NBA Trade Rumors: Exploring one dream and one realistic NBA Trade Deadline targets for all 30 teams.
There are only a few weeks remaining before the NBA's February 6 NBA Trade Deadline arrives. Most teams across the league are likely exploring ways how to put their roster in a better position than it is at the moment - for better or worse. As we get closer and closer to the deadline, we explore one dream and one realistic trade target for all 30 teams in the NBA.
Atlanta Hawks
Dream trade target: Zion Williamson
Realistic trade target: Anfernee Simons
As the Atlanta Hawks prepare for the NBA Trade Deadline, I'm not sure how they're going to operate. At this point, I'd be more willing to believe that the Hawks may end up standing pat rather than making a bold move. However, if there's one dream target that would make sense for the Hawks, the argument can be made that Zion Williamson would fit the category. Even though there's some risk with Zion, the lure of the star potential he carries could be appealing to a Hawks team that may be searching for relevance in the Eastern Conference.
For as much as trading Zion could be on the table heading into the NBA Trade Deadline, I don't believe the Hawks would make the offer the New Orleans Pelicans would likely be seeking. Because of that, I don't believe this to be very realistic. On the other hand, one realistic trade target that the Hawks should explore in the next few weeks is Anfernee Simons. He'd be an intriguing addition to their backcourt and would add a much-needed scoring punch as a young, rising player. He's also a player the Portland Trail Blazers could be looking to move on from soon.
Boston Celtics
Dream trade target: Nic Claxton
Realistic trade target: Kelly Olynyk
The Boston Celtics are probably coasting through the regular season but as the NBA Trade Deadline comes and goes, this is a team that will be attempting to get their ducks in a row before the start of the NBA Playoffs. One way the team can effectively do that is by solidifying their frontcourt before the stretch run. One dream target at the deadline for the Celtics could be Nic Claxton. He's exactly the type of center they could use next to their talented core but I'm not sure how plausible such a move is for Boston.
If the Celtics are looking for some frontcourt depth, perhaps they could look at an old face - Kelly Olynyk. He's a player who could very well be on the trade block and one who would fit a lot of what the Celtics could be looking for in a backup big. He's an experienced and versatile big man who is familiar with the Celtics. It may not be an easy deal to get done but he's a much more realistic option than Claxton.
Brooklyn Nets
Dream trade target: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Realistic trade target: Jonathan Kuminga
With how the Brooklyn Nets have operated over the last few months, it's pretty clear that this team is pivoting toward a complete rebuilding of their roster. However, if there is one player the Nets would be willing to eject on that plan for, it's Giannis Antetokounmpo. That much has been revealed or speculated about recently. That's why I'd suggest that Giannis should be considered a dream trade deadline target for the Nets. But I am pretty sure we can all see why this is quite an unlikely scenario.
On the flip side, one realistic trade target for the Nets heading into the deadline is Jonathan Kuminga. Brooklyn should be willing to take a gamble on a player who probably still hasn't hit his ceiling as a player. With some star potential, it would be interesting to see what Kuminga could do with a fresh opportunity. With as many assets as the Nets have, there's a strong argument to be made that they could pry Kuminga away from the Golden State Warriors despite their hesitance to trade him.
Charlotte Hornets
Dream trade target: Bennedict Mathurin
Realistic trade target: Cam Thomas
Heading into the NBA Trade Deadline, it's tough to identify a dream trade target for a team like the Charlotte Hornets. This is a team that is still trying to establish a foundation for the future and attempting to find a natural trade target that would fit could be complicated. However, if there's one young player who could be a good fit next to LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller heading into the future, I'd offer up Bennedict Mathurin as a candidate. It may be too early for the Indiana Pacers to trade Mathurin, but it's certainly something to keep a close eye on.
Even if there is a slim chance that the Pacers would want to trade Mathurin, it has to be considered a pipe dream either way. One other realistic trade target that could arise for the Hornets is Cam Thomas. As a player whose future is still very much up in the air, Thomas could find a new home with the Hornets. The argument could be made that the Hornets could wait to try and sign him during the offseason but getting him before he hits restricted free agency would give this team some added control over his future.
