Last-Minute Targets for Every Team at the 2025 NBA Trade Deadline

Now just 48-ish hours away from the 2025 NBA trade deadline, it's time to take an updated look at what every team's target list should look like before the big day.

De'Aaron Fox is already off the board, one which we never knew Luka Dončić was even on. A season-ending shoulder injury suffered by Jalen Johnson will inevitably change the Atlanta Hawks' plans, the Los Angeles Lakers desperately need a center and a Jimmy Butler trade still seems inevitable.

With the clock ticking down, here are three last-minute targets for all 30 teams.

• Kyle Kuzma, F, Washington Wizards

• John Collins, PF, Utah Jazz

• Marcus Smart, G, Memphis Grizzlies

Now on the hunt for a replacement at power forward with Jalen Johnson out due to season-ending shoulder surgery, the Atlanta Hawks have a few options that should be available.

Kyle Kuzma has a nearly identical frame to Johnson and brings some of the same qualities to the table with his scoring, athleticism and versatility. The 29-year-old is averaging 14.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists in his 27.4 minutes.

A reunion with Collins is an intriguing possibility, as the 28-year-old is having a terrific season in Utah with averages of 18.0 points, 8.3 rebounds and a sparkling 45.3 percent mark from three. Smart helps improve Atlanta's 16th-ranked defense and gives them some more playmaking behind or alongside Trae Young.

• Walker Kessler, C, Utah Jazz

• Daniel Theis, C, New Orleans Pelicans

• Taj Gibson, C, Charlotte Hornets

Kessler is a dream target for the Boston Celtics, as his sub-$3 million salary could fit under a Jaden Springer ($4 million) salary match. The question becomes how many first-round picks the Celtics would have to send to Danny Ainge and the Jazz in order for them to agree.

If Utah wants to keep its 23-year-old center but the Celtics still desire a big for insurance behind Kristaps Porziņģis and Al Horford, Theis is playing for the vet minimum in New Orleans and wouldn't cost much.

Gibson will turn 40 this summer but has still started 11 games for the Hornets so far. He'd be another option at center and has 71 games of playoff experience throughout his career.

• Jonathan Kuminga, F, Golden State Warriors

• Jarace Walker, F, Indiana Pacers

• Future 1st-Round Picks

The 2025 trade deadline for the Brooklyn Nets will revolve around what they can get for Cameron Johnson, a player who fits any contender and is averaging a career-high 19.4 points and is shooting 41.9 percent from three.

Getting an elite prospect like Kuminga back from the Warriors in a trade for Johnson would be a huge win and give Brooklyn a franchise building block. Walker is another former lottery pick in need of a bigger role, one he'd receive immediately with the Nets.

Brooklyn is currently projected to own four first-round picks in the 2025 draft, so getting future firsts in a deal for Johnson would be preferential.

• Cam Thomas, SG, Brooklyn Nets

• Nikola Jović, F, Miami Heat

• Keon Ellis, SG, Sacramento Kings

It's been another lost season for the Charlotte Hornets, a franchise that now sits in 14th place in the East and is now without Brandon Miller for the season following wrist surgery.

The Hornets should be looking for young players who could become part of this core and chase the playoffs next season. Cam Thomas and the Nets have yet to agree on a contract extension, and the trio of Thomas, LaMelo Ball and Miller would get a ton of collective buckets moving forward.

Jović is a skilled 6'10" forward and Ellis is making 43.5 percent of his threes for the Kings this season.

• Julius Randle, PF, Minnesota Timberwolves

• Nic Claxton, C, Brooklyn Nets

• Keldon Johnson, F, San Antonio Spurs

After trading Zach LaVine the Chicago Bulls could be buyers, sellers or both at the trade deadline as they remain in the East play-in picture. Trading Nikola Vučević for prospects or future salary relief should be considered, as should bringing in players who can complement him, Coby White, Josh Giddey and others to make a playoff run.

