B/R's Ultimate 2023 Trade Deadline Cheat Sheet for Every NBA Team

Allow me to officially welcome you back to our monster 2023 NBA trade deadline cheat sheet!

It's been a minute since we last belly-flopped into the slop at this level—four years, to be exact. But this year feels like a good time to reignite the tradition. Nostalgia no one asked for is en vogue, right?

Fair warning: This is not your run-of-the-mill, cookie-cutter, @LopsidedTradesToHelpMyTeam-tweeting-unsupervised primer. It is more intense and (aims to be) actually rational. We have top-down crash courses and hypothetical deals for every. Single. Team.

Here's how we'll prepare for what we hope is, in some form, and despite all evidence to the contrary, a busy-busy-busy Feb. 9 deadline:

• Buyers or Sellers: Should a team buy or sell at the deadline? There will be no "hold" designations here, even if that's the most likely outcome.
• Untouchable Players: Which names are non-starters in 11th-hour negotiations? Based on whether a team is buying or selling...and common sense. Subject for manipulation if a team enters the currently nonexistent superstar sweepstakes. Poison-pill extensions automatically go here.
• Notable Trade Assets: All players who hold positive value on their own and have a feasible path to the chopping block. Two-way contracts will not be included.
• Notable Traded Player Exceptions: Will only be included for TPEs of $5 million or larger.
• Notable Inbound Draft Picks: Synopsis for key draft picks in each team's possession. This does not necessarily mean they're on the table in trade talks. Future swaps will be included; 2023 swaps will only be listed if they project to convey.
• Notable Outbound Draft Picks: Any noteworthy draft pick-obligations. Not all selections will be highlighted. Most top-55-protected choices, for instance, won't receive play unless they're projected to convey.
• Best Salary-Matching Assets: Contracts that aren't necessarily desirable but can be used to grease the wheels of larger inbound cap hits.
• Toughest Player to Move: The one player every team will most struggle to deal without attaching sweeteners or taking back unflattering salary. Anyone included in the "Untouchable" section because of a poison-pill extension or trade restriction will not be up for consideration here. 
• Most Likely Player to Be Traded: Determined by the rumor mill, contract situations, team trajectories, etc.
• Salary-Cap Situation at a Glance: How close is each team to the luxury tax?
• What to Watch: Most pressing questions, priorities, to-dos, etc.
• Trade Idea: Hypothetical deals for each team to pursue or consider. Packages are structured as if the spotlighted front office is making the first call. These ideas are not meant to be lopsided; they're just from the perspective of the squad in question. Also: These are not the only possibilities. I merely tried to steer clear of too many regurgitated angles without repeating the same deal for multiple teams. This way, you can become irate over off-the-beaten-path theoreticals. You're welcome.

Contract details will be provided for all non-untouchables (touchables?). Their values will reflect the money owed after this season and include any imminent non-guarantees or options unless otherwise noted.

Players are slotted within the category that best suits them, though there will be overlaps when looking at the toughest to move and those most likely to be traded. Let us now airboat our way through the trade-deadline swamp.

Buyers or Sellers: More like "Roster recalibrators"

Untouchable Players: De'Andre Hunter (poison pill); Dejounte Murray; Trae Young

Notable Trade Assets: Bogdan Bogdanović ($18 million player option); Clint Capela (two years, $42.9 million); John Collins (three years, $78.5 million); A.J. Griffin (three years, $13.6 million); Jalen Johnson (two years, $7.4 million); Onyeka Okongwu (one year, $8.1 million)

Notable Inbound Draft Picks: New Orleans' 2023 second-round pick (top-45 protection); Sacramento's 2024 first-round pick (lottery protection through 2026; turns into 2026 and 2027 seconds if not conveyed); Oklahoma City's 2024 second-round pick; Oklahoma City's 2025 second-round pick; Golden State's 2026 second-round pick; L.A. Clippers' 2027 second-round pick

Notable Outbound Draft Picks: 2025 first-round pick to San Antonio; 2025 second-round pick to Oklahoma City (top-40 protection); 2026 first-round pick to San Antonio (swap rights); 2027 first-round pick to San Antonio; 2029 second-round pick to Oklahoma City

Best Salary-Matching Assets: Justin Holiday (expiring at $6.3 million)

Toughest Player to Move: John Collins

Most Likely Player to Be Traded: John Collins

Salary-Cap Situation at a Glance: $1.3 million below the luxury tax

What to Watch: Will they finally move John Collins? Can they bolster the 3 and 4 spots in the rotation?

Trade Idea

• Atlanta Hawks Receive: Amir Coffey, Marcus Morris Sr., 2028 first-round pick (lottery protected through 2029; turns into a 2029 second if not conveyed)
• L.A. Clippers Receive: John Collins

Teams apparently view the $78.5 million left on Collins' contract as a liability. That makes him incredibly tough to ship out, as he's not a zero to Atlanta. He might be more valuable to them than any other team in the league. Jettisoning him for spare parts, let alone attaching buffers to him, would be a catastrophically crappy look.

Even this package feels underwhelming relative to a couple of years ago. Except, this isn't a couple of years ago. Collins has struggled amid functional marginalization for much of this season. The Clippers have the tools to insulate him defensively at the 5 in lineups without Ivica Zubac, and head coach Ty Lue will strike a better balance of deploying him as a screener and standstill shooter. Collins' floor game won't be a systematic staple, but L.A. load manages enough on back-to-backs that opportunities will arise.

Atlanta, meanwhile, is balancing out its rotation. The forward spots need evening out more than anything else. Morris is a natural 4 these days, and the Hawks can steal some minutes at the 3 if need be. Coffey has turned in a spotty season, but Atlanta can piece together a more consistent run for him on the wing given how much Justin Holiday has struggled.

The Hawks also thin out their books over the next couple of years. They save over $4.5 million in 2023-24 and then basically zero out the final two seasons of Collins' deal. Saving billionaire team governors money isn't our responsibility, but the dollars and cents matter with Bogdanović and Murray soon due new contracts.

Buyers or Sellers: Buyers

Untouchable Players: Jaylen Brown; Jayson Tatum

Notable Trade Assets: Malcolm Brogdon (two years, $45 million); Sam Hauser (one year, $2 million); Al Horford (two years, $20 million); Payton Pritchard (one year, $4 million); Marcus Smart (three years, $59.9 million); Derrick White (two years, $36.4 million); Grant Williams (expiring at $4.3 million; restricted free agent this summer); Robert Williams III (three years, $37.3 million)

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: $5.9 million (expires Feb. 10)

Notable Inbound Draft Picks: 2023 second-round pick from Dallas, Houston or Miami; Portland's 2023 second-round pick; San Antonio's 2024 second-round pick

Notable Outbound Draft Picks: 2023 second-round pick to Indiana (top-12 protection; turns into 2023 second if not conveyed); 2023 second-round pick to Charlotte or Washington; 2024 second-round pick to Charlotte; 2025 second-round pick to Oklahoma City or Orlando; 2027 second-round pick to Orlando; 2028 first-round pick to San Antonio (swap rights; turns into 2028 second, protected Nos. 46-60 if not conveyed); 2028 second-round pick to pick to Orlando (top-45 protection)

Best Salary-Matching Assets: Danilo Gallinari ($6.8 million player option)

Toughest Player to Move: Danilo Gallinari

Most Likely Player to Be Traded: Danilo Gallinari

Salary-Cap Situation at a Glance: $23.4 million into the luxury tax

What to Watch: Will they add a big? Do they reroute Danilo Gallinari to cut their tax bill?

Trade Idea

• Boston Celtics Receive: Naz Reid
• Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Justin Jackson, Portland's 2023 second-round pick, San Antonio's 2024 second-round pick

Reid doesn't typify the playmaking or defensive styles of Boston's primary bigs—Horford, RW3, Grant Williams—but that's not really concerning when he's arriving to be the fourth wheel. Horford is 36, and RW3 is perpetually banged up. Luke Kornet isn't getting it done if you run into availability issues during the playoffs.

To be sure, Reid might not cut the mustard relative to Big Al and RW3, either. But he hits the glass, can stretch the floor (though his three-point clip is down) and has the bandwidth to attack off the dribble downhill.

Going after him is more than short-term insurance. Having his Bird Rights will come in handy if Grant Williams gets a huge offer sheet Boston isn't inclined to match during restricted free agency.

The Wolves should ask for more than two seconds in a vacuum. They're not getting it. Reid is on an uber-cheap expiring contract, which caps the ceiling on any deals featuring him alone. Minnesota can push for Payton Pritchard or Sam Hauser if it wants. But Reid is hitting free agency, and other teams understand the Wolves are already into Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Town for obscene amounts of money. Landing much more than second-round value is unlikely.

Buyers or Sellers: Buyers

Untouchable Players: Kevin Durant

Notable Trade Assets: Nicolas Claxton (one year, $8.8 million); Seth Curry (expiring at $8.5 million); Kessler Edwards ($1.9 million team option; must consent to trade); Kyrie Irving (expiring at $36.5 million); Royce O'Neale (one year, $9.5 million); Day'Ron Sharpe (two years, $6.2 million); Cam Thomas (two years, $6.3 million); T.J. Warren (expiring at $1.8 million); Yuta Watanabe (expiring at $1.8 million)

Notable Inbound Draft Picks: Miami's 2025 second-round draft pick (top-37 protection); Philadelphia's 2027 first-round pick (top-eight protection through 2028; turns into 2028 second if not conveyed)

Notable Outbound Draft Picks: 2024 first-round pick to Houston; 2024 second-round pick to Houston; 2025 first-round pick to Houston or Oklahoma City (swap rights); 2025 second-round pick to New York; 2026 first-round pick to Houston; 2027 first-round pick to Houston (swap rights); 2027 second-round pick to Detroit

Best Salary-Matching Assets: Joe Harris (one year, $19.9 million); Patty Mills (one year, $6.8 million)

Toughest Player to Move: Ben Simmons (two years, $78.2 million)

Most Likely Player to Be Traded: Patty Mills

Salary-Cap Situation at a Glance: $31 million into the luxury tax

What to Watch: Can they add size and versatility to the frontline? Will they part with a first-round pick given long-term uncertainty?

Trade Idea

• Brooklyn Nets Receive: Zach Collins, Josh Richardson
• San Antonio Spurs Receive: Joe Harris, Patty Mills, Philadelphia's 2027 first-round pick (top-eight protection through 2028; turns into 2028 second if not conveyed)

Shipping out a first-round pick in exchange for Collins and Richardson will seem like overkill to many. It's not.

