As the NBA trade deadline looms just two weeks away, the league’s front offices are quiet - almost too quiet. After last year’s frenzy of 25 trades, we’ve seen just one deal go down so far. That doesn’t mean the phones aren’t ringing, but right now, the trade market is ice cold - and not just because of the winter weather sweeping across the country.
Let’s dive into the latest updates on some of the league’s biggest names - LeBron James, Ja Morant, Anthony Davis, and Jimmy Butler - and where things stand as we approach the final stretch before the deadline on February 5.
LeBron James Keeps It Vague Amid Lakers Turmoil
The Los Angeles Lakers have been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons lately. A recent report painted a picture of dysfunction at the top of the organization, including claims that team governor Jeanie Buss and LeBron James may not be seeing eye to eye. Buss has pushed back on that narrative, but the story still made waves - and it put LeBron in the hot seat.
As for LeBron’s response? Classic LeBron.
“Quite frankly, I don't really care about articles. I don't care about stories.
I don't care about podcasts and all that type of s---. It don't bother me,” James said when asked about the report.
“I don't care how someone feel about me.”
When pressed on whether he wants to finish the season in L.A., LeBron didn’t exactly offer clarity. He simply repeated, “I’m good,” three times, with a smirk that left more questions than answers.
Now, does that mean he’s looking to leave? Not necessarily.
But he also didn’t say he’s committed to staying. And in the NBA, especially with a player like LeBron, silence - or cryptic repetition - tends to speak volumes.
There’s been no serious trade chatter involving James, and the Lakers haven’t shown any inclination to move him. But it wouldn’t be trade season without LeBron dropping a few breadcrumbs and letting the basketball world speculate.
Jimmy Butler Injury Halts Warriors’ Trade Plans
The Golden State Warriors took a major hit when Jimmy Butler went down with an ACL tear - a brutal blow to both their playoff hopes and Butler’s own season. At 36, Butler had been finding his rhythm with the Warriors after arriving via trade in February of last year. Now, he’s expected to miss extended time, possibly into next season.
So naturally, the question surfaced: Should the Warriors look to move Butler while they can?
According to league insider Jake Fischer, Golden State isn’t looking to move the veteran forward. Butler has become a respected voice in the locker room, and that leadership still holds value, even if he’s sidelined.
The Warriors are reportedly only reconsidering their stance if a superstar - and we’re talking the ultra-elite, Giannis or LeBron level - made it clear they wanted to come to the Bay. Short of that, Butler’s staying put.
It’s a tough break for a team trying to squeeze another postseason run out of its core, but the Warriors seem committed to riding it out with Butler for now.
Ja Morant’s Market Is Surprisingly Quiet
Ja Morant is one of the most electric talents in the league - a walking highlight reel with All-Star credentials. And yet, his trade market? Surprisingly silent.
The Memphis Grizzlies have let it be known they’re open to listening on Morant, but so far, few teams have stepped up. The Toronto Raptors had previously shown interest, but that seems to have cooled. The Miami Heat were also linked to Morant at one point, but reports now suggest their level of interest may have been overstated.
So what gives?
It could be a combination of factors - Morant’s recent availability issues, the size of his contract, or teams simply waiting for the offseason when more flexibility opens up. The Grizzlies, for their part, are reportedly content to hang onto him and see how the rest of the season unfolds.
Unless something changes quickly, it’s looking more and more like Morant will finish the season in Memphis, with trade talks potentially picking up again this summer.
Anthony Davis’ Injury Puts Trade Talks on Ice
Anthony Davis was already a tricky trade chip given his injury history, and now with ligament damage in his left hand expected to sideline him for at least six weeks, any momentum toward a deal has all but evaporated.
The Raptors and Atlanta Hawks were the two teams most linked to Davis, but according to reports, neither is in serious discussions with Dallas at the moment. And with Davis not requiring surgery but still expected to miss significant time, there’s little incentive for teams to make a move now.
The Mavericks aren’t in a rush to deal Davis, either. They’ve made it clear they won’t accept low-ball offers just to get something done. If Davis can return before the end of the season and show he’s still a force on the floor, Dallas may revisit trade talks in the offseason - when his value could be on the rise again.
What’s Next?
With the deadline just around the corner, there’s still time for the market to heat up. But as things stand now, the league’s biggest names - LeBron, Butler, Morant, Davis - are more likely to stay put than be on the move.
Of course, all it takes is one blockbuster to shift the landscape. But for now, the NBA trade market remains in a holding pattern - one that could break open in dramatic fashion, or quietly fizzle out.
Stay tuned.