Chicago Bulls
Dream trade target: Zion Williamson
Realistic trade target: Collin Sexton
As the NBA Trade Deadline quickly approaches, there's no confusion about what the goal for the Chicago Bulls will be - trading Zach LaVine. But on the other hand, one dream target that could emerge for the team is Zion Williamson. As a player who could potentially transform the franchise, Zion could be a fit for the Bulls on multiple fronts. Add in the fact that the Bulls don't appear they want to pivot toward a complete rebuilding of the roster and it would make sense for Chicago to pursue an established star (who may be a bit disgruntled) like Zion.
To be quite honest, I'm not sure how realistic it would be for the Bulls to strike a deal for Zion. One player that the team could end up targeting instead is Collin Sexton. If the Bulls want to remain competitive even while retooling on the fly, Sexton could be a natural fit. His future with the Utah Jazz is very much up in the air and the Bulls could offer him a fresh start that he may need at this point in his career.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Dream trade target: Jerami Grant
Realistic trade target: Cam Johnson
The Cleveland Cavaliers are currently playing like the best team in the NBA. Despite their excellent play to start out the year, it does feel as if this team could still be missing one piece of their championship puzzle. One potential dream target that could emerge for the Cavaliers is a player like Jerami Grant. As an experienced veteran with plenty of versatility, he could be a player that Cleveland could potentially view as a dream trade deadline target. However, I'm not sure how much the Cavs are willing to invest in him considering their set starting 5.
Another player that could be considered a much more realistic of a target for the Cavs heading into the trade deadline is Cam Johnson. They've already been linked to Johnson and he could easily be considered a great fit for the team. He could start at the small forward position and immediately help this team emerge as one of the most talented starting 5s. If the Cavs are looking to make a splash move at the deadline, Johnson could be their man.
Dallas Mavericks
Dream trade target: Cam Johnson
Realistic trade target: Kevin Huerter
After making a run to the NBA Finals last year, the Dallas Mavericks entered the offseason with the hopes of finding the final piece of their championship puzzle. While there is some hope that Klay Thompson could end up being that player for the team, injuries have certainly cast a dark cloud over this team to start the year. Heading into the NBA Trade Deadline, I can't help but wonder if the team could be looking for some insurance on the wing. One potential player that could offer them that is Cam Johnson.
However, because of how strong of a trade market he's likely going to have, he could be considered a bit of an unlikely target for a team with limited assets and financial versatility like the Mavs. A similar player that the Mavs could look to is Kevin Huerter. He could be a cheaper option and a player that does give this team a similar boost at the midway point of the season. Would the Sacramento Kings trade him? That's a big question but Dallas should absolutely make a call.
Denver Nuggets
Dream trade target: Jimmy Butler
Realistic trade target: Brandon Ingram
On paper, the Denver Nuggets should still be considered a strong threat to make a deep run in the Western Conference playoffs. However, there could be some internal feeling that this team needs to make a move before the NBA Trade Deadline. The speculation early on in the season does seem to point to that possibility. One dream trade target for the team could be a player like Jimmy Butler. If the Nuggets do end up moving on from Michael Porter Jr., Jimmy could be the team's next best bet.
Even if it would be just for a half-season rental, the ceiling of a Jamal Murray, Jimmy, and Nikola Jokic trio could be worth it. But if the Miami Heat continue to play hardball with Jimmy, this probably is not a very realistic scenario. Another target for the Nuggets could be Brandon Ingram. As a player who is much more likely to be moved before the deadline, the Nuggets could probably pull off a deal for Ingram that involves MPJ going to New Orleans.