Collins is, somewhat quietly, churning out a career year. He's hitting 58.3 percent of his twos and 36.7 percent of his triples while holding opponents to 50.5 percent shooting at the rim—the league's fourth-best mark among 152 players who have contested at least 100 point-blank opportunities. Getting him and his $7.7 million salary (non-guaranteed) is a friggin' steal. He pairs perfectly with either Ben Simmons or Nicolas Claxton up front and can absorb plenty of long-big reps.

Richardson was on a heater before a knee injury forced him to the sidelines for a couple of games. His offense remains plug-and-play, and he will noticeably lighten the defensive workloads of Royce O'Neale and healthy Kevin Durant.

The Nets are getting off a ton of salary, as well. Collins and Richardson are over $6 million cheaper than Harris and Mills this season, and they'll save around $19 million, before luxury taxes, next year if they let Richardson walk. Harris has been shooting the ball much better, but removing his and Mills' salaries should make Brooklyn more inclined to look at re-signing Seth Curry (and Richardson).

San Antonio might balk. Collins and Richardson have been that good. But a loosely protected first is no joke, a reunion with Mills will be good for the culture, and Harris' contract isn't egregious; he can still hoop, and his $19.9 million sticker price can be a tidy expiring trade chip next year.

Buyers or Sellers: Sellers/Distressed-asset buyers

Untouchable Players: LaMelo Ball

Notable Trade Assets: Cody Martin (three years, $24.4 million; third year non-guaranteed); Jalen McDaniels (expiring at $1.9 million); Kelly Oubre Jr. (expiring at $12.6 million); Mason Plumlee (expiring at $9.1 million); Nick Richards (expiring at $1.8 million); Dennis Smith Jr. (expiring at $1.8 million); JT Thor (two years, $3.7 million); Mark Williams (three years, $14.3 million)

Notable Inbound Draft Picks: Denver's 2023 first-round pick (lottery protection through 2025; turns into 2025 second if not conveyed); 2023 second-round pick from Dallas, Miami, Oklahoma City or Washington (least favorable); Utah's 2023 second-round pick; Boston's 2024 second-round picks; New York's 2024 second-round pick

Notable Outbound Draft Picks: 2023 first-round pick to San Antonio (top-16 protection in 2023; lottery protection in 2024 and 2025; turns into 2026 and 2027 seconds if not conveyed); 2023 or 2024 second-round pick to Washington; 2024 second-round pick to Oklahoma City or Portland

Best Salary-Matching Assets: James Bouknight (two years, $10.7 million); Kai Jones (two years, $7.8 million); Terry Rozier (three years, $74.7 million; $73 million guaranteed)

Toughest Player to Move: Gordon Hayward (one year, $31.5 million)

Most Likely Player to Be Traded: Mason Plumlee

Salary-Cap Situation at a Glance: $28.6 million below the luxury tax

What to Watch: Is PJ Washington on the block in advance of RFA? Will they move any of their bigger contracts? Are they willing to take on longer-term money if they don't keep Terry Rozier and the soon-to-be-more-expensive Washington?

Trade Idea:

• Charlotte Hornets Receive: Ben Simmons, Joe Harris
• Brooklyn Nets Receive: Gordon Hayward, Kelly Oubre Jr., Mason Plumlee

Do the Hornets have the gall to do this? And are the Nets concerned enough to join them?

Simmons remains an offensive enigma. His ultra low-volume can be detrimental—especially when Kevin Durant is out. If the Nets are confident Kyrie Irving will be back next year, they may be interested in more of a reset. They escape the final year of Harris' contract here, and Hayward comes off the books one year earlier than Simmons. He also happens to be a much more impactful (offensive) fit for Brooklyn if he can stay healthy. Oubre and Plumlee both come off the books after this season. The Nets can use each in the meantime.

Charlotte is taking on gobs of risk here. Simmons is only 26, but he may never approach the pinnacle he touched in Philadelphia, where his limitations remained the same, but he was more confident in getting downhill and not as allergic to contact.

Playing for the zero-expectation Hornets might help him. They definitely could use his defense. The fit with LaMelo isn't perfect, but it's not incongruent. LaMelo is high-volume enough on the offensive side. Charlotte won't be replicating defer-first passivity to unmanageable extremes.

Harris' contract is steep, but it's only for a year, and surrounding Simmons and Mark Williams with functional shooting will be key. The Hornets do that with him, LaMelo and Terry Rozier—who is having a down year but has also spent much of the season in an overstretched role.

No real frills should be added to this offer in further negotiations. This is the Hornets trying to see how the Nets actually feel about Simmons. They'll be more attached to him and his playmaking if Kyrie is a goner, but much less so if they're willing to bring him back. Regardless, Charlotte should approach this as a long shot lark—not an overture on which they'll tack first-round equity.

Buyers or Sellers: Sellers or Inexplicably Stand Pat-ers

Untouchable Players: None

Notable Trade Assets: Alex Caruso (two years, $19.4 million); DeMar DeRozan (one year, $28.6 million); Goran Dragić (expiring at $1.8 million); Ayo Dosunmu (expiring at $1.6 million; Early Bird restricted free agent this summer); Javonte Green (expiring at $1.8 million); Zach LaVine (four years, $178.1 million); Dalen Terry (three years, $12.3 million); Patrick Williams (one year, $9.9 million)

Notable Inbound Draft Picks: Portland's 2023 first-round (lottery protection through 2028; turns into 2028 second if not conveyed)

Notable Outbound Draft Picks: 2023 first-round pick to Orlando (top-four protection in 2023; top-three protection in 2024; turns into 2026 and 2027 seconds if not conveyed); 2023 second-round pick to Washington; 2024 second-round pick to New Orleans; 2025 first-round pick to San Antonio (top-10 protection for one year; top-eight protection for two more years; turns into 2028 second if not conveyed); 2025 second-round pick to San Antonio

Best Salary-Matching Assets: Derrick Jones Jr. ($3.4 million player option); Nikola Vučević (expiring at $22 million); Coby White (expiring at $7.4 million; restricted free agent this summer)

Toughest Player to Move: Lonzo Ball (two years, $41.9 million)

Most Likely Player to Be Traded: Coby White

Salary-Cap Situation at a Glance: $1.7 million below the luxury tax

What to Watch: Are they a blow-it-up candidate? Is Alex Caruso or Nikola Vučević available even if they're not? Can they add shooting, wing depth and/or another big as a buyer?

Trade Idea:

• Chicago Bulls Receive: Christian Braun, Bones Hyland
• Denver Nuggets Receive: Alex Caruso, Javonte Green

Denver is shopping second-year firecracker Bones Hyland and in the market for "defensive-minded frontcourt players" and "considering returns that could net another reserve point guard," according to Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer. Chicago thinks it can get two first-rounders for Caruso's services, as Fischer also reported on his Please Don't Aggregate This podcast (via HoopsHype). The Nuggets have a traded player exception sized perfectly for Caruso ($9.1 million). So, you know, let's make a deal.

Hyland doesn't make a ton of sense on a team with DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine (and Goran Dragić), but if the Bulls are moving their defensive stalwart, you have to imagine they're contemplating bigger-picture angles. And Hyland certainly fits that motif. He is a live wire off the bounce who can convert contortionist finishes and torch twine from beyond the arc, as both a self-creator and spot-up threat. His decision-making and attempts inside the arc can be erratic, and there will be moments in which his shot selection is detrimental. Still, the multi-level scoring and passing upside is omnipresent.

Braun has not been a regular member of the Nuggets' rotation, but he's handled some heavier-minute cameos and hinted at oodles of defensive toughness on the wings. If he gets more confident in his shot—and hits the smattering of free throws he sees—he'll consistently leave his dent on a good team.

Chicago might want two "true" first-rounders. But, like, this comes pretty close. It might even be better. Braun has three years left on his rookie scale, and Hyland is a semi-known, completely tantalizing talent with two cost-controlled seasons left on his pact. The Bulls can see if Phoenix will pitch in a first-rounder to get Bones. Betting on the intrigue of two first-round prospects less than halfway into their first deals with actual NBA samples seems smarter—infinitely so if this trade doesn't portend the departure of other veterans.

Forking over this much might make the Nuggets flinch. It is, essentially, the last hand they can play before touching their core. All that's left on the margins is Peyton Watson and a 2029 first-rounder they can't even guarantee.

Caruso is worth it. (A healthy Javonte Green soups up the frontcourt defensive versatility, by the way.) He can be somewhat redundant with Bruce Brown (player option), but they complement one another nicely, as well. Both are point-of-attack whizzes who can guard up. Denver also doesn't have Bird rights on Brown this summer. Caruso ensures the team won't much feel his absence if he leaves.

That doesn't lessen the opportunity cost in the aggregate. The Nuggets can try inserting Watson into the fold or hope Bones alone gets it done. But they are contenders—the kind that can and should and must act like it.

Buyers or Sellers: Buyers

Untouchable Players: Jarrett Allen; Darius Garland; Donovan Mitchell; Evan Mobley; Dean Wade (trade-ineligible after extension)

Notable Trade Assets: Caris LeVert (expiring at $18.8 million); Lamar Stevens (one year, $1.9 million); Isaac Okoro (one year, $8.9 million)

Notable Inbound Draft Picks: Milwaukee's 2025 second-round pick; L.A. Lakers' 2026 second-round pick; Denver's 2027 second-round pick

Notable Outbound Draft Picks: 2023 first-round pick to Indiana (lottery protection; turns into 2025 and 2026 seconds if not conveyed); 2024 second-round pick to Indiana, Memphis or New York; 2025 first-round pick to Utah; 2026 first-round pick to Utah (swap rights); 2027 first-round pick to Utah; 2028 first-round pick to Utah (swap rights); 2029 first-round pick to Utah

Best Salary-Matching Assets: Kevin Love (expiring at $28.9 million); Cedi Osman ($6.7 million salary for 2023-24 non-guaranteed until Jun. 24); Ricky Rubio (two years, $12.6 million)

Toughest Player to Move: Kevin Love

Most Likely Player to Be Traded: Caris LeVert

Salary-Cap Situation at a Glance: $2.5 million below the luxury tax

What to Watch: How big of an upgrade can they make to their wing rotation without a first-round pick to deal?

Trade Idea:

• Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Khem Birch, Gary Trent Jr.
• Toronto Raptors Receive: Caris LeVert, Isaac Okoro, Denver's 2027 second-round pick

Okoro has been hitting his threes and defending his butt off, but the Cavs need Trent's long-range volume and downhill jet fuel more. Though the Raptors should have offers that net them a first-rounder, they could be later selections. LeVert helps their half-court creation, a flier on Okoro is right up their alley, and they get out from under the final year of Birch's deal.