Randle gives Chicago another proven scorer, rebounder and playmaker who helps boost a 17th-ranked offense. Claxton, 25, is a long-term replacement for Vooch and a skilled rim protector.

Johnson is seeing a reduced role with more talent around him in San Antonio. The 25-year-old is a three-level scorer on a good contract who would be an intriguing buy-low option for Chicago.

• Larry Nance Jr., F/C, Atlanta Hawks

• Chris Boucher, F/C, Toronto Raptors

• Corey Kispert, SF, Washington Wizards

Now is not the time for an all-in type of trade for a player like Cam Johnson that is going to cost the Cleveland Cavaliers their 2031 first-round pick, rookie Jaylon Tyson and others. Instead, the Cavs should be looking for a floor-spacing backup center or another wing they can plug into the rotation while trying to get under the luxury tax (currently just $1.8 million above).

Nance is making 45.0 percent of his threes this year and could play alongside both Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. He should be thrilled with a return to his home area and a reunion with the Cavs.

Boucher is another versatile big who can shoot the three (37.2 percent this season) and Kispert would be an upgrade over Sam Merrill in the Cavaliers' rotation.

• Clint Capela, C, Atlanta Hawks

• Jusuf Nurkić, C, Phoenix Suns

• Andre Drummond, C, Philadelphia 76ers

Second-year center Derick Lively II is expected to miss a few months following a stress fracture in his right ankle. Daniel Gafford is a capable starting center, although the Dallas Mavericks should explore trades to bring in another big while Lively recovers so newly-acquired Anthony Davis doesn't have to man the position.

Capela, 30, has been benched by the Atlanta Hawks and will be a free agent this summer. He'd be a perfect rental for Dallas as a rotation center who can rebound and play Kyrie Irving in pick-and-roll action.

Nurkić and the Suns are headed for a divorce and Drummond is an easy salary match at $5 million.

• Vasilije Micić, PG, Charlotte Hornets

• Simone Fontecchio, SF, Detroit Pistons

• Andre Drummond, C, Philadelphia 76ers

The Denver Nuggets aren't going to land any big names on the trade market without giving up one of their own. Look for a smaller move, likely a veteran who can play rotation minutes in a playoff series.

Micić is an Olympic teammate of Nikola Jokić for Serbia and could fill the role of playmaker off the bench now with Russell Westbrook inserted into the starting lineup.

Fontecchio brings three-point shooting on the wing at 6'8" and Drummond would be the latest attempt to find a reliable backup center behind Jokić.

• Brandon Ingram, F, New Orleans Pelicans

• Anfernee Simons, G, Portland Trail Blazers

• Collin Sexton, G, Utah Jazz

The Detroit Pistons rank just 22nd overall offensively since losing starting shooting guard Jaden Ivey to a broken leg on January 1. First-time All-Star Cade Cunningham has been terrific, although the Pistons should be looking to bring in another scorer on the wing who can help fill Ivey's shoes.

Ingram is currently out with an ankle injury but should return soon. He's a proven scorer at age 27 who's going into free agency, meaning this could be a low-risk, high-reward trial period for the Pistons with an Ingram trade.

Simons fits this young core at age 25 and is averaging 18.2 points and 4.8 assists. As a combo guard he can play alongside Cunningham or run the offense for stretches as a floor general.

Sexton, 26, is putting up 18.6 points and 4.1 assists and would be reunited with head coach JB Bickerstaff from their time with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

• Jimmy Butler, F, Miami Heat

• Brandon Ingram, F, New Orleans Pelicans

• Nikola Vučević, C, Chicago Bulls

Currently outside of both the playoff and play-in picture in the West, the Golden State Warriors desperately need a spark at the trade deadline to give themselves a chance at another title run.

ESPN's Shams Charania reports that the Warriors and Phoenix Suns are the two likely landing spots for Butler. Golden State could build a package around Andrew Wiggins, first-round picks and expiring salary to send to the Miami Heat in exchange for the six-time All-Star.