Detroit Pistons
Dream trade target: Devin Booker
Realistic trade target: Zach LaVine
The Detroit Pistons have taken an important step forward in their development as a team this season and the future is looking bright. However, there's no question that if this team is going to end up taking another step forward in their progression in the Eastern Conference moving forward, they're still going to need to add a star player next to Cade Cunningham. One dream trade target for the team would be Devin Booker. However, I find it hard to believe that the Phoenix Suns, as much turmoil they may be in, would want to trade Booker of all players.
But if the Pistons did want to make a splash trade that would be considered realistic heading into this year's trade deadline, Zach LaVine is just sitting there for the taking. Even though there would be some natural hesitation to the idea of LaVine, he could be a natural help for a team that is looking for a veteran presence that could help fill the void after losing Jaden Ivey. The Pistons are probably one of the few teams that should be willing to take a gamble on LaVine.
Golden State Warriors
Dream trade target: Kevin Durant
Realistic trade target: Kyle Kuzma
After a pretty hot start to the season, the Golden State Warriors have been pretty average over the past two months of the season. If the Warriors want to snap out of their recent funk, making a bold move at the trade deadline is probably the way to go. In an ideal world, the Warriors would be able to trade for Kevin Durant. However, as the Phoenix Suns look to be big buyers at the trade deadline, I can't imagine they would want to send KD to the Warriors. If there's one realistic target for the Warriors, it's probably Kyle Kuzma.
I'm not sure if trading for Kuzma would make the Warriors a legitimate contender in the Western Conference but he'd certainly be an upgrade for the team. He would help take some of the offensive pressure off the shoulders of Steph Curry and could be another body the team could use in the frontcourt. Ultimately, I could see the Warriors shying away from such a move that doesn't automatically place them in the contender talk. I don't know if a trade of Kuzma would accomplish that for Golden State.
Houston Rockets
Dream trade target: Devin Booker
Realistic trade target: Jimmy Butler
Through the first half of the season, the Houston Rockets have the look of a team that is ready to make some noise in the postseason. However, if history is any indication, there's a very good chance this team is going to need to add a veteran difference-maker at the trade deadline if they're going to emerge as a true championship contender. The Rockets simply don't have the experience or firepower to theoretically keep up with many of the other contenders in the Western Conference.
One dream trade target for the Rockets heading into the trade deadline is Devin Booker. However, with the Phoenix Suns looking to make a run back up the West standings in the second half of the season, I find it highly unlikely for them to make such a move. A much more realistic trade target for the Rockets heading into the deadline is Jimmy Butler. He's from the area and the Rockets could have the trade assets that would be appealing to the Miami Heat. The only real questions are whether Houston would want to bring Jimmy (and his supposed baggage) into the locker room at this point in the season and whether Jimmy would even want to play in Houston.
Indiana Pacers
Dream trade target: Paul George
Realistic trade target: Cam Johnson
The Indiana Pacers have effectively shaken off their slow start to the year and are beginning to trend up the Eastern Conference standings. However, even though the Pacers have looked much better of late, this is still the team that from a talent perspective, still lacks the necessary horses to keep pace with the likes of the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Cleveland Cavaliers. If the Pacers are going to emerge as a legitimate threat in the Eastern Conference when the playoffs roll around, it's assumed that they're probably going to have to make one splash move at the NBA trade deadline.
And in an ideal world, I could envision the Pacers going after an old face like Paul George. Whether the Philadelphia 76ers will be in a position to shop him on the market remains to be seen, though I do have my doubts. A much more realistic trade target that the Pacers should have heading into the NBA Trade Deadline is Cameron Johnson. The big question I'd have for Indiana is whether this move would help them make a true contender or not. It's quite a risky move for a team that may need much more than this sole acquisition.
LA Clippers
Dream trade target: Jerami Grant
Realistic trade target: John Collins
The LA Clippers have done a great job of putting themselves in a position to make some noise in what has to be described as a wide-open Western Conference. I'm not sure if they have the talent on their roster currently to put themselves in the title conversation but this is a team that could be a move away from being a huge headache when the postseason rolls around. One potential dream target that could emerge for the Clippers is Jerami Grant. With a need in the frontcourt and on the wing, Grant would be a great fit for the Clippers.
