After clearing significant cap space in the blockbuster deal that sent Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah, the Memphis Grizzlies are suddenly a team to watch as the trade deadline approaches. With a $28.9 million trade exception now in hand, Memphis has the financial flexibility to absorb a sizable contract-and that’s exactly what might make them a potential landing spot for Raptors center Jakob Poeltl.
Toronto, meanwhile, is reportedly engaged in trade discussions with the Sacramento Kings centered around Domantas Sabonis. But here’s the wrinkle: the Kings have no interest in Poeltl, meaning a third team would likely need to get involved to help facilitate a deal.
That’s where Memphis could step in. Poeltl’s contract, which stretches through the 2029-30 season and carries over $100 million in guaranteed money, is widely viewed as a negative asset.
So if the Grizzlies are going to take that on, they’ll likely want something in return-whether that’s draft capital or a young piece to align with their long-term vision.
The Chicago Bulls are also being mentioned as a potential third-team facilitator in this scenario. But unlike Memphis, Chicago would need to send out salary to make Poeltl’s $19.5 million cap hit work under the current rules. Memphis, with its freshly minted trade exception, doesn’t face that same hurdle.
And that’s just one thread in what’s shaping up to be a wild few days around the NBA.
Let’s turn to Golden State, where the Warriors are very much in the thick of trade season chatter. Reports confirm that 14-year veteran Draymond Green is being actively discussed in trade talks with the Milwaukee Bucks.
With the Warriors reportedly unwilling to include Jimmy Butler in a potential package for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Green’s $25.9 million salary becomes a key piece to make the math work. If the Warriors are serious about making a play for the two-time MVP, Green could be the linchpin in any deal.
Down in Miami, the Heat have reportedly expressed “some level” of interest in Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant. But make no mistake-their primary focus remains squarely on Antetokounmpo.
One source suggests Miami isn’t ruling out the possibility of acquiring both stars, especially if Memphis lowers its asking price for Morant. That’s a big “if,” but in a league where bold moves often define championship windows, it’s not out of the realm of possibility.
The Timberwolves are also keeping tabs on the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, though their approach appears more measured. After making a cost-cutting move involving Mike Conley, Minnesota is weighing multiple trade options.
While that Conley deal raised some eyebrows, insiders caution that it doesn’t necessarily signal an imminent move for Giannis. The Wolves are juggling several possibilities as they look to solidify their roster for a deep playoff run.
Back in Utah, the Jazz may not be done dealing after acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr. from Memphis. The front office remains “very active,” with veteran center Jusuf Nurkic reportedly involved in ongoing trade talks. Nurkic, on an expiring $19.3 million contract, could be an appealing piece for teams looking for a short-term frontcourt boost without long-term financial commitment.
And finally, there’s Naji Marshall in Dallas. The Mavericks forward has been the subject of trade speculation in recent weeks, but he’s made it clear he wants to stay put.
Marshall told reporters he hopes to spend the rest of his career playing alongside rising star Cooper Flagg, adding that he believes Flagg is destined to “create history.” It’s a bold statement, but one that speaks to the confidence and chemistry brewing in Dallas’ locker room.
With the trade deadline fast approaching, the rumor mill is spinning at full speed. Whether it’s blockbuster moves or subtle roster tweaks, the next few days could reshape the landscape of the NBA-and several teams, from Memphis to Miami, are right in the thick of it.