Ingram's asking price should be very reasonable from a Pelicans team looking to get anything for their star wing before he walks in free agency and Vučević helps open up a 19th-ranked offense with his shooting, passing and back-to-the-basket game.

• Kevin Durant, F, Phoenix Suns
• Jimmy Butler, F, Miami Heat
• Marcus Smart, G, Memphis Grizzlies

Sitting in 2nd place in the West, the Houston Rockets don't need to make any big trades, although it's still worth checking on the asking price for players like Durant, Butler and others.

Durant didn't originally make this list, but after the Luka Dončić trade, who the heck knows what players are available anymore. The Rockets might as well call and make an offer for the 14-time All-Star, even if its a quick conversation.

Butler's playoff experience could come up big for the Rockets in the 2025 postseason and there's no long-term commitment if he turns down his player option this summer.

Smart is a favorite of head coach Ime Udoka from their Boston Celtic days and would give the team another playoff-tested veteran in the rotation.

• Cam Johnson, F, Brooklyn Nets

• Robert Williams III, C, Portland Trail Blazers

• Luke Kennard, F, Memphis Grizzlies

The Indiana Pacers have quietly been playing some good basketball since the calendar hit 2025 yet should still be looking for upgrades to chase the top dogs in the East.

Johnson would help the Pacers improve on their 12.8 made threes per game, a figure that ranks just 18th overall in the NBA. He can play either forward position, giving Indiana a lot of flexibility moving forward especially if Myles Turner leaves in free agency.

Williams gives the Pacers another shot-blocking big behind Turner, someone who would be an upgrade over Thomas Bryant in the rotation.

Kennard, like Johnson, would help boost the team's three-point shooting numbers. The 28-year-old is averaging 10.1 points and making an NBA-best 49.1 percent of his 4.7 three-point attempts per game.

• Brandon Ingram, F, New Orleans Pelicans

• Jerami Grant, F, Portland Trail Blazers

• Jordan Clarkson, G, Utah Jazz

Clinging onto the last guaranteed playoff spot in the West, the Los Angeles Clippers should be looking for some more scoring help with an offense that ranks just 20th overall, the worst of any team with a top-6 seed in either conference.

Putting Ingram in a starting lineup with James Harden, Norman Powell, Kawhi Leonard and Ivica Zubac would be a nightmare for opponents to try and stop.

Grant is another option as a starting forward who brings more defensive ability than Ingram and Clarkson is a proven bucket-getter off the bench.

• Myles Turner, C, Indiana Pacers

• Jonas Valančiūnas, C, Washington Wizards

• Robert Williams III, C, Portland Trail Blazers

Anthony Davis did say the Los Angeles Lakers needed another big. After trading the 10-time All-Star center, it's safe to say Davis is more right than ever.

Turner is a proven rim protector and floor-spacer who is averaging 15.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.9 blocks and shooting 40.0 percent from three this season. If the Pacers don't feel like he will re-sign this summer or don't want to pay him big money, a trade to the Lakers may be best for both parties.

Valančiūnas was on the market from the day he signed with the Wizards last summer and Williams is an elite defensive force when healthy.

• Cam Johnson, F, Brooklyn Nets

• Jerami Grant, F, Portland Trail Blazers

• Vasilije Micić, PG, Charlotte Hornets

The Memphis Grizzlies could be a sneaky buyer at the deadline as they fight for the No. 2 seed in the West.

Memphis should look to use Marcus Smart's $20.2 million salary in a trade to land a big fish like Johnson or Grant, giving the Grizz a veteran who can play either forward position and space the floor.

With Ja Morant already missing over 20 games this season, Micić gives Memphis some more insurance at the point guard position.

• Jonathan Kuminga, F, Golden State Warriors
• Julius Randle, PF, Minnesota Timberwolves
• P.J. Washington, PF, Dallas Mavericks

The Miami Heat should look quite different come Thursday at 3pm, whether it be via trading Jimmy Butler, bringing in some win-now talent, or both.

