NBA Trade Deadline 2025: Top 20 Players on the Move

As the NBA regular season approaches midpoint, the divide between strong contenders and rebuilding teams is becoming increasingly evident. Social media platforms are brimming with creative imagery of players donning new jerseys, indicative of the high stakes involved in the upcoming player transactions.

In recent years, free agency has been slower than usual, with in-season trades gaining momentum. Players such as Pascal Siakam, James Harden, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Domantas Sabonis, and Tyrese Haliburton have all been moved around league before the early February deadline.

While new salary cap regulations may pose challenges, trade deadlines remain a pivotal moment for securing playoff contention. With teams eyeing their chances at the 2025 championship, strategic moves will likely be made despite financial constraints.

Previously, we delineated teams poised to act as buyers, sellers, or bystanders. Now, we focus on the players likely to be on the move. Here are the top 20 potential trade candidates:

1. Jimmy Butler, Shooting Forward, Miami Heat
17.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists; 54.0/36.1/80.1 (FG%/3pt%/FT%)

Jimmy Butler’s desire to leave the Miami Heat is evident, and rumors suggest his interest in Phoenix. The Heat may be open to trading him, despite his valuable defensive and offensive contributions. Butler, a proven playoff performer, remains a highly sought-after asset.

2. De’Aaron Fox, Point Guard, Sacramento Kings
25.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 6.3 assists; 47.9/32.1/81.5

De’Aaron Fox is the ultimate prize, but his trade is less likely due to his contract and recent team performance under the new head coach. His electric play makes him a game-changer for any contender willing to pay top price.

3. Zach LaVine, Shooting Guard, Chicago Bulls
24.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists; 51.4/45.0/81.6

Once considered a burden, LaVine now offers stellar scoring and high efficiency. His contract worries diminish as the Bulls seek to sell player assets ahead of the deadline.

4. Zion Williamson, Power Forward, New Orleans Pelicans
21.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 5.4 assists; 48.5/20.0/62.4

Zion Williamson’s potential is immense, yet injuries and recent controversies cloud his trade prospects. A franchise player in the right environment could further his career.

5. Brandon Ingram, Small Forward, New Orleans Pelicans
22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists; 46.5/37.4/85.5

Brandon Ingram’s skillset offers plug-and-play versatility. His contract and the Pelicans’ desire to rebuild make him a valuable piece for a contender.

6. Cameron Johnson, Small Forward, Brooklyn Nets
19.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists; 49.1/41.9/89.8

Johnson’s strong performance makes him a prime target for the Nets, seeking to improve their roster through effective trading.

7. Nikola Vucevic, Center, Chicago Bulls
20.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists; 55.4/41.1/80.9

Vucevic’s interior play and efficiency make him a top choice for teams in need of a sizeable presence. The Bulls may seek a high return before selling him.

8. Anfernee Simons, Shooting Guard, Portland Trail Blazers
18.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.9 assists; 42.1/36.6/90.4

The Blazers, giving opportunities to new guard Scoot Henderson, aim to move Simons, whose contract and offensive contributions make him valuable to other teams.

9. Jerami Grant, Power Forward, Portland Trail Blazers
14.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists; 38.3/37.9/83.3

Jerami Grant’s struggles highlight the need for change in Portland. His contract and less efficient play make him a tough sell, despite past successes.

10. Jakob Poeltl, Center, Toronto Raptors
14.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists; 61.2/0.0/63.9

Jakob Poeltl offers reliable bench presence and rim protection. Given the Raptors’ rebuild, he could fetch a significant return.

11. Kyle Kuzma, Power Forward, Washington Wizards
14.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists; 42.4/25.7/58.7

Kuzma’s slow start may make him expendable, especially as the Wizards focus on developing younger talent. His contract becomes more favorable next season.

12. Collin Sexton, Shooting Guard, Utah Jazz
18.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists; 48.0/41.6/90.1

Collin Sexton’s efficient play and contract make him a viable off-bench option for teams facing their own rebuild.

13. John Collins, Power Forward, Utah Jazz
17.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists; 52.5/43.8/86.7

John Collins continues to develop as a outside shooter and an effective role player. His free agency status boosts his trade value.

14. Jonathan Kuminga, Power Forward, Golden State Warriors
16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists; 45.9/34.5/63.9

While the Warriors focus on other prospects, Kuminga’s flashes of brilliance interest potential suitors. His upcoming season represents a crucial period.

15. Jonas Valanciunas, Center, Washington Wizards
11.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists; 56.1/21.7/88.9

Valanciunas’ solid performance in limited minutes makes him a good fit for teams needing versatile interior play. His affordable contract enhances his appeal.

16. Jordan Clarkson, Shooting Guard, Utah Jazz
16.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists

Jordan Clarkson’s productive bench play continues, making him an attractive target for teams seeking scoring depth. His upcoming medical evaluation holds significance.

17. Bradley Beal, Shooting Guard, Phoenix Suns
17.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists; 48.5/38.6/75.0

Bringing Bradley Beal to the Suns proved costly, and his contract weighs heavily on the team. Only teams with ample cap space may see him as a valuable commodity.

18. Chris Boucher, Power Forward, Toronto Raptors
10.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 0.7 assists; 49.1/35.2/78.6

Chris Boucher’s recent performance highlights his potential, yet his value remains uncertain. The Raptors should focus on maximizing returns for him.

19. Bruce Brown, Shooting Guard, Toronto Raptors
8.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists; 43.7/36.8/78.6

Bruce Brown’s injury-prone history and diminished performance make