The NBA trade deadline is just days away, and the rumor mill is heating up fast. One name generating significant buzz?
Kings guard Keon Ellis. Multiple teams - including the Cavaliers, Lakers, Pacers, Spurs, Celtics, Timberwolves, and Knicks - are reportedly in the mix for the 26-year-old, whose combination of defensive upside and contract flexibility makes him a compelling target.
Ellis is on a $2.3 million expiring deal, which is the kind of low-risk, high-reward contract that front offices love this time of year. He’s also set to become extension-eligible on February 9, just after the deadline, and any team that trades for him would retain his Bird rights - a valuable asset for cap management and roster continuity.
Right now, Cleveland appears to be in the strongest position to land Ellis, with momentum building over the past 48 hours. But this is far from a one-team race. The Kings are still fielding calls and weighing options, and the door remains open for other suitors to step in.
Sacramento’s approach to the deadline is also worth watching. While they’ve been hesitant to take on long-term salary, that stance might shift if Malik Monk is part of the equation. There’s also been chatter about involving DeMar DeRozan in potential deals that include Ellis, which would mark a significant shift in Sacramento’s roster construction if it materializes.
Around the League: Trade Winds Picking Up
Let’s pivot to Los Angeles, where the Lakers continue to be linked to just about every available name - but not all of those connections carry weight. Take De’Andre Hunter, for example.
While the Lakers have been mentioned as a possible landing spot for the Cavaliers forward, league insiders say that interest has been “repeatedly overstated.” The sticking point?
Hunter’s $24.9 million salary for next season, which could limit L.A.'s flexibility this summer - something the front office is keen to preserve.
Before the Giannis Antetokounmpo situation took center stage, the Bucks were reportedly active in talks for Hunter. Their offers centered around Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis, but Cleveland wasn’t biting. The Warriors also showed some interest in Hunter, though that cooled once Milwaukee shifted its focus to exploring trade scenarios involving their two-time MVP.
Meanwhile, the Wizards are positioning themselves as a potential facilitator. Washington has reached out to the Cavaliers about Lonzo Ball, who’s on a pseudo-expiring $10 million deal (with a team option for next season).
Ball has struggled from deep this season, shooting just 26.9% from three, but his contract could help teams looking to maneuver around the cap. The Wizards have made it clear they’re open to absorbing salary - as long as draft picks come with it.
Cleveland, notably, is the only team currently over the second tax apron, so any move they make will require some financial gymnastics. A deal involving Ball could help them navigate those constraints while potentially adding a rotation piece.
Milwaukee’s Deadline Strategy: Swing or Save
The Bucks are exploring multiple avenues as they look to retool around Giannis. One approach involves bundling minimum-salary players to chase higher-priced targets. Two names on their radar: Cam Thomas of the Nets and D’Angelo Russell of the Mavericks.
For Milwaukee, it’s about finding the right balance between upside and value. Thomas represents a potential breakout scorer - a pure bucket-getter who could thrive in a more defined role.
Russell, on the other hand, might come with some financial baggage, but he could also net the Bucks additional second-round picks if they’re willing to take on his contract. Thomas, having signed his qualifying offer last offseason, holds an implied no-trade clause - so any move would require his approval.
Suns, Spurs, and Sochan?
Elsewhere, the Suns have been in exploratory talks with the Spurs about Jeremy Sochan. The fourth-year forward has drawn interest from several teams, and while no deal is imminent, it’s clear that San Antonio is listening.
One variation of the talks involved Suns center Nick Richards, but Phoenix backed off due to the luxury tax implications. They’re looking to stay under the tax threshold, and adding salary in a Sochan deal would’ve pushed them further into the red.
One Trade Down, More to Come?
So far, just one in-season trade has gone down - but that could change in a hurry. One veteran NBA executive put it simply: “I still think the avalanche is coming.” With so many teams hovering around the playoff bubble and the new CBA creating added pressure to manage cap sheets smartly, we could be in for a flurry of moves before the buzzer sounds.
Stay tuned. The next few days could reshape the playoff picture - and maybe even the title race.