Buyers or Sellers: Buyers

Untouchable Players: Luka Dončić

Notable Trade Assets: Spencer Dinwiddie (one year, $21.0 million, with $10 million guaranteed); Josh Green (one year, $4.8 million); Jaden Harden (two years, $3.7 million); Dorian Finney-Smith (three years, $43.2 million); Maxi Kleber (three years, $33 million); Christian Wood (expiring at $14.3 million)

Notable Inbound Draft Picks: None

Notable Outbound Draft Picks: 2023 first-round pick to New York (top-10 protection through 2025); 2023 second-round pick to Boston, Indiana or Oklahoma City; 2024 second-round pick to Sacramento; 2026 second-round pick to Houston, Miami or Oklahoma City; 2028 second-round pick to Sacramento

Best Salary-Matching Assets: Reggie Bullock (one year, $10.5 million, with $5.5 million guaranteed); Tim Hardaway Jr. (two years, $34.1 million); JaVale McGee (two years, $11.7 million); Dwight Powell (expiring at $11.1 million)

Toughest Player to Move: Davis Bertans (two years, $33 million)

Most Likely Player to Be Traded: Tim Hardaway Jr.

Salary-Cap Situation at a Glance: $15.8 million into the luxury tax

What to Watch: Will they give up their 2025 for defensive or shot-creation depth?

Trade Idea:

• Dallas Mavericks Receive: D'Angelo Russell
• Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Tim Hardaway Jr., Dwight Powell, 2027 second-round pick

Russell's shot-making and pick-and-roll orchestration exponentially alleviates the pressure on Luke Dončić and Spencer Dinwiddie. Playing all three together would be iffy, at best, on defense. But it's worth a try. If it doesn't work out, Russell comes off the books after this year.

The Timberwolves could use Hardaway's outside volume and accuracy around Anthony Edwards and their dual-big lineups, and this lets them fold Russell's salary slot into a more digestible number for next season. They lose a ton of creation, but if you don't think DLo is staying, you have to consider contingencies. In the meantime, Edwards and Kyle Anderson give you enough playmaking juice to drive the offense.

Buyers or Sellers: Buyers

Untouchable Players: Nikola Jokić (can't be traded after signing extension); Jamal Murray

Notable Trade Assets: Christian Braun (three years, $10.9 million); Bruce Brown (one year, $6.8 million); Vlatko Čančar (two years, $2.8 million); Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (two years, $30.1 million); Aaron Gordon (three years, $66.8 million); Bones Hyland (two years, $6.5 million); Zeke Nnaji (one year, $4.3 million); Davon Reed (one year, $2.1 million); Peyton Watson (three years, $9.1 million)

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: $9.1 million (expires Jul. 6)

Notable Inbound Draft Picks: 2023 second-round draft pick from Dallas, Miami, Oklahoma City or Washington (second-most favorable)

Notable Outbound Draft Picks: 2023 first-round pick to Charlotte (lottery protection through 2025); 2023 second-round pick to Chicago (top-46 protection); 2025 first-round pick to Orlando (top-five protection through 2027); 2027 first-round pick to Oklahoma City (top-five protection through 2029; turns into 2029 second if not conveyed); 2027 second-round pick to Cleveland; 2028 second-round pick to San Antonio (top-33 protection)

Best Salary-Matching Assets: Jeff Green (expiring at $4.5 million); Ish Smith (expiring at $4.7 million)

Toughest Player to Move: Michael Porter Jr. (four years, $148.4 million, with $120 million guaranteed)

Most Likely Player to Be Traded: Ish Smith

Salary-Cap Situation at a Glance: $10.5 million into the luxury tax

What to Watch: Will they even make a move?

Trade Idea:

• Denver Nuggets Receive: Isaiah Hartenstein (into TPE)
• New York Knicks Receive: Ish Smith, 2023 second-round pick from Dallas, Miami, Oklahoma City or Washington (second-most favorable)

Hartenstein is playing well enough recently that the Knicks may not want to deal him for peanuts—particularly now that Mitchell Robinson will miss the next few weeks with a fractured right thumb. But New York has closed games with Jericho Sims, and this could force head coach Tom Thibodeau to explore more Obi Toppin-Julius Randle frontcourt minutes.

Whereas the Knicks may want to get out from the final year of Hartenstein's deal next season, the Nuggets should embrace it. Taking him into their TPE drums up the tax bill, but they're a title contender, if not favorite, and Hartenstein is an upgrade over all of their non-Jokić bigs—with Zeke Nnaji potentially the lone exception.

Buyers or Sellers: Sellers

Untouchable Players: Cade Cunningham; Jalen Duren; Jaden Ivey

Notable Trade Assets: Saddiq Bey (one year, $4.6 million); Bojan Bogdanović (two years, $39 million; $2 million guaranteed in final season); Alec Burks ($10.5 million team option for 2023-24); Hamidou Diallo (expiring at $5.2 million); Killian Hayes (one year, $7.4 million); Isaiah Livers (one year, $1.8 million); Isaiah Stewart (one year, $5.3 million)

Notable Inbound Draft Picks: 2024 second-round pick from Memphis or Washington (more favorable); 2025 second-round pick from Golden State or Washington (more favorable); 2026 second-round pick from Minnesota or New York; 2026 second-round pick from New Orleans or Portland (more favorable); 2027 second-round pick from Brooklyn

Notable Outbound Draft Picks: 2023 first-round pick to New York (top-18 protection through 2024; top-13 protection in 2025; top-11 protection in 2026; top-nine protection in 2027; turning into 2027 second if not conveyed)

Best Salary-Matching Assets: Marvin Bagley III (two years, $25 million); Cory Joseph ($5.2 million); Kevin Knox ($3 million team option for 2023-24); Nerlens Noel ($9.7 million team option for 2023-24)

Toughest Player to Move: Marvin Bagley III

Most Likely Player to Be Traded: Alec Burks

Salary-Cap Situation at a Glance: $27.3 million below the luxury tax

What to Watch: Will they move Bey, Bogdanović or Burks? Are they willing to take on long-term if they do?

Trade Idea:

• Detroit Pistons Receive: Duncan Robinson, Nikola Jović, 2023 first-round pick (top-four protection), 2028 second-round pick
• Miami Heat Receive: Bojan Bogdanović

It sounds like the Pistons want an unprotected first for Bogdanović. I'm skeptical they get it. This comes close. It also entails them swallowing the three years and $57.5 million left on the currently sidelined Robinson's deal. Is Nikola Jović, the 19-year-old No. 27 pick in last year's draft who's battling lower-back issues, and a second-rounder enough to grease the wheels?

Again: I'm skeptical. Detroit can and should be just fine holding on to Bogdanović. But the Heat are not juggernauts. Their first-round pick this year is worth something. And if they can't get a better selection without taking on money, it's worth trying to get Miami's and Jović.

Buyers or Sellers: Buyers

Untouchable Players: Stephen Curry; Draymond Green; Jordan Poole (poison pill); Klay Thompson; Andrew Wiggins (not eligible to be traded)

Notable Trade Assets: Patrick Baldwin Jr. (three years, $9.2 million); Donte DiVincenzo ($4.7 million player option); Jonathan Kuminga (two years, $13.6 million); Kevon Looney (two years, $15.5 million); Moses Moody (two years, $9.7 million)

Notable Inbound Draft Picks: Memphis' 2026 second-round pick (top-42 protection)

Notable Outbound Draft Picks: 2023 second-round picks to Cleveland or Milwaukee; 2024 first-round pick to Memphis (top-four protection); 2024 second-round pick to Cleveland or Houston; 2025 second-round pick to Detroit or Washington; 2026 second-round pick to Atlanta

Best Salary-Matching Assets: James Wiseman (one year, $12.1 million)

Toughest Player to Move: James Wiseman

Most Likely Player to Be Traded: James Wiseman

Salary-Cap Situation at a Glance: $39.2 million into the luxury tax

What to Watch: Are they willing to move picks or prospects for immediate depth? What's the market for James Wiseman? Will they consider moving him for role players on the frontline and wings?

Trade Idea:

• Golden State Warriors Receive: Zach Collins, Josh Richardson, L.A. Lakers' 2024 second-round pick (via San Antonio)
• Charlotte Hornets Receive: JaMychal Green, Memphis' 2026 second-round pick (top-42 protection, via Golden State), cash
• San Antonio Spurs Receive: Moses Moody, Ryan Rollins, James Wiseman

Few teams can talk themselves into rolling the dice on James Wiseman. With their rebuild just launching and Jakob Poeltl on an expiring deal, the Spurs are one them. They also land a three-and-D-to-be-determined prospect in Moody.

Both Collins and Richardson are having impactful seasons for San Antonio. A healthy Collins offers switchability, rim protection and floor stretching at the 4 or the 5. Richardson provides an injection of reliability on the wings and can capably guard a variety of positions.

Going four-for-two is the only way the Warriors match money without touching core parts of their rotation. Finding a third-party facilitator is borderline critical unless the Spurs are prepared to create two roster spots. Charlotte will need to open a slot by moving or waiving someone, but it's far enough beneath the tax that this shouldn't be an issue.

Buyers or Sellers: Sellers

Untouchable Players: Tari Eason; Jalen Green; Kevin Porter Jr. (poison pill); Alperen Şengün; Jabari Smith Jr.

Notable Trade Assets: Josh Christopher (two years, $6.9 million); Eric Gordon (expiring at $19.6 million; $20.9 million salary in 2023-24 guarantees if his team wins the title); Usman Garuba (two years, $7 million); K.J. Martin (one year, $1.9 million); Garrison Mathews (two years, $4.2 million); Daishen Nix (two years, $3.8 million); Jae'Sean Tate (two years, $13.6 million); TyTy Washington (three years, $9.1 million)

Notable Inbound Draft Picks: Milwaukee's 2023 first-round pick; Brooklyn's 2024 first-round pick; Brooklyn's 2024 second-round pick; Golden State's 2024 second-round pick (protected Nos. 56-60); Minnesota's 2025 second-round pick; Brooklyn's 2026 first-round pick; 2026 second-round pick from Dallas, Oklahoma City or Philadelphia (second-most favorable); Brooklyn's 2027 first-round pick (swap rights); Minnesota's 2027 second-round pick

Notable Outbound Draft Picks: 2023 second-round pick to Boston or Indiana; 2024 first-round pick to Oklahoma City (top-four protection); 2026 first-round pick to Oklahoma City (top-four protection); 2027 second-round pick to Oklahoma City or San Antonio

Best Salary-Matching Assets: Boban Marjanović (expiring at $3.5 million)

Toughest Player to Move: None

Most Likely Player to Be Traded: Eric Gordon

Salary-Cap Situation at a Glance: $14.4 million below the luxury tax

What to Watch: Will they finally trade Eric Gordon and/or make some sort of consolidation move?

