The All-Trade Buzz Team: 10 Players Defining the NBA’s Trade Season”
As the NBA trade season heats up and the February 6 deadline looms, front offices across the league are scrambling to evaluate rosters and explore deals. For some, the right trade could push them into title contention;
for others, it’s about setting the foundation for future success. This year’s All-Trade Buzz team highlights 10 players whose names are dominating conversations among scouts and executives.
Guard Dennis Schroder has already set the tone, being traded from Toronto to Golden State for De’Anthony Melton and three future second-round picks.
While his move signals the urgency of teams to retool, the league’s new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) may make blockbuster trades harder to execute.
Nearly a third of NBA teams face salary cap restrictions that prevent them from taking on additional salary, forcing creativity in negotiations.
Let’s break down the All-Trade Buzz team, assessing each player’s situation and the potential ripple effects of a trade.
1. Dennis Schroder (Traded to Golden State Warriors)
Schroder’s move to the Warriors underscores his value as a versatile guard who can spark an offense or bolster second units. Golden State, dealing with depth issues and inconsistent bench scoring, made a calculated move to enhance their backcourt. Schroder’s arrival could rejuvenate the Warriors’ offensive flow, while Toronto gains future draft assets and a solid defender in De’Anthony Melton.
2. Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls)
Chicago’s struggles have placed Zach LaVine in the trade spotlight. A dynamic scorer with All-Star pedigree, LaVine’s five-year, $215 million deal makes him a valuable but costly target. With limited playoff success, the Bulls could consider a rebuild, and LaVine might be the centerpiece of a seismic trade. Watch for contenders like the 76ers or Heat to emerge as potential suitors.
3. Deandre Ayton (Portland Trail Blazers)
The former No. 1 overall pick has had an up-and-down tenure in Portland after being dealt by Phoenix. While Ayton has shown flashes of dominance, questions linger about his consistency and motor. Teams like the Dallas Mavericks or Sacramento Kings, in need of rim protection and rebounding, could make a push for the big man.
4. OG Anunoby (Toronto Raptors)
Anunoby’s two-way prowess makes him one of the most coveted players on the trade market. With the Raptors hovering around mediocrity, trading Anunoby could yield a significant haul of picks and young talent. His defensive versatility and corner three-point shooting would fit seamlessly on contenders like the Memphis Grizzlies or New Orleans Pelicans.
5. James Harden (Los Angeles Clippers)
Harden’s brief stint with the Clippers has been marred by inconsistency and chemistry issues. While he was once considered untouchable, there’s speculation that L.A. might explore moving him again if the fit doesn’t improve. Harden’s market may be limited, but teams desperate for a playmaker could come calling.
6. Pascal Siakam (Toronto Raptors)
The Raptors’ roster appears to be at a crossroads, and Pascal Siakam could be the next domino to fall. A versatile forward with championship pedigree, Siakam would be a massive addition to a contender. However, his impending free agency complicates matters, as teams will weigh the risk of acquiring him without a long-term commitment.
7. Buddy Hield (Indiana Pacers)
Hield’s elite three-point shooting makes him a prime trade candidate, especially for teams seeking to bolster their perimeter attack. With Indiana shifting toward a youth movement, contenders like the Lakers or Bucks could see Hield as a game-changing addition.
8. Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Minnesota’s strong start to the season might keep Towns off the trade block for now, but his fit alongside Rudy Gobert remains a long-term question. If the Timberwolves falter, Towns could be the centerpiece of a blockbuster deal aimed at reshaping their roster.
9. Malcolm Brogdon (Portland Trail Blazers)
Brogdon, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, has quietly performed well in Portland but may not fit their rebuilding timeline. His steady leadership and ability to play on or off the ball make him an attractive option for playoff-bound teams like the Phoenix Suns or Miami Heat.
10. Tobias Harris (Philadelphia 76ers)
Harris has reinvented himself as a consistent contributor in Philadelphia, but his expiring contract and large salary make him a potential trade chip. If the 76ers aim to maximize Joel Embiid’s prime, Harris could be moved for a player who better complements the team’s championship aspirations.
The CBA’s Role in Trade Season
The NBA’s updated CBA has added layers of complexity to trade negotiations. Teams operating above the second apron face restrictions on salary matching, reducing flexibility. As a result, deals may involve more multi-team trades, second-round picks, or young prospects instead of traditional star-for-star swaps.
What to Expect by February 6
While not every player on the All-Trade Buzz team will be moved, the ripple effects of even one blockbuster trade could reshape the league landscape. Contenders will look to shore up weaknesses, while rebuilding teams will prioritize assets for the future.
The clock is ticking, and as the deadline nears, one thing is certain: the All-Trade Buzz team will be at the center of the NBA’s most dramatic moments.
