With the NBA trade deadline one week away on February 5, teams are evaluating potential moves amid rumors involving stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, an analysis highlights five players considered high-risk acquisitions due to injury histories, performance issues, and costly contracts. These 'Avoidables' include Anthony Davis, Ja Morant, Zion Williamson, LaMelo Ball, and Zach LaVine.
The NBA trade deadline on February 5 looms large, prompting teams to weigh the risks of acquiring certain players despite their talents. A recent breakdown identifies five individuals as particularly risky bets, citing persistent health concerns, stagnant skill development, and burdensome contracts.
Anthony Davis of the Dallas Mavericks tops the list after a hand injury initially rumored to end his season was revised to a six-week reevaluation following a second opinion. Davis, nicknamed 'Anthony Day-to-Day Davis' for his injury proneness, has played only 20 games this season and 51 combined last year across the Lakers and Mavericks. He has met the league's 65-game threshold for awards eligibility just three times in the past decade. At 33 in March, his contract includes $58.4 million next season and a $62.7 million player option at age 35.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, sidelined by a UCL sprain for at least three weeks, has appeared in 20 games this season. Over seven NBA seasons, he has never exceeded 67 games, combining for 59 in the last two years. Morant's athleticism drives his game, but his 31.1% career three-point shooting and 44.4% effective field goal percentage this season—his worst—raise doubts about longevity. He has two years and over $87 million remaining, turning 28 in the deal's final year.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson has played 33 games this season, up from 30 last year, but his reliability remains questionable with three seasons of 30 or fewer games in seven years and none in 2021-22 due to injury. His 31.7% career three-point shooting on 101 attempts and 70% free-throw rate on nearly eight attempts per game this season highlight undeveloped aspects of his physical style. Like Morant, he has over $87 million on two years left.
Charlotte Hornets' LaMelo Ball has logged 38 games this season, averaging 19 points on 16.5 shots—his lowest since his rookie year—and 27 minutes per game, a career low. In four of his other five professional seasons, he played 51 or fewer games. Hornets coach Charles Lee noted after a loss to the Cavaliers, 'For the most part, he continued to try to play through it and not let his shot-making, or shot-missing, dictate the energy he was gonna give to the game.'
Sacramento Kings wing Zach LaVine is averaging under 20 points and shooting below 50% this season, with rebounds and assists at career lows since his second year. Turning 31 in March, he played 74 games last season but only 25 the prior one, falling short of 65 games in six of 11 seasons. His player option for nearly $49 million next year adds to the risk.
While these players offer undeniable talent—Davis earned second-team All-NBA honors two seasons ago—teams are advised to proceed cautiously amid the deadline buzz.