Trade Idea:

• Houston Rockets Receive: Grayson Allen, Dario Šarić, Indiana's 2025 second-round pick (via Milwaukee), Phoenix's 2026 second-rounder, Milwaukee's 2027 second-round pick, Milwaukee's 2028 second-round pick, Milwaukee's 2029 second-round pick
• Phoenix Suns Receive: Eric Gordon
• Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Jae Crowder

Houston apparently still wants a first for Gordon. Good luck with that. He is 34 and hasn't exactly set the world on fire this season, and any contender that lands him must be prepared to foot the bill on his $20.9 million salary next season if they win the title this year.

Scooping up five second-rounders that convey in 2025 or later without accepting any bad money in return is an absolute win.

Buyers or Sellers: Both

Untouchable Players: Tyrese Haliburton; Bennedict Mathurin

Notable Trade Assets: Oshae Brissett (expiring at $1.8 million); Chris Duarte (two years, $10 million); Buddy Hield (one year, $19.3 million); Isaiah Jackson (two years, $7.1 million); T.J. McConnell (one year, $8.7 million); Andrew Nembhard (three years, $6.3 million); Aaron Nesmith (one year, $5.6 million); Jalen Smith (two years, $10.5 million); Terry Taylor (one year, $1.8 million); Myles Turner (reportedly can still be traded after signing a renegotiate-and-extend)

Notable Inbound Draft Picks: Boston's 2023 first-round pick (top-12 protection; turns into 2023 second if not conveyed); Cleveland's 2023 first-round pick (lottery protection; turns into 2025 and L.A. Lakers' 2026 seconds if not conveyed); 2023 second-round pick from Dallas, Houston or Miami; Utah's 2027 second-round pick

Notable Outbound Draft Picks: 2023 second-round pick to Sacramento or San Antonio; 2025 second-round pick to Milwaukee; 2026 second-round pick to Boston, Memphis, Minnesota or San Antonio; 2027 second-round pick to Oklahoma City or San Antonio

Notable Outbound Draft Picks:

Best Salary-Matching Assets: Goga Bitadze (expiring at $4.8 million; restricted free agent this summer)

Toughest Player to Move: Daniel Theis (one year, $9.1 million; 2024-25 team option)

Most Likely Player to Be Traded: Isaiah Jackson

Salary-Cap Situation at a Glance: $13.5 million below the luxury tax

What to Watch: Does their recent slide down the standings without Tyrese Haliburton prompt them to sell? Or are they opportunistic buyers after the renegotiate-and-extend with Myles Turner? Will they move Isaiah Jackson after the Turner extension?

Trade Idea:

• Indiana Pacers Receive: John Collins, Justin Holiday
• Atlanta Hawks Receive: Zach Collins, Josh Richardson, Oshae Brissett OR Jalen Smith, Cleveland's 2023 first-round pick (lottery protection; turns into 2025 and 2026 seconds if not conveyed)
• San Antonio Spurs Receive: Chris Duarte, Jalen Johnson, Daniel Theis

Myles Turner's extension doesn't guarantee that he starts next season in Indiana, but if it is a nod toward the Pacers trying to re-accelerate their Eastern Conference position, then Collins is a fantastic buy-medium option.

Much is being made about the $78.5 million he's owed over the next three years. That number won't seem so high in an environment that allows him to play the 4 on defense while functioning more like a 5 on offense. Indy can easily justify giving up Durate with Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard and Buddy Hield in the fold.

Atlanta won't do much better if perception of Collins' deal has truly cratered. It increases big-picture wiggle room beneath the tax and balances out the rotation with a rock-solid reserve wing in Richardson. Collins, meanwhile, can play alongside Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu or be the 5 himself. The first-rounder from Cleveland will be anywhere from the late-teens to the mid-20s—compensation you couldn't envision Collins going for two years ago, but a sweetener that feels eminently reasonable now.

Buyers or Sellers: Buyers

Untouchable Players: Paul George; Kawhi Leonard

Notable Trade Assets: Nicolas Batum (one year, $11.7 million); Brandon Boston Jr. (one year, $1.8 million); Amir Coffey (two years, $7.6 million); Terance Mann (two years, $22 million); Jason Preston (one year, $1.8 million); Ivica Zubac (two years, $22.7 million)

Notable Trade Exceptions: $9.7 million (expires Feb. 10)

Notable Inbound Draft Picks: None

Notable Outbound Draft Picks: 2023 first-round pick to Oklahoma City (swap rights); 2024 first-round pick to Oklahoma City; 2025 first-round pick to Oklahoma City (swap rights); 2026 first-round pick to Oklahoma City; 2027 second-round pick to Atlanta

Best Salary-Matching Assets: Robert Covington (one year, $11.7 million); Reggie Jackson (expiring at $11.2 million); Luke Kennard (two years, $30.8 million); Marcus Morris Sr. (one year, $17.1 million); Norman Powell (three years, $57.6 million); John Wall ($6.8 million team option)

Toughest Player to Move: Norman Powell

Most Likely Player to Be Traded: Luke Kennard

Salary-Cap Situation at a Glance: $41.7 million over the luxury tax

What to Watch: Will they include a first-round pick to make a meaningful upgrade? What's the best they can do if they don't trade a first?

Trade Idea:

• L.A. Clippers Receive: Mike Conley
• Utah Jazz Receive: Robert Covington, Reggie Jackson, 2024 second-round pick

Maybe the Jazz balk at this proposal. Conley is critical to their offensive structure. But they have guards for days, and Covington offers a defensive playmaking boost on the frontline who will earn roughly half of what Conley is owed next season ($24.4 million, with $14.3 million guaranteed). Taking on Jackson (or John Wall) would be no sweat. Both come off the books after this year. (Wall has a team option.)

Conley is the quintessential floor general to throw inside the Clippers offense. He doesn't get all the way downhill a bunch, but he is slippery inside the arc, knows how to run an offense and will have no trouble playing off Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in the half court.

Buyers or Sellers: Buyers

Untouchable Players: Anthony Davis; LeBron James (can't be traded after signing extension)

Notable Trade Assets: Thomas Bryant (expiring at $1.8 million); Max Christie (one year, $1.7 million); Rui Hachimura (expiring at $6.3 million; RFA this summer; can't be aggregated with other players); Austin Reaves (Early Bird RFA); Lonnie Walker IV (expiring at $6.5 million)

Notable Inbound Draft Picks: 2024 second-round pick from Memphis or Washington (less favorable)

Notable Outbound Draft Picks: 2023 first-round pick to New Orleans (swap rights); 2024 first-round pick to New Orleans (NOP has right to defer until 2025); 2024 second-round pick to San Antonio; 2026 second-round pick to Cleveland; 2028 first-round pick to Orlando or Washington; 2029 first-round pick to Washington

Best Salary-Matching Assets: Patrick Beverley (expiring at $13 million)

Toughest Player to Move: Russell Westbrook (expiring at $47.1 million)

Most Likely Player to Be Traded: Patrick Beverley

Salary-Cap Situation at a Glance: $19.6 million into the luxury tax

What to Watch: Will they trade their 2027 and/or 2029 first? Can they swing another upgrade without moving first-round equity?

Trade Idea:

• Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Josh Richardson
• San Antonio Spurs Receive: Patrick Beverley, 2025 second-round pick, 2027 second-round pick 

Pretty much everyone wants the Lakers to make a bigger deal. It feels unlikely. The star-trade market is nonexistent, and L.A.'s top shelf offer (salary, two firsts and two swaps) can be easily beaten unless someone (like Bradley Beal) is dead set on getting their way to Hollywood.

Adding an actual wing goes a long way. Richardson would immediately close games while giving the Lakers a more viable option against the other team's best perimeter player than LeBron James or Rui Hachimura.

Beverley instantly becomes a buyout candidate in San Antonio. The Spurs should be fine parting with Richardson, a free agent this summer, if it secures them two could-be-interesting second-rounders.

Buyers or Sellers: Buyers

Untouchable Players: Desmond Bane; Brandon Clarke (poison pill); Jaren Jackson Jr.; Ja Morant

Notable Trade Assets: Steven Adams (two years, $25.2 million); Santi Aldama (two years, $6.2 million); Dillion Brooks (expiring at $11.4 million); Tyus Jones (one year, $14 million); John Konchar (four years, $21 million); Jake LaRavia (three years, $11.8 million); David Roddy (three years, $10.4 million); Xavier Tillman (one year, $1.9 million); Ziaire Williams (two years, $10.9 million)

Notable Inbound Draft Picks: Minnesota's 2023 second-round pick; Golden State's 2024 first-round pick (top-four protection); 2024 second-round pick from Cleveland, Indiana or Utah); Toronto's 2024 second-round pick; New Orleans' 2025 second-round pick; 2026 second-round pick from Boston, Indiana or Miami (most favorable)

Notable Outbound Draft Picks: 2024 second-round pick to Detroit or Lakers; 2025 second-round pick to Oklahoma City or Orlando; 2026 second-round pick to Golden State or Utah

Best Salary-Matching Assets: Danny Green (expiring at $12 million)

Toughest Player to Move: Steven Adams

Most Likely Player to Be Traded: Danny Green

Salary-Cap Situation at a Glance: $28.9 million below the luxury tax

What to Watch: Are they willing to consolidate some of their youth and picks into a win-now move?

Trade Idea:

• Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Kyle Kuzma (player option)
• Washington Wizards Receive: Danny Green, David Roddy, 2024 first-round pick (lottery protected)

Not-so-deep down, we all know the Grizzlies won't go nuclear at the trade deadline. That's not their M.O. under the current front office.

Still, surrendering a young player and pick for Kuzma is far from nuclear. His free agency looms, but he beefs up the 3 and 4 rotation enough that Memphis should want to retain him.

That could get thorny with Ja Morant on a max deal and Desmond Bane about to be extension-eligible. But the bargain of a Jaren Jackson Jr. contract affords the Grizzlies some additional flexibility at the top. More importantly, this trade significantly glitters up their 2023 title stock.

