The NBA trade deadline is rapidly approaching, with teams facing a tight timeline to get deals done to gear up for the playoff race.
Saturday’s staggering three-team trade between the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, and Utah Jazz shook the foundations of the NBA, with All-Stars Luka Dončić
and
Anthony Davis changing teams. Mavericks fans protested in the streets, while star Kyrie Irving said Mavericks players were in “a grieving process” after the stunning move.
That just underlines how wild things can get. Some teams see the chance to load up for a run at a championship, while those at the bottom of the standings might be looking to get younger, move disgruntled players, or see if there are any takers on contracts that haven’t worked out. When three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic tells media that “nobody is safe in this league,” it underlines the potential for chaos.
The rumor mill certainly reflects how unpredictable things could get around the NBA between now and the official trade deadline.
What you need to know about the NBA trade deadline, and the stars that could end up changing teams before the dust settles:
NBA trade tracker:Jimmy Butler on the move, but where will he land?
What time is the NBA trade deadline?
This season’s NBA trade deadline closes on Thursday, Feb. 6, at 3 p.m. ET.
That doesn’t mean deals must be made public by then. NBA teams have to submit the relevant paperwork to complete the deal by 3 p.m. ET, but can announce trades after the deadline. As long as all parties sign off before the deadline, the deals are official whether they’re public knowledge beforehand or not.
Who could be moved before the NBA trade deadline?
- F Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat
- SG Bradley Beal, Phoenix Suns (he would have to waive his no-trade clause)
- C Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls
- F Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans
- C/F Robert Williams III, Portland Trail Blazers
- G Jordan Clarkson, G Collin Sexton, C John Collins, Utah Jazz
- G Lonzo Ball, Chicago Bulls
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