The NBA Trade Deadline will take place next week on February 5 at 3 P.M. ET. That means contending teams and rebuilding teams have just one week to make moves.
With not much movement on the trade front to start the season, fans could expect a much busier trade deadline. Many star players have asked for trades, and many teams are one piece away from being considered contenders.
Let’s predict a few things that could happen during the NBA Trade Deadline.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Is Traded To The Warriors
With a calf injury set to sideline Giannis Antetokounmpo for four to six weeks, his tenure in Milwaukee appears to be ending. The two-time MVP has been frustrated with the Bucks' direction throughout the season, and a blockbuster trade could materialize within the next week.
ESPN insider Shams Charania reported Wednesday that "Antetokounmpo is ready for a new home at the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline or in the offseason as several rival teams make aggressive offers to the Milwaukee Bucks, and the franchise is starting to listen."
Why It Works: Golden State just lost Jimmy Butler for the season to a torn ACL, and the championship window is rapidly closing for Stephen Curry. With Jonathan Kuminga also appearing in trade rumors, the pieces are in place for this franchise-altering deal.
Pelicans Don’t Trade Any Of Their Top Players
New Orleans stays put despite a 12-37 record. Don't expect Zion Williamson, Herb Jones, or Trey Murphy III to move.
The front office has no intention of trading Williamson and is demanding four first-round picks (a Desmond Bane-type package) for either Jones or Murphy. That asking price keeps all three in Pelicans uniforms past the deadline.
Lauri Markkanen Is Dealt To The Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are the best team in the Eastern Conference. They currently sit first in the conference with a 34-11 record. But they shouldn't be satisfied — this is the year to go all-in at the trade deadline.
Trading for Lauri Markkanen would make Detroit significantly more dangerous. The Jazz star would fit perfectly alongside Cade Cunningham, and Utah could be willing to part with him amid another disappointing season.
The Cost: Landing Markkanen won't come cheap. Detroit would need to package young players like Ausar Thompson, Jaden Ivey, and Ron Holland II, along with multiple draft picks. It's a steep price, but one the Pistons should be willing to pay. With their current trajectory, Detroit has a legitimate shot at winning the championship this year.
Free Player Prop Bet
Tobias Harris OVER 12.5 Points
Reasoning: Tobias Harris has gone over this line in back-to-back games, and the shooting volume continues to be there for the veteran forward. He has at least 12 shot attempts in four of his last five games.
With a 3.1% EV Edge at Hard Rock, Walter believes this is a prop worth taking on Thursday night. He is projected for 13.7 points in our Player Prop Evaluator.
