The NBA trade market is heating up, and while some deals have already reshaped rosters, others remain in the exploratory phase - like the one that nearly sent DeMar DeRozan to Los Angeles.
According to league sources, the Kings and Clippers held preliminary discussions about a potential trade that would have landed DeRozan and guard Keon Ellis in L.A., with big man John Collins and a smaller contract heading to Sacramento. But those talks reportedly took place before the Clippers caught fire, winning 11 of their last 13 games. That surge has shifted the outlook in L.A., and while the door isn’t completely closed, the sense is that the Clippers are less inclined to make a major move now that they’ve found their rhythm.
It’s a stark turnaround for a team that started the season 6-21. Now sitting at 17-23, the Clippers are tied with Memphis for the 10th spot in the West - a play-in position that felt out of reach just a few weeks ago. With momentum on their side, it’s understandable why the front office might be hesitant to disrupt the current chemistry.
Elsewhere around the league, the Mavericks are reportedly in no rush to move Anthony Davis, despite his limited trade value as he recovers from a hand injury. Multiple executives believe Dallas will likely hold onto him through the season unless they’re willing to offload him in a pure salary dump - something that doesn’t appear to be on the table right now. The Hawks have been the team most frequently linked to Davis, but with the injury setback, Atlanta isn’t pressing the issue.
The Warriors, meanwhile, continue to navigate the trade landscape with Jonathan Kuminga as a potential chip. While the Heat and Wizards were once thought to be in the mix, Miami’s interest has reportedly cooled, and Washington doesn’t appear to be a serious contender for the young forward.
One team to keep an eye on? Portland.
The Trail Blazers are believed to have some level of interest in Kuminga, which aligns with earlier reports connecting them to the former lottery pick.
Up in Toronto, the Raptors are staying active on the phones. After moving Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett, the front office is now gauging the trade market for center Jakob Poeltl.
The 7-footer is dealing with back issues and carries a significant contract - $103.5 million over the next four years after this one - which could limit his appeal to potential suitors. With that kind of money on the books and health concerns in play, it’s unlikely Toronto will find a robust market for the veteran big man.
As we inch closer to the trade deadline, these conversations - even the ones that don’t lead to immediate deals - are worth tracking. Teams are constantly reassessing their direction, and one winning streak or injury can change everything. The Clippers’ recent surge is a perfect example: a team once open to bold moves now looks more like a group ready to ride the wave they’ve built.