Buyers or Sellers: Buyers

Untouchable Players: Bam Adebayo; Jimmy Butler; Tyler Herro (poison pill)

Notable Trade Assets: Haywood Highsmith (one year, $1.9 million); Nikola Jović (three years, $9.4 million); Caleb Martin (two years, $13.9 million); Victor Oladipo ($9.5 million player option for 2023-24; must consent to trade); Max Strus (expiring at $1.8 million); Gabe Vincent (expiring at $1.8 million)

Notable Inbound Draft Picks: 2026 second-round draft pick from Dallas, Oklahoma City or Philadelphia

Notable Outbound Draft Picks: 2023 second-round draft pick to Boston, Indiana or Oklahoma City; 2024 second-round draft pick to Atlanta or New York; 2025 first-round pick to Oklahoma City (lottery protection in 2025; unprotected in 2026); 2025 second-round pick to Brooklyn or Indiana; 2026 second-round pick to Boston, Memphis, Minnesota or San Antonio; 2027 second-round pick to Oklahoma City or San Antonio

Best Salary-Matching Assets: Dewayne Dedmon (expiring at $4.3 million; his 2023-24 salary is non-guaranteed); Kyle Lowry (one year, $29.7 million)

Toughest Player to Move: Duncan Robinson (three years, $57.5 million)

Most Likely Player to Be Traded: Dewayne Dedmon

Salary-Cap Situation at a Glance: $185K below the luxury tax

What to Watch: Can they upgrade the forward rotation and overall complementary offense? How big of a swing are they willing to take?

Trade Idea:

• Miami Heat Receive: Eric Gordon, K.J. Martin
• Houston Rockets Receive: Dewayne Dedmon, Nikola Jović, Duncan Robinson, 2023 first-round pick (top-eight protection; turns into a 2026 second via Dallas, Oklahoma City or Philadelphia if it doesn't convey)

Getting off Robinson's money should be a fairly big priority with Max Strus headed for free agency and the Heat already profiling as a 2023-24 taxpayer. But they don't have the depth to burn firsts without also nabbing rotation players.

The Rockets should have the stomach for this deal. Jović was just taken with the No. 27 pick, and they're getting an immediate first for their troubles. They can waive Dedmon after this season, and Robinson's money, while substantial, doesn't prohibit them from making a splash with cap space in free agency.

It's not like they're losing core players, either. Gordon is gone after this year, and Martin will probably follow suit once his deal is up next season. If this isn't enough for Houston to take on Robinson and send back Martin, Miami should still seriously consider doing it without the latter.

Buyers or Sellers: Buyers

Untouchable Players: Giannis Antetokounmpo; Jrue Holiday; Khris Middleton

Notable Trade Assets: MarJon Beauchamp (three years, $10.1 million); Jevon Carter ($2.2 million player option; must consent to trade); Pat Connaughton (three years, $28.3 million); Brook Lopez (expiring at $13.9 million); Bobby Portis (three years, $37.8 million)

Notable Inbound Draft Picks: 2023 second-round pick from Cleveland or Golden State (less favorable); 2024 second-round pick from Portland; 2025 second-round pick from Indiana

Notable Outbound Draft Picks: 2023 first-round pick to Houston; 2024 first-round pick to New Orleans (swap rights); 2025 first-round pick to New Orleans or New York; 2025 second-round pick to Cleveland; 2026 first-round pick to New Orleans (swap rights); 2026 second-round pick to Orlando; 2027 first-round pick to New Orleans

Best Salary-Matching Assets: Grayson Allen (one year, $9.4 million); Joe Ingles (expiring at $6.5 million); Jordan Nwora (one year, $3.2 million)

Toughest Player to Move: Bobby Portis

Most Likely Player to Be Traded: Grayson Allen

Salary-Cap Situation at a Glance: $26.4 million into the luxury tax

What to Watch: Is their 2029 first on the table? Can they get an impact wing player without it?

Trade Idea:

• Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Malik Beasley, Jae Crowder, 2026 second-round pick (via Phoenix), 2027 second-round pick (via Phoenix)
• Phoenix Suns Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Joe Ingles
• Utah Jazz Receive: Grayson Allen, MarJon Beauchamp, George Hill, 2029 first-round pick (top-eight protection; turns into 2029 second if not conveyed)

How all-in are the Bucks willing to go this season? The answer should be "very."

Bankrupting what's left of their first-round stash is a steep opportunity cost. This return is worth it. Malik Beasley arms them with a high-volume flamethrower from deep, and they get a sturdy combo-forward presence they're already lusting after in Crowder who, like Beasley, advances the four-out lineup models around Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Bucks will miss Ingles' half-court playmaking. But they don't need it if Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton are all available.

Utah should be on board with getting a loosely projected first down the line and a wing prospect to roll out immediately—all without taking back any terrible or long-term money. Reunions with Allen and Hill might be awkward, but the new front-office regime will deal.

Phoenix should be thrilled to stumble into Vanderbilt's rebounding, defense, downhill thrust and overall energy. Ingles could end up being a stealthy addition as a tertiary ball-handler. Landing both while giving up only Crowder and a second is a big-time victory.

Buyers or Sellers: Both

Untouchable Players: Anthony Edwards; Karl-Anthony Towns (ineligible to be traded after signing extension)

Notable Trade Assets: Kyle Anderson (one year, $9.2 million); Nathan Knight (one year, $2 million, must consent to trade); Jaden McDaniels (one year, $3.9 million); Jordan McLaughlin (one year, $2.3 million, guarantees on Jun. 30); Wendell Moore Jr. (three years, $9.5 million); Jaylen Nowell (expiring at $1.9 million); Taurean Prince (one year, $7.7 million, non-guaranteed until Jun. 28); Naz Reid (expiring at $1.9 million)

Notable Inbound Draft Picks: New York's 2023 second-round picks; 2026 second-round pick from Indiana, Miami or San Antonio (least favorable)

Notable Outbound Draft Picks: 2023 first-round pick to Utah; 2023 second-round pick to Memphis; 2024 second-round pick to Oklahoma City or Portland; 2025 first-round pick to Utah; 2025 second-round pick to Houston; 2026 first-round pick to Utah (swap rights); 2026 second-round pick to Detroit or New York; 2027 first-round pick to Utah; 2027 second-round pick to Houston; 2029 first-round pick to Utah (top-five protection; turns into 2029 second if not conveyed)

Best Salary-Matching Assets: D'Angelo Russell (expiring at $31.4 million)

Toughest Player to Move: Rudy Gobert (three years, $131.5 million)

Most Likely Player to Be Traded: Naz Reid

Salary-Cap Situation at a Glance: $3.1 million below the luxury tax

What to Watch: Do they move soon-to-be free agents Naz Reid or D'Angelo Russell? Can they make any upgrades to the perimeter defense, shooting or playmaking without any firsts to deal?

Trade Idea:

• Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Mike Conley, Terance Mann, John Wall
• L.A. Clippers Receive: Bryn Forbes, Naz Reid, D'Angelo Russell
• Utah Jazz Receive: Robert Covington, Reggie Jackson, New York's 2023 second-round pick (via Minnesota), L.A. Clippers' 2024 second-round pick

Figuring out Russell's value is all sorts of difficult. He has torn it up in recent weeks, but the absence of an extension looms large. If he and the Timberwolves can't come to terms, Minnesota is better off moving him for players who crack the rotation and fill that salary slot.

Conley is an idealistic fit. Keeping him next year will run high ($24.4 million). But DLo should cost around the same—only for more total years. Conley has experience playing with Gobert and is the prototypical floor general for an offense currently in the process of turning the keys over to Anthony Edwards.

Grabbing Terance Mann would be monstrous. His rim pressure from the perimeter will fit right in, and he can hold his own guarding on the wings. Losing Reid stings, but he's headed for free agency, and the Timberwolves can't pony up much when they have so much invested in Gobert and Towns.

Whether the Clippers want to pair DLo with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard is debatable. Russell is not the ideal off-ball player. But he's a legitimate half-court engine who should thrive amid L.A.'s spacing (and load-management rotations), and Reid provides stretchy frontcourt depth behind Ivica Zubac.

Other squads might shy from taking on two soon-to-be free agents. Clippers governor Steve Ballmer won't care if the highest-end outcome is shiny enough. Utah could push for more in this deal. But Covington is a nice fit in the frontcourt and half as cheap as Conley's full 2023-24 salary, and the Jazz have backcourt bodies to spare.

Buyers or Sellers: Buyers

Untouchable Players: Brandon Ingram; CJ McCollum (cannot be traded after signing extension); Zion Williamson

Notable Trade Assets: Jose Alvarado (two years, $3.8 million); Dyson Daniels (three years, $19.6 million); Herb Jones (one year, $1.8 million); Kira Lewis Jr. (one year, $5.7 million); Naji Marshall (one year, $1.9 million); Trey Murphy (two years, $8.6 million); Larry Nance Jr. (two years, $21.4 million); Jonas Valančiūnas (one year, $15.4 million)

Notable Inbound Draft Picks: Lakers' 2023 first-round pick (swap rights); Lakers' 2024 first-round pick (right to defer until 2025); Milwaukee's 2024 first-round pick (swap rights); Chicago's 2024 second-round pick; Milwaukee's 2025 first-round pick (protected Nos. 5 to 30); Milwaukee's 2026 first-round pick (swap rights); Milwaukee's 2027 first-round pick

Notable Outbound Draft Picks: 2023 second-round pick to Atlanta (top-45 protection); 2025 second-round pick to Memphis; 2026 second-round pick to Detroit (effectively a swap; Portland incoming); 2027 second-round pick to Portland

Best Salary-Matching Assets: Devonte' Graham (two years, $24.8 million; only $2.8 million guaranteed in final season); Jaxson Hayes (expiring at $6.8 million); Garrett Temple ($5.4 million salary for 2023-24 guarantees on Jun. 30)

Toughest Player to Move: Devonte' Graham

Most Likely Player to Be Traded: Jaxson Hayes

Salary-Cap Situation at a Glance: $3.6 million below the luxury tax

What to Watch: Will injuries prevent them from acting like serious buyers?

Trade Idea:

• New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Malik Beasley
• Utah Jazz Receive: Devonte' Graham, Herb Jones, Chicago's 2024 second-round pick

Giving up on Herb Jones in year two when he's been banged up feels icky, but he's somewhat expendable if the Pelicans have Brandon Ingram, Dyson Daniels and Trey Murphy. Malik Beasley's high-volume three-point sniping is more important than the defensive trade-offs New Orleans might be making in some of its closing units.

The Jazz do not have any defensive-minded wings on the roster, let alone one in the same universe as Jones. Picking up the tab on Graham's final fully guaranteed year and punting on another season of Beasley is well worth the lineup possibilities and potential with Jones, Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler and their army of guards.

