The NBA Trade Deadline is just a week away. The 30 franchises have until February 5 to make the final moves that could shift their rosters towards contention. Stars Kevin Durant, Luka Doncic, and Kyrie Irving have all made midseason moves in recent seasons. Here are three trades that could shift momentum for teams on the edge of a playoff run.
NBA Trade Deadline: Warriors Make One Last Heave To End Curry Dynasty
Warriors receive: DeMar DeRozan
Kings receive: Jonathan Kuminga, DeAnthony Melton, 2026 first-round pick
Jonathan Kuminga’s time with Golden State needs to end for the good of both parties. Warriors coach Steve Kerr is hurting the 23-year-old’s value and development by showing a lack of faith in the athletic wing. The devastating injury to Jimmy Butler all but ended the Warriors’ hopes of competing in their current state. However, despite being unwanted by the Warriors, Kuminga’s potential and $22.5 millon contract could help the Warriors make a serious upgrade to their roster.
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DeMar DeRozan is shooting with similar efficiency to last season on a struggling Kings team. The 36-year-old, like the Warriors, is looking for one last chance to contend. The former Raptors star would effectively replace Butler’s scoring and give them a secondary star alongside Steph Curry. The Kings get back a promising young player, a first-round pick, and a salary filler in DeAnthony Melton.
Pistons Add More Scoring Next To Cunningham
Pistons receive: Michael Porter Jr.
Nets receive: Tobias Harris, Caris LeVert, 2027 first-round pick
The Pistons have been the surprise of the NBA season so far. A 36-12 record sees Detroit lead an Eastern Conference that favoured the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks. The Cade Cunningham-led team has an opportunity to make a deep playoff run, and this proposed move gives them a chance to add more scoring next to their All-Star at the NBA Trade Deadline.
Both Tobias Harria and Caris Levert have missed considerable time due to injury this season and will help match Michael Porter Jr.’s salary. The first-round pick is the real prize in this trade for the Nets, and they could push for a second to be included in the deal.
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Porter Jr was very unlucky not to be named an All-Star. Averaging 25.6 ppg and shooting 40% from 3 would be enough to be selected most years, but the Nets’ poor record and the former Nuggets forward’s reputation as a shot-chucker saw him snubbed. The 27-year-old has shone as the first option with the Nets and would still get plenty of opportunities to shoot with Detroit. He also has a wealth of playoff experience and won an NBA title with Denver in 2023.
Raptors Find Themselves A Center
Raptors receive: Nic Claxton
Nets receive: Jakob Poeltl, Ochai Agbaji, 2026 first-round pick, 2027 second-round pick
Currently sitting 4th in the East with a 30-21 record, the Toronto Raptors are another team that could take advantage of a weak season for many contenders and make a nice run of their own with a move at the NBA trade deadline. Scottie Barnes was an All-Star, and Brandon Ingram was unlucky to miss out.
Toronto’s roster is talented and versatile; however, there is one spot that needs a serious upgrade. Starting center Jakob Poeltl has played just 20 games this season, leaving rookie forward Colin Murray-Boyles to start in his absence. If they want to be taken seriously in the playoffs, the Raptors need an experienced big man they can trust.
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Nic Claxton is just that: in his 7th season in the NBA at 26 years old, the big man has provided the rebuilding Nets with consistent play and availability over the past four years. He’s a great defender and shot blocker and will give the Raptors the size to compete with New York and Detroit in the playoffs.
For Brooklyn, they get yet another first-round pick and a young guard in Ochai Agbaji, who played very well last year, shooting nearly 40% from 3, before his performances completely fell off a cliff this year. Poeltl’s contract jumps in value next year and could be used in another trade if Brooklyn packages its picks for a superstar.