Which Eastern Conference Players Could Be Traded Next? LaMelo Ball, Nicolas Claxton, Nikola Vucevic, Jimmy Butler, Khris Middleton and More

There was a big shakeup in the NBA over the weekend with a pair of big deals happening.

Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis were moved in a blockbuster deal, while De'Aaron Fox and Zach LaVine were a part of another big transaction.

It got me thinking about which NBA players might be traded next, so I’m going to highlight several players who could be moved before the trade deadline on Thursday, February 6. We’ll start with Eastern Conference players in this story - check back soon for the Western Conference story.

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Players from Rebuilding Teams

We’ll start with the last place Washington Wizards.

Jordan Poole, Kyle Kuzma and Malcolm Brogdon are three veterans all making over $20 million a year this season. 

Poole has bounced back nicely after a down 2023-24 season. He’s owed a lot of money over the next two seasons as well, so a team would have to really like him to make the move.

Kuzma’s cap hit decreases over the next two seasons, but his production has also fallen this season, along with him missing a bunch of games. He’s a talented player, but a risk for the top-end contenders to take on.

Brogdon has injury concerns of his own, but he’d be a cheaper option and has had some playoff success in the past. He’s also a free agent after the season, so a contender would be more likely to chase after him.

The Hornets are the 14th place team in the East.

The two big-name players I want to mention here are LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges.

We’ll start with Bridges, who is being paid over $27 million this season. He has some baggage, and two years remaining on his contract, but his cap hit also decreases. Bridges would be a solid forward for a contending team to take on, and he might not cost all that much.

Ball is the huge name here, and is a risky player to add given his injury history. After Doncic was moved over the weekend, I wouldn’t count out a young star like Ball being moved either. If Charlotte isn’t convinced they can win in the long run with Ball, why not capitalize on his value in his best season yet?

The Nets sit in 13th and are likely to rebuild before competing for a playoff spot again.

Ben Simmons is the highest-paid player on the team, but I doubt any team is going to want to take him on for over $40 million - he is a free agent after the season, so I think a deal is more likely than most might think though.

Nicolas Claxton has been in trade rumors throughout the season and is a coveted big man around the league. He’s making $27 million this season and has three more years on his deal (making less with each passing season). A team like the Lakers will likely make a strong push for him, but there’s several contenders that would love to add Claxton.

Cameron Johnson, Bojan Bogdanovic and D'Angelo Russell are all making between $18-23 million and could be moved too. 

Bogdanovic only is signed this season, so he’d be a somewhat affordable veteran forward for a contender to take on. He hasn’t played this season, but is getting closer to making a return. The Nets might have to give up some second-round picks in order to offload Bogdanovic.

Russell was already traded earlier this season, and a contending team in need of guard help might be interested in taking on Russell for the stretch run.

Johnson has a couple seasons left on his contract, but is also 28, so a contending team on the rise might be most interested in Johnson.

The Raptors are in 13th place in the East, and have a number of tradeable veterans.

Immanuel Quickley is a big risk having only played 11 games this season and being over $32 million for the next four seasons. RJ Barrett’s contract goes up from the nearly $26 million he’s making this season, but at 24 years old, he could be a heavily coveted player for a rising team. If the Raptors want to shed some salary, Barrett might be the best option.

Bruce Brown is a free agent after the season, but is making $23 million this season. He has postseason success in his past, so he’s been a popular name in trade talks. I’d be pretty surprised if he isn’t moved.

Big man Jakob Poeltl could also be moved to shed some salary. He’s over $19.5 million for the next season or two, and is having a career season, so if Toronto wants to sell high, now might be the time.

Kelly Olynyk is another veteran big man who could be moved. He’s owed over $13 million next season, but isn’t making an astronomical amount, which could mean he’s traded again in the offseason.

Chris Boucher is one more Toronto big man to mention. He’s a free agent after the season and enjoying one of his best seasons of his career. He’s another sell high candidate, and a pretty cheap one at that.

The Bulls are the last team in that East that is probably destined for a rebuild. They got a headstart on things by moving LaVine.

Nikola Vucevic is the most valuable trade piece, and pretty affordable at just $20 million this season. He’s only just over $21 million next season. Most contending teams could use a versatile big man like Vucevic, so I’d really be shocked if he’s not traded.

Lonzo Ball is another Bull to keep an eye on. He’s in the final year of his deal and making over $21 million. Ball could be a decent role player for a guard-needy team in contention.

Players from Playoff Teams

Miami’s Jimmy Butler has been in trade discussions all season, and at some point, the Heat need to move on. He’ll move to a contender most likely.

That move could push the Heat into a retooling phase, making guys like Kevin Love, Alec Burks, Josh Richardson, Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson and others available.

Atlanta is in the play-in tournament right now, but after the injury to Jalen Johnson, their chances for a deep playoff run seem bleak. Bogdan Bogdanovic, Larry Nance Jr. and Clint Capela are Hawks over 30 years old, and I could see several others moved if the Hawks want to position themselves better for the coming years instead. 

Trae Young wouldn’t be on the table, right? RIGHT?! After the Doncic trade, I’m not counting anything out.

The Magic are a young-ish and upcoming team that has dealt with injuries all season. I’d think they’d buy more than try to sell. They would have to send out some players to acquire talent though, and Jonathan Isaac and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are the only two guys over $13 million this season. Cole Anthony and Gary Harris also have decent salaries that could be moved.

The Pistons have surprised this season, and are also more likely to add than sell. 

Tobias Harris is the only player making over $17 million, and he’s over $25 million. If Detroit wants to get younger, Harris, Tim Hardaway Jr., Simone Fontecchio and Malik Beasley are the only players over 25 years old.

My Milwaukee Bucks are stuck trying to compete with a veteran-laden team not talented enough to win it all. 

Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton have been in trade rumors throughout the season. Brook Lopez could be another big salary that’s moved. Giannis Antetokounmpo might be the only untouchable on the team - and again, after the Luka trade, are there really untouchables in the NBA?

The Pacers probably need to add a couple significant pieces in order to really contend in the East. 

Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam are probably safe, especially while making over $42 million this season.

Myles Turner and his nearly $20 million salary could definitely be moved (Lakers?). Obi Toppin and Aaron Nesmith are between $11-13 million, while T.J. McConnell is over $9 million. 

Players from Contending Teams

The Knicks, Celtics and Cavaliers look like the clear frontrunners in the East right now. They will only add players who will help them win now, but I’ll still identify some of their trade options.

New York could need to make a trade depending on how long OG Anunoby is out with his injury. Mitchell Robinson is the only player over $10 million who makes any sense to trade. Miles McBride and some of the Knicks’ second-stringers might be needed to bring in any significant talents.

I think the Celtics will target buyout players only, but if they want to go after a big-time player, combining the salaries of guys like Al Horford, Payton Pritchard and others might be needed.

I see the Cavs taking a similar path. Maybe Caris LeVert, Georges Niang and Dean Wade can be sent out to bring in a player with a higher salary.