Buyers or Sellers: Both

Untouchable Players: Jalen Brunson; R.J. Barrett (poison pill)

Notable Trade Assets: Quentin Grimes (two years, $6.7 million); Deuce McBride (one year, $1.9 million); Julius Randle (three years, $76.3 million); Mitchell Robinson (three years, $43 million); Immanuel Quickley (one year, $4.2 million); Jericho Sims (two years, $4 million); Obi Toppin (one year, $6.8 million)

Notable Inbound Draft Picks: Dallas' 2023 first-round pick (top-10 protection through 2025; turns into 2025 second if not conveyed); Detroit's 2023 first-round pick (top-18 protection through 2024; top-13 protection in 2025; top-11 protection in 2026; top-nine protection in 2027; turnings into 2027 second if not conveyed); Washington's 2023 first-round pick (lottery protection in 2023; top-12 protection in 2024; top-10 protection in 2025; top-eight protection in 2026; turns into 2026 and 2027 seconds if not conveyed); 2024 second-round pick from Cleveland or Utah (more favorable); Detroit's 2024 second-round pick; Miami's 2024 second-round pick; Milwaukee's 2025 first-round pick (top-four protection); Brooklyn's 2025 second-round pick

Notable Outbound Draft Picks: 2023 second-round pick to Minnesota; 2024 second-round pick to Charlotte

Best Salary-Matching Assets: Isaiah Hartenstein (one year, $8.2 million); Cam Reddish (expiring at $6 million); Derrick Rose (expiring at $14.5 million; $15.6 million team option for 2023-24)

Toughest Player to Move: Evan Fournier (one year, $18.9 million; $19 million team option for 2024-25)

Most Likely Player to Be Traded: Cam Reddish

Salary-Cap Situation at a Glance: $7.6 million below the luxury tax

What to Watch: How much do they get for Cam Reddish? Will they consolidate other parts of the rotation? Will they trade a first-round pick or Obi Toppin?

Trade Idea:

• New York Knicks Receive: Josh Hart (player option), Justise Winslow
• Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Isaiah Hartenstein, Cam Reddish

Hartenstein is playing better since Mitchell Robinson went down, but he's not a great fit for how head coach Tom Thibodeau uses his bigs. The Knicks, at full strength, have enough depth up front with Robinson and Jericho Sims and the seldom-used Obi Toppin-Julius Randle combinations.

Portland needs to shore up its backup center situation, and Hartenstein might instantly be its best rim protector while bringing a diverse half-court offensive package. Hart feels like a goner after this season, so exploring whatever the bound-to-be-cheaper Reddish has to offer in advance of restricted free agency is a worthwhile gambit.

Alternatives can be subbed in for Winslow if the Blazers deem him pivotal to the bench when he returns from his ankle injury. The Knicks do this trade for a look at Hart—whose defense, rebounding and transition force could render him an immediate fit and, potentially, a long-term keeper.

Buyers or Sellers: Light buyers

Untouchable Players: Josh Giddey; Shai Gilgeous-Alexander; Chet Holmgren

Notable Trade Assets: Lu Dort (four years, $67.2 million); Ousmane Dieng (three years, $16.6 million); Isaiah Joe (one year, $2 million); Aleksej Pokuševski (one year, $5 million); Tre Mann (two years, $8.1 million); Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (two years, $3.9 million); Aaron Wiggins (two years, $3.8 million); Jalen Williams (three years, $16 million); Jaylin Williams (three years, $6.2 million); Kenrich Williams (four years, $27.3 million)

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: $10.2 million (expires Sept. 30)

Notable Inbound Draft Picks: L.A. Clippers' 2023 first-round pick (swap rights); 2023 second-round pick from Dallas or Miami (more favorable); Washington's 2023 second-round pick; Houston's 2024 first-round pick (top-four protection); L.A. Clippers' 2024 first-round pick; Utah's 2024 first-round pick (lottery protection in 2024; top-10 protection in 2025; top-eight protection in 2026); 2024 second-round pick from Charlotte or Minnesota (less favorable); 2025 first-round pick from Houston or L.A. Clippers (swap rights); Miami's 2025 first-round pick; Philadelphia's 2025 first-round pick (top-six protection in 2025; top-four protection in 2026 and 2027; turns into 2027 second if not conveyed); Atlanta's 2025 second-round pick (top-40 protection); 2025 second-round pick from Boston or Memphis (more favorable); Philadelphia's 2025 second-round pick; Houston's 2026 second-round pick (top-four protection); L.A. Clippers' 2026 first-round pick; Denver's 2027 first-round pick (top-five protection through 2029; turns into 2029 second if not conveyed); Utah's 2028 second-round pick; Atlanta's 2029 second-round pick

Notable Outbound Draft Picks: 2024 second-round pick to Atlanta; 2025 second-round pick to Atlanta

Best Salary-Matching Assets: Darius Bazley ($4.3 million); Mike Muscala ($3.5 million team option)

Toughest Player to Move: None

Most Likely Player to Be Traded: Darius Bazley

Salary-Cap Situation at a Glance: $7.9 million below the luxury tax

What to Watch: Do they even want to make a move?

Trade Idea:

• Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: P.J. Washington
• Charlotte Hornets Receive: Darius Bazley, 2024 first-round pick (less favorable from Oklahoma City or L.A. Clippers; top-16 protection), Philadelphia's 2025 second-round pick

Oklahoma City is overwhelmingly likely to do...absolutely nothing. But it's fun to pretend otherwise.

Adding a player who can reasonably stretch defenses and make plays off the floor and from the elbows would be a boon for the Thunder's frontcourt. They will have the cap space to go after Washington in restricted free agency, but Charlotte can match any offer he receives. Trading for him is cleaner.

Chet Holmgren's injury may preclude Oklahoma City from making any material decisions on the future of the frontline. This isn't a move that commits the organization to anything. Washington should aid their play-in and should be an excellent fit next to Holmgren next year, but the Thunder aren't surrendering a top-flight asset if the former proves too expensive or they prefer to put more of a rim-protecting big next to Chet.

The Hornets have more reasons to say no. This is a trade they co-sign if they expect Washington to get puh-aid and/or they're firing up a more gradual rebuilding process around LaMelo Ball, Mark Williams and this year's draft pick.

Buyers or Sellers: Sellers/Buyers-for-next-season-and-beyond

Untouchable Players: Paolo Banchero; Franz Wagner

Notable Trade Assets: Cole Anthony (one year, $5.5 million); Bol Bol (one year, $2.2 million; non-guaranteed until Jun. 30); Wendell Carter Jr. (three years, $36 million); Markelle Fultz (one year, $17 million; $2 million guaranteed until Jul. 1); Gary Harris (one year, $13 million; non-guaranteed until Jun. 30); Caleb Houstan (three years, $6.2 million; $2 million guaranteed); Chuma Okeke (one year, $5.3 million); Jalen Suggs (two years, $16.5 million)

Notable Inbound Draft Picks: Chicago's 2023 first-round pick (top-four protection in 2023; top-three protection in 2024; turns into 2026 and 2027 seconds if not conveyed); Denver's 2025 first-round pick (top-five protection through 2027; obligation extinguishes if not conveyed); 2025 second-round pick from Boston or Memphis (less favorable); Detroit's 2026 second-round pick; Milwaukee's 2026 second-round pick; Boston's 2027 second-round pick; Boston's 2028 second-round pick (top-45 protection); 2028 second-round pick from L.A. Lakers or Washington (more favorable)

Notable Outbound Draft Picks: None

Best Salary-Matching Assets: Mo Bamba (one year, $10.3 million; non-guaranteed until Jun. 29); R.J. Hampton (expiring at $2.4 million); Jonathan Isaac (two years, $34.8 million; $7.6 million guaranteed next season; 2024-25 fully non-guaranteed); Terrence Ross (expiring at $11.5 million)

Toughest Player to Move: Jonathan Isaac

Most Likely Player to Be Traded: Mo Bamba

Salary-Cap Situation at a Glance: $28.8 million below the luxury tax

What to Watch: Do they reroute Mo Bamba, Gary Harris or Terrence Ross? Can they find a third-draft home for R.J. Hampton?

Trade Idea:

• Orlando Magic Receive: Joe Harris
• Brooklyn Nets: Mo Bamba, Terrence Ross

Harris has seen his role with the Nets wax and wane this season. Orlando has more wiggle room inside its perimeter rotation and shouldn't shy away from the $19.9 million he's owed next season. The free-agent market isn't especially deep, and his functional shooting stroke will fit nicely around Paolo Banchero, Markelle Fultz and Franz Wagner. Harris is canning 44.7 percent of his triples since the start of January.

Perhaps the Magic believe they have a genuine chance to sign Fred VanVleet (player option). That's fine. But big-time players tend to move via trades these days. If poaching him isn't in the cards, Harris' salary next season becomes quality salary-matching for any win-now swings.

Brooklyn shouldn't have qualms about shipping out Harris for what might be two expirings. Seth Curry is playing more than Harris, and the Nets could use another big in the rotation—particularly one who's a simpler offensive fit alongside Ben Simmons than Nicolas Claxton.

This package does add to Brooklyn's tax bill. Another salary can be sent Orlando's way to offset it. Patty Mills (player option) shouldn't be a deal-breaker for the Magic. He's a good locker room presence, and they can try to leverage taking on him (and Harris) into a 2029 second-rounder.

Buyers or Sellers: Buyers

Untouchable Players: Joel Embiid; James Harden

Notable Trade Assets: Tyrese Maxey (one year, $4.3 million); De'Anthony Melton (one year, $8 million; non-guaranteed until Jul. 3); Shake Milton (expiring at $2 million); Georges Niang (expiring at $3.5 million); Paul Reed (expiring at $1.8 million); Matisse Thybulle (expiring at $4.4 million; restricted free agent this summer)

Notable Inbound Draft Picks: 2023 second-round pick from Atlanta, Brooklyn or Charlotte (most favorable)

Notable Outbound Draft Picks: 2023 first-round pick to Brooklyn or Utah; 2025 first-round pick to Oklahoma City (top-six protection in 2025; top-four protection in 2026 and 2027; turns into 2027 second if not conveyed); 2025 second-round pick to Oklahoma City; 2026 second-round pick to Houston, Miami or Oklahoma City; 2027 first-round pick to Brooklyn (top-eight protection through 2028; turns into 2028 second if not conveyed)

Best Salary-Matching Assets: Tobias Harris (one year, $39.3 million); Montrezl Harrell ($2.8 million player option); Furkan Korkmaz (one year, $5.4 million); Jaden Springer (two years, $6.2 million; team option for 2024-25); P.J. Tucker (two years, $22.6 million)

Toughest Player to Move: Tobias Harris

Most Likely Player to Be Traded: Furkan Korkmaz

Salary-Cap Situation at a Glance: $1.2 million into the luxury tax

What to Watch: Do they have a meaningful move in them? Can they tack on some wing depth? How will they duck the luxury tax? Is Matisse Thybulle a goner in advance of RFA?

Trade Idea:

• Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Cody Martin
• Charlotte Hornets Receive: Furkan Korkmaz, Matisse Thybulle, 2028 second-round pick

Martin is battling left knee issues and hasn't looked great when available. That just means it's a good time for Philly to try buying low. Martin fills a bunch of gaps at both ends, and Charlotte might be skittish amid his injuries after signing him to a new contract over the summer. He has two years and $15.7 million guaranteed following this one, with a completely non-guaranteed $8.7 million salary in 2025-26.

