediate upgrades or strip the roster to maximize lottery odds.
If they believe Markkanen isn’t their cornerstone, they may trade other players like Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson. Without clear future stars, the Jazz need to be proactive, potentially selling off key assets.
Chicago Bulls: The Chicago Bulls should lead the field in potential trades, given their lack of a standout building block and their ambiguous future.
Although the Bulls have moved on from Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan, their trade assets like Zach LaVine and Nikola Vučević are seen as negative. Still, players like Ayo Dosunmu, Coby White, and Patrick Williams could attract interest. If the Bulls don’t surpass teams like Toronto or Charlotte, a rebuild may be imminent.
Portland Trailblazers: Portland’s trade for Deni Avdija, involving Malcolm Brogdon and two first-round picks, suggests a focus on long-term development. At 24 and with a cost-effective extension, Avdija fits Portland’s future plans.
With the addition of Donovan Clingan, Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams III might become expendable. Jerami Grant’s role may overlap with Avdija, and Anfernee Simons’s fit is uncertain amid emerging talent. Matisse Thybulle’s future is also in question.
NBA trade 2025 starts on February 6
In the NBA, a sign-and-trade deal is a transaction permitted by the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) where a team signs an unrestricted or restricted free agent to a new contract, then immediately trades the player to another team.
This maneuver allows the player to secure a higher salary or more contract years than what the salary cap rules would typically permit if the destination team signed them directly. It facilitates the player’s move while optimizing financial and contractual benefits.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings