The annual NBA trade deadline is Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, and it could change the fortunes of the league and many teams.
So, which players are likely to be moved before the deadline?
Obviously, only team executives truly understand the situation, and the following four candidates may find themselves in new positions.
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(Giannis Antetokounmpo is completely covered, so let him get some rest now.)
Coby White, Chicago Bulls
Due to the league’s 140% veteran extension limit, the Bulls are unable to re-sign White, meaning he will become a fully unrestricted free agent in 2026.
That means the Bulls have a choice: They can trade White before the deadline to get something for him rather than losing him for nothing, or they can hope to keep him this summer without any insurance.
Door 2 may be the most attractive, but Door 1 is the safest.
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The Bulls won’t get much for White, but they didn’t get rid of the shooting guard earlier, so they’ll unsurprisingly have to deal with the consequences of their actions.
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What steps can they take to salvage some of that value? Well, they do have one bullet left in the room regarding White.
His contract ($12.8 million) is very easy to match in any trade situation, meaning even contenders can bid on it without issue.
If the Bulls can mount a mini-bidding war among the league’s elite teams for White’s scoring prowess, they might be lucky enough to land a first-round pick, even if it would be heavily protected.
Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors
We’ve all seen reports that the Warriors were unlikely to move Kuminga after Jimmy Butler suffered a season-ending injury.
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But show of hands: How many people believe what general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Co. say? Yes, me too.
The relationship ended and both parties reinstalled Tinder. It would be irresponsible for this relationship to continue, especially on Kuminga’s part, who was never given anything resembling a stable role to develop.
While the league’s interest in the 6-foot-7 combo forward seems lukewarm, there will certainly be takers on a player who has just one year left on his contract — the team’s option — and has proven he can put pressure on the rim at almost any time.
Kuminga has tremendous potential, and while it’s unclear if he realizes it, NBA history suggests others will give him that chance.
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For the Warriors, it’s also a necessary step to end a situation that has been festering for at least two years, if not longer. Adding Kuminga to the roster after the deadline won’t do any good, so let’s let this ship sail, shall we?
Khris Middleton, Washington Wizards
Are the Washington Wizards making another big move after acquiring Trae Young?
Most people would argue that they shouldn’t go all out on a new schedule, and that’s certainly a reasonable sentiment. But what if Middleton’s expiring contract leads to something interesting that helps young players develop at a more realistic rate?
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Middleton’s $33.3 million in expiring funds is attractive, and the fact that Washington can add draft picks to any package only adds to the appeal.
Will the Wizards play for Zion Williamson? Or is it possible to settle on a long-term center now that they already have a point guard?
This organization could go in so many different directions with Middleton that it’s important to keep an eye on them before the deadline.
Tobias Harris, Detroit Pistons
Harris’ $26.6 million in expiring capital is nothing, and as Kelly Iko and I discussed recently, the Pistons are too good not to make a big move before the deadline.
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That would require adjusting Harris’ contract and possibly adding draft picks into the equation to roll the dice on who could give them a legitimate chance to make a real push to the Finals.
It’s important to point out that the Pistons need to do something now, as Jalen Duren, who becomes a restricted free agent this summer, is about to be paid. Handsome.
Harris’ expiring contract represents a major piece of the Pistons’ final piece of the puzzle, and it would be a shame not to use it.
No matter who the Pistons bring in, whether it’s Lauri Markkanen or another big name, the Harris contract will be critical to getting the job done.