NBA Trade Deadline: One Player to Watch on Each Team

With the NBA trade deadline approaching, ESPN Insiders Bobby Marks and Kevin Pelton look at one player on each roster who could be traded.

The NBA trade deadline is one month away, and the buzz around the league will likely be centered on whether the Miami Heat trade Jimmy Butler amid a standoff with the six-time All-Star. But Butler won't be the only notable player linked to a possible move ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline. The New Orleans Pelicans, stuck at the bottom of the Western Conference standings, still must figure out what to do with Brandon Ingram. And the busy Brooklyn Nets could be trading away yet another key contributor in Cameron Johnson if they find a team with bigger postseason ambitions. Whether a team makes a move or stands pat ahead of the deadline, each has at least one player that could be used in a trade to either strengthen its playoff push or take further steps in a rebuilding process. ESPN Insiders Bobby Marks (Eastern Conference) and Kevin Pelton (Western Conference) provide a team-by-team look at one player on each roster who could be traded.

What to Read Next

2025-26 NBA Schedule Unveiled: Timberwolves and Lakers Lead the Pack with Exciting Matchups
NBA

2025-26 NBA Schedule Unveiled: Timberwolves and Lakers Lead the Pack with Exciting Matchups

The 2025-26 NBA schedule is here, featuring the Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers in top matchups. Discover the key games and creative team announcements.

NBA 2025-26 Season: Comprehensive Guide to Watching Games Across New TV Rights Deal
NBA

NBA 2025-26 Season: Comprehensive Guide to Watching Games Across New TV Rights Deal

Explore the new NBA TV rights deal for the 2025-26 season, featuring broadcasting details across ABC, ESPN, NBC, Peacock, and Amazon Prime.

Milwaukee Bucks Secure Free Agent Amir Coffey for a One-Year Deal
NBA

Milwaukee Bucks Secure Free Agent Amir Coffey for a One-Year Deal

The Milwaukee Bucks have signed free agent forward Amir Coffey to a one-year deal, adding depth to their roster for the upcoming NBA season.

Top 10 NBA Offseason Storylines to Watch in 2026: LeBron, Giannis, and More
NBA

Top 10 NBA Offseason Storylines to Watch in 2026: LeBron, Giannis, and More

Explore the top 10 NBA offseason storylines for 2026, including LeBron James' free agency, Giannis Antetokounmpo's future, and key draft prospects.

Exclusive 24-Hour NBA Schedule Release Livestream at State Farm Arena with Davis Dodds
NBA

Exclusive 24-Hour NBA Schedule Release Livestream at State Farm Arena with Davis Dodds

Join internet personality Davis Dodds in a groundbreaking 24-hour livestream at State Farm Arena for the exclusive release of the Atlanta Hawks' 2025-26 NBA schedule.

Rising Through Adversity: Lachlan Olbrich's Journey to the NBA
NBA

Rising Through Adversity: Lachlan Olbrich's Journey to the NBA

Discover how Lachlan Olbrich overcame personal and professional challenges to secure his spot in the NBA with the Chicago Bulls.

Top 10 NBA Contenders for the 2025-26 Season: Key Challenges and Strategies
NBA

Top 10 NBA Contenders for the 2025-26 Season: Key Challenges and Strategies

Explore the top 10 NBA contenders for the 2025-26 season, their potential hurdles, and strategies to clinch the championship.

Alex Toohey: Embracing the Golden State Warriors' Legacy and Learning from NBA Superstars
NBA

Alex Toohey: Embracing the Golden State Warriors' Legacy and Learning from NBA Superstars

Alex Toohey, the Australian NBA rookie, is eager to learn from Golden State Warriors' superstars like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green as he begins his journey in the NBA.

2025 NBA Free Agency: Key Players and Their Future Prospects
NBA

2025 NBA Free Agency: Key Players and Their Future Prospects

Explore the latest updates on key NBA free agents as the 2025-26 season approaches, including Jonathan Kuminga, Josh Giddey, and Russell Westbrook.

Josh Okogie Leads Nigeria's Charge for AfroBasket Glory in 2025
NBA

Josh Okogie Leads Nigeria's Charge for AfroBasket Glory in 2025

Houston Rockets' Josh Okogie headlines Nigeria's squad aiming for AfroBasket 2025 victory, blending NBA prowess with seasoned veterans and rising stars.

Cooper Flagg's NBA Journey: Predicting MVPs, Titles, and All-Star Appearances
NBA

Cooper Flagg's NBA Journey: Predicting MVPs, Titles, and All-Star Appearances

Explore the future of Cooper Flagg in the NBA with predictions on MVPs, titles, and All-Star appearances. Insights from ESPN experts on his potential impact with the Dallas Mavericks.

The New Era of NBA Parity: Challenges and Opportunities in Building a Dynasty
NBA

The New Era of NBA Parity: Challenges and Opportunities in Building a Dynasty

Explore how the NBA's era of parity is reshaping team strategies and the challenges of building a dynasty in today's competitive landscape.

Lakers' Strategic Moves: Building a Dynasty Around Luka Doncic and LeBron James
NBA

Lakers' Strategic Moves: Building a Dynasty Around Luka Doncic and LeBron James

Explore how the Lakers are strategically building their team around Luka Doncic and LeBron James to secure future NBA championships.

Jayson Tatum's Road to Recovery: Celtics Star Spotted at Patriots Training Camp
NBA

Jayson Tatum's Road to Recovery: Celtics Star Spotted at Patriots Training Camp

Celtics star Jayson Tatum, recovering from Achilles surgery, was seen at Patriots training camp without a walking boot, signaling positive progress in his rehabilitation.

Damian Lillard's Emotional Return to Portland: A Journey of Resilience and Redemption
NBA

Damian Lillard's Emotional Return to Portland: A Journey of Resilience and Redemption

Damian Lillard's heartfelt return to the Portland Trail Blazers after two seasons in Milwaukee, overcoming a torn Achilles and rediscovering his passion for the game.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.