However, I'm not sure if the Clippers have the assets that the Portland Trail Blazers would be seeking in a potential deal. That leads me to a more realistic potential trade target for the Clippers - and that could be John Collins. Looking for a dynamic offensive threat on the offensive end of the floor, there's reason to believe that Collins could be a fit for the Clippers. Would LA actually pull the trigger? That remains to be seen but it's a fun idea to think about.
Los Angeles Lakers
Dream trade target: Trae Young
Realistic trade target: Collin Sexton
The Los Angeles Lakers are lurking as a potentially dangerous team in the Western Conference heading into the second half of the season. However, if that is going to end up being the case, they're probably going to have to make some sort of splash move at the NBA Trade Deadline. In a dream scenario, Trae Young would be a perfect fit for what the team needs next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Even though Young isn't having a great offensive season from an efficiency perspective, he has been arguably the best playmaker in the league this year.
But considering where things stand at the moment, I'd be pretty surprised if the Atlanta Hawks made Young available at the trade deadline. A much more realistic trade deadline target for the Lakers could be Collin Sexton. He may not be the playmaker that Young is, but he's a capable starting guard that could benefit the Lakers as they look to make a move up the West standings during the stretch run.
Memphis Grizzlies
Dream trade target: Jimmy Butler
Realistic trade target: Cam Johnson
The Memphis Grizzlies are currently sitting as a top 3 seed in the Western Conference. They have the look of a team that could make some noise in the postseason. However, if this team does want to put themselves in the best position to make a deep playoff run, they may need one more star-worthy supporting piece. In a dream scenario, that supporting piece would be Jimmy Butler. Of course, there's only one problem with that - it's the fact that Jimmy has no interest in playing for Memphis.
And if that's the backchanneling that is taking place, it would make little sense for the Grizzlies to trade away real assets for Jimmy. It's a headache the Grizzlies don't need in their life. And if Jimmy is off the board, it wouldn't be surprising for the team to pivot toward a player like Cam Johnson. A veteran wing threat, Johnson could make a ton of sense for a Grizzlies team that would be loading up to make a deep run in the postseason. Johnson isn't Butler but he wouldn't be a bad backup plan.
Miami Heat
Dream trade target: De'Aaron Fox
Realistic trade target: Brandon Ingram
To say that it's been a disastrous season for the Miami Heat would be an understatement. The entire Jimmy Butler situation has completley distorted the outlook for the Heat. But, in a perfect world, there could be a way for the Heat to solve all their concerns - that would be to strike a deal for another star player. In what would be their dream trade deadline target, the Heat would be able to strike a deal for De'Aaron Fox. While the Sacramento Kings are trying to resolve their internal issues, it would be surprising for them to make Fox available this trade season. Could that be different during the offseason? Perhaps. For now, that seems pretty unlikely.
A much more realistic trade target for the Miami Heat could be a player like Brandon Ingram. If the Heat wanted, they could probably use Jimmy's situation to find a multi-team deal to try and land Ingram. Considering how limited of a market he currently has, the Heat would actually be an intriguing potential landing spot for Ingram. I'm not sure if the Heat would pursue such a move, but it's pretty realistic of an outcome.
Milwaukee Bucks
Dream trade target: Jimmy Butler
Realistic trade target: Robert Williams III
Even though the Milwaukee Bucks have begun to play better of late, this is still a team that most believe to be a move or two away from emerging as a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference. While it could be difficult to envision a big move coming from the Bucks, there is one dream target that could be on the table - that's a move for Jimmy Butler. In a perfect world, the Bucks would be able to acquire Jimmy as a half-season rental in an attempt to maximize their current championship window.
