NBA trade season is set to intensify.
With the NBA’s Feb. 6 trade deadline quickly approaching, brace yourself for a bevy of rumors involving most — if not all — of the league’s 30 teams. If the reporting that has surfaced in the lead-up is any indication, it will be a busy time in the league.
The ongoing Jimmy Butler trade request saga in Miami set the tone for a trade deadline period that could also end De’Aaron Fox’s time in Sacramento. With two of the league’s top talents potentially on the move, all eyes shift to the teams that could make a play, as well as the teams that will look to make corresponding moves.
As with every year, a specific crop of teams rises above the rest as the ones that may be particularly active in the pursuit of a deal. With that in mind, here’s a breakdown of the most interesting teams at the deadline, from those who could be directly involved in attaining a star to those looking to make moves in the margins to bolster their chances of making a deep run.
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Most interesting NBA trade deadline teams in 2025
Spurs
It might be time for a motion to make a hashtag for the Wembanyama window, which, given the 21-year-old’s standing, is officially open now. To win an NBA title, a team needs a top-seven player, and Wembanyama is comfortably in the top 10, if not higher.
With that in mind, San Antonio will be active this year and beyond as it looks to capitalize on a wide window to win with its second-year superstar.
The Spurs are already listed as one of Fox’s preferred destinations. He may be the first, but he won’t be the last to express a desire to join in on what is being built in San Antonio.
With a few young prospects and draft assets to make things happen, keep an eye on what San Antonio does. The right move could vault the Spurs from the fringe of the Play-In Tournament into the thick of the West’s playoff picture.
MORE: Spurs need to trade for De’Aaron Fox to maximize Wemby’s title window
Lakers
If it feels like the Lakers are mentioned in this spot annually, it’s probably because they are. Having LeBron James certainly adds to the urgency, but this was the case long before he arrived in Tinseltown.
This time around, however, James is 40 and Anthony Davis will soon turn 32. Both stars and their head coach have provided not-so-subtle hints that the team could use a talent upgrade to move up a tier in the Western Conference.
Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent will almost certainly be involved in any potential deal. Their combined $28 million of salary gives the Lakers some wiggle room to at least sit at the negotiation table, though a deal may require more creativity.
Conversely, there’s a world in which L.A. closes this chapter by moving on from one of Davis or James. However unlikely it may be, it falls in line with the Lakers’ “most interesting” label.
Celtics
Are the defending champions losing a step or are they just bored? Regardless, a recent skid opened the door for discussions around potential roster upgrades.
Boston’s record is nothing to scoff at, but it has shown some concerning flaws, mostly around its depth on the wing. Jaden Springer has played up his trade value as of late, and the team could also add Sam Hauser and Xavier Tillman to a potential package.
The Celtics are essentially running back the same roster from last year’s title run, but they face a tougher path this time around. Fans have not seen a back-to-back champion in seven years. Whatever Boston does in an attempt to make that happen will be something to keep an eye on.
Grizzlies
With reports that the Rockets are intent on keeping their roster intact at the deadline, the focus shifts to the Grizzlies. OKC is firmly at the top of the West standings, but Memphis has a unique opportunity to make a move to become a clear-cut No. 2.
The Grizzlies’ rise back toward the top of the West has almost been too quiet. They’re capable of making a big splash to bring in talent that complements Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. The right move might cause people to pay attention.
Not for nothing, Memphis has been here before. Given their experience, the Grizzlies could position themselves to make a Mavericks-like run in 2025.
Kings
It seems like Fox’s days in a Kings uniform are numbered, meaning Sacramento could very well be the center of trade deadline proceedings.
Will the Kings be aggressive in their efforts to move Fox? Will they be choosier and have a high asking price, thus shifting the fortunes of interested teams? How many teams will need to be involved?
Given the uncertainty around Butler’s situation in Miami, the straightforwardness of Fox’s means he could be the biggest domino in all of this.
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