NBA Trade Deadline Watch: Kings Stay Aggressive, Bulls Stay Patient, Blazers Explore Options
With the trade deadline fast approaching, front offices across the league are working the phones - and a few teams are starting to show their hands. Sacramento is staying aggressive after making a move for De’Andre Hunter, Chicago is listening but not pushing, and Portland is quietly testing the waters on a big man with upside. Let’s break down where things stand.
Kings: Staying Active, Staying Flexible
The Kings aren’t done. After acquiring De’Andre Hunter in a deal that sent out three players and brought back just one, Sacramento suddenly has something every GM craves at this time of year: flexibility.
Two open standard roster spots give the Kings room to maneuver, and one of those is expected to go to Dylan Cardwell - though not until after the deadline. That timing could be key. With the ability to take back multiple players in a deal, Sacramento is in position to get creative if the right opportunity presents itself.
One name floated in theoretical frameworks? RJ Barrett.
While nothing is imminent, the idea of Barrett fitting into a larger Domantas Sabonis-centric package has at least been discussed. Again, purely exploratory for now, but it speaks to the kind of multi-player constructions Sacramento can now entertain.
According to league chatter, the Kings had an opportunity to move Keon Ellis for multiple second-round picks. Instead, they prioritized clearing Dennis Schroder’s contract and bringing in Hunter, who offers more size and defensive versatility on the wing - a clear area of need for Sacramento. That’s a long-term play, and it shows the front office is thinking beyond just this season.
Around the league, rival teams are viewing the Kings as one of the more active sellers ahead of the deadline. Names like Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, and Malik Monk have all come up in trade conversations.
Of the three, Monk is believed to be the most likely to move. Interest in Sabonis has been real - particularly from Toronto - but there hasn’t been much traction yet.
DeRozan’s market, at least for now, appears quiet.
Bulls: Listening, But Not Forcing
Over in Chicago, the Bulls are keeping their options open without feeling pressure to force a move. The front office has received interest in Tre Jones and Jalen Smith, and while Jones appears to be available, Smith would require a more compelling offer to pry loose. Both players are under contract for next season, and Jones even carries a team option into 2027-28, which adds to his value.
The Bulls are open to moving players on expiring deals, but they’re not looking to shake up the core just for the sake of doing something. That includes Coby White, who continues to be viewed as a key piece moving forward.
Head coach Billy Donovan echoed that sentiment, saying the team’s focus remains on adding young talent - whether it happens now or during the offseason. It’s a measured approach, and for a franchise that’s often been caught between timelines, a little patience might not be a bad thing.
Trail Blazers: Testing the Waters on Robert Williams
Portland’s front office is doing its due diligence on Robert Williams, who’s drawing interest as a potential trade chip. The veteran center is on an expiring $13.3 million deal, which makes him a clean financial piece for any team looking to bolster its frontcourt without long-term commitments.
Internally, Williams is well-liked. He’s been a tone-setter when healthy, and his presence in the locker room matters.
But that “when healthy” caveat still looms large. While he’s managed to stay on the court more this season than in years past, his injury history continues to cloud both his trade value and Portland’s long-term decision-making around him.
The Blazers aren’t in a rush, but they’re open to conversations - especially if a team sees Williams as a high-upside piece worth gambling on.
Final Word
With just days to go before the trade deadline, the landscape is starting to take shape. Sacramento is pushing buttons and staying aggressive, Chicago is playing it cool and looking toward the future, and Portland is exploring value plays without committing to a teardown.
Expect more calls, more rumors, and maybe even a few surprises. The chessboard is set. Now it’s just a matter of who makes the next move.