But with the way the Miami Heat are operating and the fact that Jimmy may not want to play in Milwaukee, there's probably a small chance of this happening. If the Bucks do miss out on Jimmy, which is probably going to be the case, there's another more realistic target the Bucks could have heading into the deadline - and it's Robert Williams III. With a need in the frontcourt, Williams could offer some much-needed depth to Milwaukee's roster. Williams could also offer the team with a plan after Brook Lopez.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Dream trade target: Jerami Grant
Realistic trade target: Collin Sexton
It's been a pretty up-and-down season for the Minnesota Timberwolves. At this point, there may not even be a move available to them that would go a long way in helping the team salvage the season. However, with the likelihood of Julius Randle and the team probably parting ways in the not-so-distant future, I believe a player like Jerami Grant could emerge as a semi-dream trade deadline target. He could be a great fit next to Anthony Edwards and give this team an added element that Randle, for as good as he is, doesn't offer the team.
But that doesn't seem all that realistic as long as Randle remains on the roster. But aside from that, this team could use some help in the backcourt - especially as Mike Conley continues to be run down by Father Time. Because of that, one realistic trade target for the team heading into the deadline could be Collin Sexton. He would be a great fit next to Edwards and could give this team a two-year window for a player who could help push this team forward.
New Orleans Pelicans
Dream trade target: Shaedon Sharpe
Realistic trade target: Anfernee Simons
The New Orleans Pelicans are in a difficult spot heading into the NBA Trade Deadline. On one hand, they should probably embrace a complete rebuild of their roster. However, that may not be as easy as it would seem. But if there's one player the team could be looking to help jump-start a new look to the roster, it should be a young, rising player like Shaedon Sharpe. He's an exciting young player and with the uncertainty that revolves around the Portland Trail Blazers, it wouldn't be that outlandish for them to hit the reset button again.
But, again, that's not all that likely. At least not to happen as soon as this year's NBA Trade Deadline. One potential player that could be realistic for the Pelicans to target is Sharpe's running mate, Anfernee Simons. He's a player the Blazers have been open to trading in the past and you'd have to imagine that with the lack of overall success Portland has experienced this season, that could be an option for the team heading into the deadline.
New York Knicks
Dream trade target: Walker Kessler
Realistic trade target: Larry Nance Jr.
The New York Knicks have to feel good about where they stand at the midway point of the season. They are still rising as a team and they have still not put together their best play of the year thus far. At this pace, you'd have to imagine that, assuming health, that the Knicks are going to be peaking at the right time. The only thing that could be missing for the Knicks is finding another contributor via the NBA Trade Deadline for the stretch run. One dream trade target for New York is certainly Walker Kessler.
As a young big who is still growing into his game at the NBA level, Kessler could be a near-ideal fit behind Karl-Anthony Towns in the frontcourt. Because of the high asking price, it's unlikely that the Utah Jazz will get to the point where they're going to want to trade the young big man - especially considering he's in the midst of the most productive season of his career thus far. Instead, it wouldn't be surprising for the Knicks to pivot to a more realistic trade target like Larry Nance Jr.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Dream trade target: Kevin Durant
Realistic trade target: Cam Johnson
The Oklahoma City Thunder are probably the closest thing to a complete team in the Western Conference at the moment. If I had to guess, there's probably not a great chance this team is heading into the NBA Trade Deadline with huge holes needing to be filled - at least not in the mind of the front office. But that could end up being a good or bad thing, depending on how this season ends for the team. Nevertheless, in theory, one dream trade target that should arise for the Thunder is Kevin Durant.
He would theoretically fill exactly what the team needs as they look to take final steps before making a championship run. However, we all know how unrealistic that probably is in the long run for the team - especially considering the Phoenix Suns are willing to throw in the towel on their season. On the other hand, one realistic trade target the Thunder could pivot to is Cameron Johnson. As a highly sought-after trade target, OKC has the assets to get a deal done. Do they want to pull the trigger though?
Orlando Magic
Dream trade target: Trae Young
Realistic trade target: Collin Sexton
The Orlando Magic are a rising team in the Eastern Conference and their play through the first half of the season continues to prove that. Even without Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner in the lineup for a good portion of the first 40 games of the season, the Magic have managed to keep pace with some of the other better teams in the East. That said, they could very much use a strong playmaker if one did become available to the team ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline. That's why I'd make the argument that Trae Young could emerge as somewhat of a dream trade target for the Magic over the next few weeks.
However, short of that coming to fruition, I believe that a much more realistic trade target for the Magic could be Collin Sexton. He may not be the playmaker that Young is at this point in his career but he could give the team some much-needed veteran experience in the backcourt while also offering some potential heading into the future. The argument could be made that Sexton still has some room for growth in his game.
Philadelphia 76ers
Dream trade target: Jimmy Butler
Realistic trade target: Tari Eason
It's been a disastrous season for the Philadelphia 76ers. Sure, injuries have played a big part in this team's disappointments this year, but I'm not sure how comfortable I am necessarily in placing all their blame on that. Nevertheless, if this team could, right now, swap Paul George for Jimmy Butler, I think they would. I believe that in an ideal world, the Sixers never sign PG during the offseason and are trying to trade for Jimmy heading into the trade deadline. They whiffed by not re-signing him back in 2019 and we all know how much Joel Embiid adores Jimmy as a player. There's no second-guessing here.
But that's an extremely unlikely scenario - even for NBA 2K standards. Short of the Miami Heat and Sixers agreeing to a Jimmy for PG swap, the Sixers could pivot toward a much more realistic trade target like Tari Eason. As a player who is a backup in Houston, he could be an answer to some of the depth issues that the Sixers are currently facing. However, there's no question Houston would be open to such a move, especially considering how well they've been playing so far this season.
Phoenix Suns
Dream trade target: Jimmy Butler
Realistic trade target: John Collins
When it comes to the Phoenix Suns, there's no hiding their ideal intentions heading into the final few weeks before the NBA Trade Deadline. It doesn't take a great detective, or one at all, to point out that the Suns really, really want Jimmy Butler. If it wasn't for Bradley Beal's no-trade clause, there's a strong point to be made that Jimmy would already be a Sun right now. It's pretty clear that Jimmy is Phoenix's dream trade target heading into the trade deadline. However, unless something changes quickly, it doesn't appear as if that scenario is going to play out.
At this point, I'm willing to bet that the Miami Heat would much rather let Jimmy walk in free agency than they would want to absorb the final few years of Beal's deal. Nevertheless, one realistic trade target that could theoretically help the Suns down the stretch is John Collins. Phoenix would have to figure some things out financially but there's reason to believe that Collins' flexibility in the frontcourt could truly help this team as they prepare for the stretch run.
Portland Trail Blazers
Dream trade target: Domantas Sabonis
Realistic trade target: Jonathan Isaac
To be perfectly honest, it was difficult to figure out the Portland Trail Blazers when it came to this exercise. Without knowing the true intentions of this front office, this entire process was not ideal. Nevertheless, let's give it a shot either way. One dream trade target that could theoretically emerge for the Blazers soon is Domantas Sabonis. With the need for a productive and difference-making big, there's reason to believe that Sabonis could make sense for the Blazers. As they look for a foundational anchor, Sabonis fits the bill.
However, the Kings probably aren't going to be open to blowing up their roster and trading Sabonis right now. That leads me to a much more realistic trade target for the Blazers - Jonathan Isaac. As a player who has fallen out of grace with the Orlando Magic, there's reason to believe that Isaac needs a fresh start. Objectively, the Blazers could be a soft landing spot for the versatile forward who has not lived up to this potential in Orlando.
Sacramento Kings
Dream trade target: Kevin Durant
Realistic trade target: Cam Johnson
There are many teams across the league that want to poach the Sacramento Kings. Who would the Kings want to poach in return? Well, at the top of the list is a player like Kevin Durant. He would help this champioship core come together in theory. A trio of De'Aaron Fox, KD, and Domantas Sabonis would likely be good enough to compete with any team in the Western Conference. However, the Phoenix Suns probably aren't going to be that willing to trade KD, much less to a Western Conference rival.
