With the NBA trade deadline set for February 5, analyst Zach Harper categorizes all 30 teams into five tiers based on their potential strategies to buy, sell, or stand pat. The analysis highlights motivations driven by roster needs, financial constraints, and star player availability. Key focuses include pursuits of players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Trae Young amid varying team ceilings and injury impacts.
The NBA enters trade season as of December 15, when most offseason contracts become eligible for deals. Harper's tiers reflect current landscapes, emphasizing aggressive moves for contenders and asset accumulation for rebuilders.
In Tier 1, buyers aiming to compete, the Detroit Pistons seek scoring support for Cade Cunningham, potentially targeting Lauri Markkanen to pair with Jalen Duren. The New York Knicks eye Giannis Antetokounmpo to elevate their East-leading roster alongside Jalen Brunson. Milwaukee Bucks plan improvements unless Giannis requests a trade, hampered by lost draft control through 2030. Atlanta Hawks consider moving Trae Young, who lacks an extension, leveraging their top asset: New Orleans' 2026 unprotected first-round pick. San Antonio Spurs could pursue Giannis with young talent and a 2030 Minnesota pick. Toronto Raptors, off to a solid start under Darko Rajaković, may add a big for Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram. Miami Heat hunt whales like Giannis, needing perimeter shooting. New Orleans Pelicans, led by Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver, aim to escape early struggles after drafting Derik Queen. Portland Trail Blazers target outside shooting, ranking second-to-last in 3-point percentage at 33.4. Chicago Bulls push for a scorer or defender to secure Play-In spot.
Tier 2 sellers include Dallas Mavericks, shopping Daniel Gafford amid Dereck Lively II's season-ending injury, focusing on Cooper Flagg. Utah Jazz contemplate trading Markkanen to boost lottery odds. Sacramento Kings face a roster disaster with Domantas Sabonis sidelined, eyeing sales of DeMar DeRozan and others.
Lower tiers cover financial maneuvers for Boston Celtics (Tatum's Achilles recovery), apron cutters like Cleveland Cavaliers (15-12 record, $22 million over second apron), and stand-patters such as Oklahoma City Thunder, deemed too strong for changes. Overall, rumors swirl around stars, but most insights stem from educated projections rather than confirmed reports.
