With the Trae Young trade signaling the start of NBA trade season, CBS Sports has proposed hypothetical deals for every Eastern Conference team ahead of the February deadline. These mock trades range from blockbuster swaps to salary maneuvers aimed at improving rosters or avoiding luxury taxes. The analysis highlights potential fits and strategic motivations for each franchise.
The NBA trade deadline looms in early February, marking the end of significant roster adjustments before buyout season. CBS Sports analyst Sam Quinn has crafted realistic mock trades for all 15 Eastern Conference teams, starting from the recent blockbuster involving Trae Young that ignited market activity.
For the Detroit Pistons, Quinn suggests acquiring Michael Porter Jr. from the Nets in exchange for Tobias Harris, Jaden Ivey, and draft picks, addressing their three-point shooting woes despite dominance in the paint. The New York Knicks could target Naji Marshall from the Mavericks for bench defense, using second-round picks and cap fillers. Boston Celtics, motivated to avoid the luxury tax amid Jayson Tatum's injury recovery, might trade Anfernee Simons and others to the Jazz for Jusuf Nurkić and salary relief.
Blockbusters include the Toronto Raptors landing Ja Morant from the Grizzlies for Immanuel Quickley and prospects, injecting star power despite fit concerns with Scottie Barnes. The Miami Heat dream of Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Bucks, surrendering core pieces and picks, while the Charlotte Hornets pursue Anthony Davis from the Mavericks to bolster size and defense around LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
Other moves focus on tax avoidance, like the Philadelphia 76ers dumping veterans for picks, or additions such as the Cleveland Cavaliers seeking Herb Jones for perimeter defense. The Chicago Bulls eye Zion Williamson to pair with Josh Giddey, and the Atlanta Hawks consider Nic Claxton for frontcourt versatility. Quinn notes varying plausibility, emphasizing context like injuries and financials, but all aim to position teams for playoffs or future contention.
These proposals underscore a fluid East, where ambitions differ from contention pushes to rebuilds.