A more realistic trade target for the Kings is Cameron Johnson. The Kings have already been linked to Johnson and are rumored to be on the shortlist of teams who have a good shot of acquiring him before the trade deadline. I'm not sure how much he'd end up moving the needle for the team but the desire is clearly there for Sacramento.
San Antonio Spurs
Dream trade target: De'Aaron Fox
Realistic trade target: Collin Sexton
The San Antonio Spurs have to love where they are as a franchise at the moment. Even though they probably don't have the talent to make a legitimate run to the NBA Playoffs this season, there's a reason to believe that this team is just scratching the surface of what they can be in the future. As the Spurs continue to show signs of improvement, there's one dream trade target that could emerge for the team heading into the NBA Trade Deadline - and that's De'Aaron Fox. He'd be a great fit next to Victor Wembanyama as he continues to make strides in his game and there's at least an outside chance the Sacramento Kings opt to trade him over the next few months.
All that said, he probably isn't getting moved in this trade season. One other realistic trade target that the Spurs can pursue is Collin Sexton. A player the Utah Jazz would probably be open to moving on from, the Spurs could be a natural landing spot for the guard. He could help give this team an added dimension in the backcourt and would theoretically fit as a supporting contributor next to Wemby over the next few seasons.
Toronto Raptors
Dream trade target: Jalen Johnson
Realistic trade target: Patrick Williams
The Toronto Raptors have shown some signs of potential this year even though they're on pace to win fewer than 20 games this season. However, that doesn't mean the team should be aggressive in hopes of improving the roster ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline. If the Raptors wanted to tangibly improve the roster, there is a path toward accomplishing that. One ideal or dream trade target that could emerge for the Raptors is Jalen Johnson. As a player who is rising as one of the best two-way threats in the league, Johnson would be an excellent addition for the young Raptors.
Of course, the Atlanta Hawks probably wouldn't be all that willing to trade Johnson. Especially considering that he probably hasn't hit his ceiling as a player just yet. One other player the Raptors could pivot to that would be a much more realistic option is Patrick Williams. As a player who has struggled to properly develop in Chicago, Williams could be a young player on Toronto's radar heading into the trade deadline.
Utah Jazz
Dream trade target: Bennedict Mathurin
Realistic trade target: Brandon Ingram
At this point in the team's overall development, I can't help but wonder if the Utah Jazz are failing Lauri Markkanen. After signing him to a long-term extension, you'd have to believe that this team has to make a big move sooner rather than later. While it would admittedly be difficult to figure out, I believe that an ideal trade target for Utah should be Bennedict Mathurin. In an ideal world, he would be able to grow and excel in a supporting role opposite of Markkanen. Though, I'm not sure the Indiana Pacers would want to part ways with Mathurin just yet.
If that does end up being the case and the Jazz will have to look elsewhere, there is another realistic splash move that the Jazz could make ahead of the trade deadline. That's making a move for Brandon Ingram. The team has been linked to him before and the Jazz are one of the few teams that may be able to afford paying Ingram as he searches for a new contract after this season. He may not be that bad of a supporting star next to Markkanen either.
Washington Wizards
Dream trade target: Jalen Green
Realistic trade target: Additional 1st round picks
In the very early stage of a new rebuild, there’s a reason to believe that the Washington Wizards should prioritize identifying young talent ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline. While it could be beneficial for Washington to prioritize young talent ahead of the deadline, there could be an argument that the Wizards should prioritize future draft capital instead. That's the debate that I kept going back and forth with for the Wizards. All that said, one dream trade target that could emerge for Washington could be Jalen Green.
Green appears to be a young player on the rise and I can't help but wonder if he would be a great first piece for the Wizards to start building around. Of course, there's no indication that the Houston Rockets would want to trade him with how the team has played through the first half of this season. Instead, a much more realistic trade target that the Wizards could have is looking to add additional future first-round picks before the offseason arrives.