Philly might prefer a perimeter player who is higher-volume from deep—and has a better track record of making them. Martin's 38.4 percent clip on triples last year is an outlier compared to his career clip (31.8 percent) and came on just 3.1 attempts per 36 minutes.

Asset-strapped buyers can't be choosy, though. This deal gets the Sixers under the tax and gives them someone who, if healthy, could feasibly crack the playoff rotation. Philly is free to walk away if Charlotte wants more for eating next year's Korkmaz money. Sending them Thybulle to test drive ahead of restricted free agency is enough compensation. Especially when Martin's deal isn't looking so hot itself right now.

Buyers or Sellers: Buyers

Untouchable Players: Devin Booker (can't be traded after signing extension)

Notable Trade Assets: Deandre Ayton (three years, $102.1 million; must consent to trade); Bismack Biyombo (expiring at $1.8 million); Mikal Bridges (three years, $69.9 million); Cameron Johnson (expiring at $5.9 million; RFA this summer); Damion Lee (expiring at $1.8 million); Josh Okogie (expiring at $1.8 million)

Notable Inbound Draft Picks: None

Notable Outbound Draft Picks: None

Best Salary-Matching Assets: Torrey Craig (expiring at $5.1 million); Jae Crowder (expiring at $10.2 million); Cameron Payne (one year, $6.5 million; $2 million guaranteed); Chris Paul (two years, $60.8 million; only $15.8 million guaranteed); Dario Šarić (expiring at $9.3 million); Landry Shamet (two years, $23.3 million; second season non-guaranteed)

Toughest Player to Move: Chris Paul

Most Likely Player to Be Traded: Jae Crowder

Salary-Cap Situation at a Glance: $17.1 million into the tax

What to Watch: Will the pending sale of the team prevent them from making bigger splashes? Where does Jae Crowder finally end up? Do they build their top-shelf offers around picks and salary or Deandre Ayton?

Trade Idea:

• Phoenix Suns Receive: Chris Boucher, Richaun Holmes, Fred VanVleet (player option)
• Sacramento Kings Receive: Jae Crowder
• Toronto Raptors Receive: Deandre Ayton, Cameron Payne, 2024 second-round pick (via Sacramento), Portland's 2025 second-round pick (via Sacramento)

VanVleet has piqued the interest of the Suns, who are apparently planning for life after Chris Paul. More than a few will be turned off by pairing both with Devin Booker. Not me. VanVleet is a tough enough defender to try playing all three together. FVV playoff-proofs the offense even if head coach Monty Williams takes a purely staggered approach.

Ayton must consent to this trade. Assuming he does, it's not clear if the Suns would. Ayton is 24 and under contract for three more years. He could be seen as the more valuable asset. But Phoenix can't expect to get much more than a protected first-rounder or so as part of this deal. Ayton hasn't been nearly effective enough to justify his deal. Some might prefer VanVleet's expiring deal to the next three years of Ayton's max.

Reeling in two other bigs will soften the blow up front for Phoenix, which is already getting serious mileage out of Bismack Biyombo. Holmes' stock has dropped, but he's spent most of the year buried in Sacramento. The Suns have an instant use for him.

Toronto is relinquishing a ton of shot creation going from VanVleet to Ayton. That's how it goes. The Raptors won't be moving VanVleet as part of a positional upgrade. They'll be left to figure out the rest later no matter. The fit between Ayton and Pascal Siakam up front could get clunky, but Toronto has interest in checking it out anyway, per Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer.

Buyers or Sellers: Should-be sellers who will (probably only marginally) buy

Untouchable Players: Damian Lillard

Notable Trade Assets: Jerami Grant (expiring at $21 million); Josh Hart ($13 million player option); Keon Johnson (two years, $7.3 million); Nassir Little (four years, $28 million); Shaedon Sharpe (three years, $21.3 million); Anfernee Simons (three years, $77.7 million); Jabari Walker (two years, $3.7 million)

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: $6.5 million (expires Feb. 6)

Notable Inbound Draft Picks: 2024 second-round pick from Charlotte or Minnesota (more favorable); 2027 second-round draft pick from New Orleans

Notable Outbound Draft Picks: 2023 first-round pick to Chicago (lottery protection through 2028; turns into 2028 second if not conveyed); 2023 second-round pick to Boston; 2024 second-round pick to Milwaukee; 2025 second-round pick to Sacramento; 2026 second-round pick to Detroit or New Orleans

Best Salary-Matching Assets: Jusuf Nurkić (three years, $54.4 million); Gary Payton II (two years, $17.8 million); Justise Winslow (expiring at $4.1 million)

Toughest Player to Move: Jusuf Nurkić

Most Likely Player to Be Traded: Josh Hart

Salary-Cap Situation at a Glance: $68K below the luxury tax

What to Watch: Will they move Josh Hart? Are they open to moving Jerami Grant? Do they have a big swing in them?

Trade Idea:

• Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Naz Reid
• Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Keon Johnson, 2024 second-round pick from Charlotte or Minnesota's own (more favorable), 2027 second-round pick from New Orleans or Portland (less favorable)

Apologies to Blazers fans. I tried like hell to propose an OG Anunoby or Pascal Siakam monster package. But the first-rounder Portland owes to Chicago is beyond prohibitive. Anunoby might be gettable if Shaedon Sharpe is on the table. After polling a bunch of people inside the market, it's clear he wouldn't be. (That's a mistake, by the way.)

So, we settle into a backup-big scenario. Reid isn't Fort Knox as a rim protector, but he promises a dab of long-range shooting, some rebounding and an operable outside-in floor game.

Minnesota should want more than a pair of seconds and a stab-in-the-dark at a 20-year-old bounce house. But reality has it over a barrel.

Reid doesn't make enough to bring back substance on his own, and the Wolves don't have the dispensable matching salary to angle for bigger deals without moving D'Angelo Russell or Taurean Prince. And while they don't have to move Reid, it behooves them to be pro-active. He's a free agent this summer, and they've already committed superstar money to Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns.

Buyers or Sellers: Buyers

Untouchable Players: De'Aaron Fox; Domantas Sabonis

Notable Trade Assets: Harrison Barnes (expiring at $18.4 million); Kevin Huerter (three years, $50.5 million); Trey Lyles (expiring at $2.6 million); Davion Mitchell (two years, $11.6 million); Malik Monk (one year, $9.9 million); Keegan Murray (three years, $28.3 million)

Notable Inbound Draft Picks: Indiana's 2023 second-round pick (protected for Nos. 56-60); Dallas' 2024 second-round pick; Portland's 2025 second-round pick; Dallas' 2028 second-round pick

Notable Outbound Draft Picks: 2024 first-round pick to Atlanta (lottery protection in 2024; top-12 protection in 2025; top-10 protection in 2026; turns into 2026 and 2027 seconds if not conveyed)

Best Salary-Matching Assets: Terence Davis (expiring at $4 million); Richaun Holmes (two years, $24.9 million)

Toughest Player to Move: Richaun Holmes

Most Likely Player to Be Traded: Richaun Holmes

Salary-Cap Situation at a Glance: $17.9 million below the luxury tax

What to Watch: Do they have the asset ammo to make a trade given their thorny first-round obligation to Atlanta?

Trade Idea:

• Sacramento Kings Receive: Josh Hart (player option)
• Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Richaun Holmes, 2024 second-round pick, Portland's 2025 second-round pick, cash

Anything the Kings can do to vitalize their defense would be massive for their playoff-series(!) stock. But sussing out (realistic) hypotheticals that move the needle is tough. They can't guarantee a first-round pick before 2026, and both Harrison Barnes and Davion Mitchell are more valuable to this team than others. Sacramento can dangle Keegan Murray, but shipping him out as a rookie would demand a primo return.

Using Holmes' salary to take in another middle-rung contract is the Kings' best bet. Even that might be difficult. Holmes has barely been in the rotation this season and is owed $24.9 million over the next two years.

Portland can justify sponging up that money. It needs a truer backup 5, and if the readily available Jusuf Nurkić gets sent elsewhere, Peak Holmes is starter material. That the Blazers almost assuredly won't pay Hart and Jerami Grant also makes them one of the few organizations potentially open to striking a wing-for-big trade.

Getting Hart outfits the Kings with more defensive lineup possibilities, and he knows how to run the floor. He shouldn't be as shy about launching threes in this offense, either. His upcoming free agency could give Sacramento pause. Barnes is hitting the open market, too. But retaining both is more plausible with Holmes' salary off the books.

Buyers or Sellers: Sellers

Untouchable Players: Keldon Johnson (poison pill); Devin Vassell (one year, $5.9 million)

Notable Trade Assets: Malaki Branham (three years, $11.3 million); Zach Collins (one year, $7.7 million); Tre Jones (expiring at $1.8 million; RFA this summer); Jakob Poeltl (expiring at $9.4 million); Josh Richardson (expiring at $12.2 million); Jeremy Sochan (three years, $18 million); Blake Wesley (three years, $9.8 million)

Notable Inbound Draft Picks: Charlotte's 2023 first-round pick (top-16 protection in 2023; lottery protection in 2024 and 2025; turns into 2026 and 2027 seconds if not conveyed); L.A. Lakers' 2024 second-round pick; Atlanta's 2025 first-round pick; Chicago's 2025 first-round pick (top-10 protection for one year; top-eight protection for two more years; turns into 2028 second if not conveyed); Chicago's 2025 second-round pick; Atlanta's 2026 first-round pick (swap rights); Atlanta's 2027 first-round pick; 2027 second-round pick from Houston, Indiana, Miami or Oklahoma City (least favorable); Boston's 2028 first-round pick (swap rights); Denver's 2028 second-round pick (top-33 protection)

Notable Outbound Draft Picks: None

Best Salary-Matching Assets: Romeo Langford (expiring at $5.6 million; RFA this summer); Doug McDermott (one year, $13.8 million)

Toughest Player to Move: Doug McDermott

Most Likely Player to Be Traded: Josh Richardson

Salary-Cap Situation at a Glance: $26.9 million in cap space

What to Watch: Will they move or keep Jakob Poeltl? Are they ready to take on salary with their cap space?

Trade Idea:

• San Antonio Spurs Receive: Isaac Okoro, Dylan Windler
• Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Josh Richardson

Richardson has been killing it for the Spurs since the start of January (pre-knee injury)—so much so, maybe they'd rather not move him and instead look into what he'll cost to bring back during free agency. San Antonio doesn't have to sell in order to preserve its Victor Wembanyama stake, after all.

Then again, Richardson is 29, and the Spurs are in the infancy of their rebuild. His most recent standout stretch is best viewed as an opportunity to increase the return on prospective trades.