Kuminga should be on the must-have list on any trade with the Golden State Warriors and Randle would solidify what's been a shaky power forward position for the Heat this season.

If the Mavericks want to continue blowing our minds and trade for Butler, Dallas should be interesting in bringing Washington into the fold, as the 26-year-old is having the best season of his career.

• Jimmy Butler, F, Miami Heat
• Anfernee Simons, G, Portland Trail Blazers
• Jerami Grant, F, Portland Trail Blazers

The Milwaukee Bucks can trade for Jimmy Butler or another high-salary star as long as they send out enough money to not only cover their cost but also shave off $6.5 million from the current roster to get under the second apron.

This means likely sending out Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis and others, although the chance to get a legitimate third star would be worth it for a title-hungry Bucks team.

Butler would finally get to play with Damian Lillard or Simons/Grant provide a reliable third scoring option next to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lillard and have salaries that could fit unto Middleton's money, allowing the team to keep Portis.

• Alec Burks, G/F, Miami Heat
• Reggie Jackson, PG, Philadelphia 76ers
• Javonte Green, G/F, New Orleans Pelicans

If the Minnesota Timberwolves want to keep Julius Randle at the deadline, they'll be limited to bringing in essentially minimum salary guys due to being over the second apron.

The Wolves should see if they can poach Burks off the Heat by getting involved in a Jimmy Butler trade. The veteran wing is making 42.9 percent of his three-pointers this season and has 28 games of playoff experiences with three different franchises.

Jackson would give Minnesota more point guard depth with Mike Conley Jr. looking well past his prime and Rob Dillingham struggling in his rookie season. Green is a versatile wing who can play and defend multiple positions and is shooting 37.4 percent from deep for New Orleans.

• Anthony Black, G, Orlando Magic
• Tre Jones, PG, Chicago Bulls
• Isaiah Joe, G, Oklahoma City Thunder

A bad season in New Orleans just got worse for the Pelicans with news that starting point guard Dejounte Murray is now out for the season with a ruptured right Achilles tendon.

New Orleans should explore trades for a young point guard who can take over for the rest of this season and likely the beginning of next while Murray recovers.

Black was the No. 6 overall pick of the 2023 draft by Orlando but isn't a regular starter now that the Magic signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to go along with Jalen Suggs. Jones, 25, could be available following a trade to the Bulls and Joe, while not a true point guard, brings some dead-eye shooting to the Pelicans backcourt.

• Corey Kispert, SF, Washington Wizards
• Larry Nance Jr., F/C, Atlanta Hawks
• Julian Champagnie, F, San Antonio Spurs

Already with one of the best starting fives in all of basketball, the New York Knicks should be on the lookout for depth at the trade deadline.

Using Mitchell Robinson's $14.3 million salary may be necessary, especially if the oft-injured center isn't back from foot surgery anytime soon.

The salaries of Kispert (floor-spacing wing), Nance (energy big) and Champagnie (two-way forward with size) all fit into Robinson's deal, giving the Knicks another rotation player for the stretch.

• Cam Johnson, F, Brooklyn Nets
• Kyle Kuzma, F, Washington Wizards
• Chris Paul, PG, San Antonio Spurs

The Oklahoma City Thunder are going to be in the title hunt for years to come given the youth on this roster, although it would still be cool to see Sam Presti and company push some chips in to go all-out for a championship now.

Johnson gives OKC another proven scorer, something they've lacked with Chet Holmgren sidelined. Taking some offensive pressure off Shai Gilgeous-Alexander now would help preserve him for what will hopefully be a two-month long playoff run.

Kuzma would thrive going from a miserable Wizards team to this and Paul's return after previously mentoring Gilgeous-Alexander in Oklahoma City would be a nice cap to his career should it end with a title.

• LaMelo Ball, PG, Charlotte Hornets

• CJ McCollum, G, New Orleans Pelicans

• