NBA Trade Deadline is coming up soon. Fans have been eagerly anticipating the first NBA Trade Deadline move as the deadline of February 8 approaches with the start of the new year. The LA Lakers made some significant additions that seemed to jumpstart things in the Western Conference last season, but how are they doing this year?
Veteran NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski has stated thus far that he thinks the big trades that occurred last year’s deadline won’t happen this year. In spite of this, there are few teams in both leagues that are motivated to overcome their obstacles and compete for a championship.
In light of this, let’s examine five of the most significant transactions that could occur prior to the NBA Trade Deadline on February 8.
Five significant moves that might occur prior to the NBA Trade Deadline on February 8th
#5: Siakam Pascal
The Toronto Raptors have been the subject of trade speculations involving Pascal Siakam for a long time, but no deal has materialized as of yet. With the Raptors struggling and now sitting in 12th place in the East, that might all change this season.
A lot of teams are anticipated to be interested because many perennial contenders require a two-way forward with Siakam’s ability to impact games. Given their difficulties in the West, the Golden State Warriors appear to be Siakam’s most likely
#4: Buddy Hield
The Indiana Pacers have had some mixed results from Buddy Hield’s success as a perimeter shooter. The Pacers and Hield were unable to reach a contract extension despite Hield shooting 42.5% on average from outside the arc the previous season.
Considering that, it’s no secret that the team has been aggressively attempting to trade him instead of allowing his contract to run out. Anticipate Hield to be traded before the deadline on February 8th, since several teams, including the Memphis Grizzlies, are in dire need of 3-point shooting.
#3: Andrew Wiggins/Chris Paul
The Golden State Warriors are not doing well at all. In addition to Klay Thompson’s difficulties, Andrew Wiggins has also had significant difficulties this season, necessitating adjustments from coach Steve Kerr.
Despite his attempts to alter the lineup, the team’s performance has not improved; with a 15-16 record, it is now 11th in the West. The Warriors should be among the busiest teams before the trade deadline as they try to add players like Chris Paul and Andrew Wiggins to their roster.
#2: D’Angelo Russell
One of the players who has kept coming up in trade discussions is D’Angelo Russell. Nothing is official yet, but it’s expected that the team will work out a deal before the NBA Trade Deadline on February 8.
Following his deal, rumors have persisted despite General Manager Rob Pelinka’s declaration from the previous season that the organization wishes to keep its core. Russell has ties to a number of teams, including the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks, but many more teams might benefit from his talents.
#1: Zach LaVine
Before Zach LaVine suffered an injury, Bulls supporters were prepared to go into riot mode. Both for Jerry Reinsdorf to sell the team and for Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley, the organization’s front office personnel, to begin a rebuilding effort were expressed.
Since LaVine’s injury kept him out of the game, younger players like Coby White and Patrick Williams have been given more responsibility. Since then, the team has begun to turn things around under DeMar DeRozan’s veteran leadership, leaving LaVine as the odd man out.
Although Adrian Wojnarowski has forecasted that 2017 NBA Trade Deadline may not be as dramatic as previous trade deadlines in years past, that could change. The league’s structure might change if well-known All-Stars like Pascal Siakam, D’Angelo Russell, and Zach LaVine were to be traded.
As we saw last season, and in years prior, often times it seems as though it only takes one trade before the metaphorical dominos begin to fall. It will be intriguing to watch how the 2023–24 NBA Trade Deadline plays out as the new year draws near.