It'll be fairly surprising if they extract a first-round pick for his services, but might the Cavs be willing to call it quits with the Isaac Okoro experiment? He is shooting 46.8 percent from three over his last 20ish games, but that comes on super modest volume. And although his defense is super important when running out two small guards, there's no guarantee his offense holds up long enough in the playoffs for him to even be on the floor.

Richardson poses no such obstacles. The Cavs can exchange the two without feeling like they've settled. And the Spurs can definitely afford to plumb the depths of a 22-year-old wing with another year left on his rookie scale.

Buyers or Sellers: Maybe both but also potentially neither

Untouchable Players: Scottie Barnes; Pascal Siakam

Notable Trade Assets: Precious Achiuwa (one year, $4.4 million); O.G. Anunoby (two years, $38.6 million; player option for 2024-25); Christian Koloko (two years, $3.7 million); Gary Trent Jr. ($18.6 million player option); Fred VanVleet ($22.8 million player option)

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: $5.3 million (expires Feb. 10)

Notable Inbound Draft Picks: None

Notable Outbound Draft Picks: 2024 second-round pick to Memphis

Best Salary-Matching Assets: Chris Boucher (two years, $22.6 million); Malachi Flynn (one year, $3.9 million); Otto Porter Jr. ($6.3 million player option); Thaddeus Young (one year, $8.2 million; $1 million guaranteed)

Toughest Player to Move: Khem Birch (one year, $7 million)

Most Likely Player to Be Traded: Gary Trent Jr.

Salary-Cap Situation at a Glance: $4.5 million below the luxury tax

What to Watch: Will they entertain offers for O.G. Anunoby, Gary Trent Jr., Fred VanVleet and/or Pascal Siakam? Can they add shot-making depth and a big? Are they willing to act like buyers?

Trade Idea

• Toronto Raptors Receive: Devonte' Graham, Jaxson Hayes, 2024 first-round pick (lottery-protected; turns into 2024 and 2028 seconds if not conveyed), Chicago's 2024 second-round pick
• New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Gary Trent Jr.

Coming up with Trent trades is the safest form of Raptors speculation. He more so than anyone else is the top-five player for whom they seem unlikely to break open the piggy bank. Moving him also represents less of a fundamental change to their roster; it is akin to selling in this case, but a far cry from blowing it up.

Trent's three-point volume and on-ball nitrous and at-times-ungoverned defensive activity are seamless fits for the Pelicans. New Orleans just so happens to have got-your-attention assets, too.

Granted, taking on the extra year of Graham—who is owed $12.1 million next season and guaranteed $2.9 million in 2024-25—isn't palatable. But the Raptors offense could use the concept of Graham: someone who can knock down threes and put defenses on tilt off the dribble even though he's a crummy finisher at the cup.

Turning Trent into a first-rounder, a potentially quality second-rounder and a half-year of seeing whether Hayes can deliver pop at the 5 is a hyperreasonable return. To be honest, even when factoring in the Graham element, it'll be a surprise if Toronto could do much better.

Buyers or Sellers: Sellers

Untouchable Players: Lauri Markkanen; Walker Kessler

Notable Trade Assets: Ochai Agbaji (three years, $14.8 million); Malik Beasley ($16.5 million team option); Jordan Clarkson ($14.3 million player option); Mike Conley (one year, $24.4 million; $14.3 million guaranteed); Collin Sexton (three years, $54.5 million); Jarred Vanderbilt (one year, $4.7 million)

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: $9.8 million (expires Feb. 9); $9.6 million (expires July 6); $6.7 million (expires Sept. 22)

Notable Inbound Draft Picks: 2023 first-round pick from Brooklyn, Houston or Philadelphia (least favorable); Minnesota's 2023 first-round pick; Cleveland's 2025 first-round pick; Minnesota's 2025 first-round pick; 2026 first-round pick from Cleveland or Minnesota (swap rights); Memphis' 2026 second-round pick (protected Nos. 43-60); Cleveland's 2027 first-round pick; Minnesota's 2027 first-round pick; Cleveland's 2028 first-round pick (swap rights); Cleveland's 2029 first-round pick; Minnesota's 2029 first-round pick (top-five protection)

Notable Outbound Draft Picks: 2023 second-round pick to Charlotte; 2024 first-round pick to Oklahoma City (top-10 protection through 2025; top-eight protection in 2026); 2024 second-round pick to Indiana, Memphis or New York; 2027 second-round pick to Indiana; 2028 second-round pick to Oklahoma City

Best Salary-Matching Assets: Nickeil Alexander-Walker (expiring at $5 million; RFA this summer); Simone Fontecchio (one year, $3.2 million); Rudy Gay ($6.5 million player option); Talen Horton-Tucker ($11 million player option); Kelly Olynyk (one year, $12.2 million; $3 million guaranteed)

Toughest Player to Move: Talen Horton-Tucker

Most Likely Player to Be Traded: Malik Beasley

Salary-Cap Situation at a Glance: $6.9 million below the luxury tax

What to Watch: Will they, in fact, sell? Or could they look to acquire an impact player for the stretch run instead?

Trade Idea

• Utah Jazz Receive: Evan Fournier, Obi Toppin, 2023 first-round pick (less favorable from Dallas or New York), Detroit's 2024 second-round pick
• New York Knicks Receive: Malik Beasley

This doesn't look like a deal the Jazz would propose on the surface. Why would they offer to saddle their books with another full year of Fournier?

Uh, because they can.

Utah remains an offensive avalanche and good-vibes hotbed. But it's still in the baby stages of rebuilding, restructuring, retooling, re-pivoting—whatever buzzword you want to call it. Bankrolling the final year of Fournier's deal is a small price to pay if it gets you yet another first-round pick, a good second-rounder and a shot-of-adrenaline big man.

Toppin is a superintriguing fit within the Jazz's offense. His three-ball has looked better this season, and he runs the floor like he's addicted to elevated heart rates. Utah can play him up front with anyone. A "gigantoid" trio of Toppin, Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler should do real damage to opponent psyches.

Stocking up on another 2023 first has finite appeal. The Jazz already own three. They could push for one of New York's protected-until-forever picks from Detroit or Washington, but they'd risk the selection never conveying. Plus, having four first-rounders is hardly Armageddon. They can use two or three to move up.

The Knicks shouldn't quibble over these terms. Toppin is extension-eligible this summer and has no clear path to a more prominent role so long as Julius Randle is in town. They have a greater need for someone who will fling threes in droves at unconscious clips. Beasley is doing just that.

Buyers or Sellers: Should-be sellers who probably fancy themselves as buyers

Untouchable Players: Bradley Beal (no-trade clause)

Notable Trade Assets: Deni Avdija (one year, $6.3 million); Daniel Gafford (three years, $40.2 million); Corey Kispert (two years, $9.4 million); Kyle Kuzma ($13 million player option); Monte Morris (one year, $9.8 million); Kristaps Porziņģis ($36 million player option); Delon Wright (one year, $8.2 million)

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: $6.3 million (expires Jan. 23, 2024)

Notable Inbound Draft Picks: Boston's 2023 second-round pick (top-45 protection); Chicago's 2023 second-round pick; L.A. Lakers' 2029 second-round pick

Notable Outbound Draft Picks: 2023 first-round pick to New York (lottery protection in 2023; top-12 protection in 2024; top-10 protection in 2025; top-eight protection in 2026; turns into 2026 and 2027 seconds if not conveyed); 2023 second-round pick to Oklahoma City; 2024 second-round pick to Detroit or L.A. Lakers

Best Salary-Matching Assets: Will Barton (expiring at $14.4 million); Johnny Davis (three years, $17.1 million); Kendrick Nunn (expiring at $5.3 million; cannot be aggregated with other players)

Toughest Player to Move: Kristaps Porziņģis

Most Likely Player to Be Traded: Will Barton

Salary-Cap Situation at a Glance: $1.4 million below the luxury tax

What to Watch: Do they shop soon-to-be free agents Kyle Kuzma or Kristaps Porziņģis at the last minute? What is their ceiling as midseason buyers?

Trade Idea

• Washington Wizards Receive: Fred VanVleet, Juancho Hernangómez
• Toronto Raptors Receive: Will Barton, Daniel Gafford, Monte Morris, 2025 first-round pick (first allowable pending obligation to New York; top-seven protection through 2027; top-six protection in 2028 and 2029; turns into L.A. Lakers' 2029 second if not conveyed), 2027 first-round pick (first allowable two years after initial pick to Toronto; top-10 protection through 2029; turns into own 2029 second if not conveyed)

Going all-out for a soon-to-be free agent when Beal has four years and $207.7 million left on his deal and both Kuzma and Porziņģis could require new contracts is a pretty lucrative endeavor. But the Wizards apparently have interest in VanVleet, and unless the Raptors want to finance new deals for Kuzma or Porziņģis, this is the best shape and form of a Washington package.

You can tell the Wizards' obligation to New York complicates matters. They cannot guarantee a first-round pick before 2028 based on those protections. The way it's mapped out now, Toronto can count on getting one of the firsts included above. That type of long-distance uncertainty mandates compensation in itself, which is why the initial first is so loosely protected.

Washington can try to negotiate off the protections on the pick it owes to the Knicks. Miami just did that with Oklahoma City this past summer. But this is a respectable offer as it stands—provided, of course, the Raptors are scared of FVV's next contract. Gafford gives them a veritable rim protector with spring-loaded verticality, and Monte Morris remains a deliberately paced game manager.

Toronto can angle for Deni Avdija instead of the latter first (which technically might not convey). But he's extension-eligible this summer and makes finite sense if O.G. Anunoby, Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam are all sticking around.

Imagining the Wizards after this trade is a fascinating exercise.

Where does a core of Beal, Kuzma, Porziņģis and VanVleet rank in the East? This quartet has too-many-cooks-in-the-kitchen combustibility, but Kuzma and VanVleet know how to move without the ball, and even the prominently featured version of Porziņģis sees 70 percent of his buckets come off assists. Beal is someone who should be at his best alongside a better organizer who's also scoring threat (i.e. VanVleet).

What becomes of the Wizards defense is beyond me. But they could amble into a handful of stonewalling stretches by surrounding Beal with Avdija, Kuzma, FVV and Porzingis. I'm not sure I'd pay the entry fee to assemble this nucleus, but I'd sure as hell love to see it.

Unless otherwise noted, stats courtesy of NBA.com, Basketball Reference, Stathead or Cleaning the Glass and accurate entering Saturday's games. Salary information via Spotrac.

Dan Favale covers the NBA for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter (@danfavale), and subscribe to the Hardwood Knocks podcast, co-hosted by Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes.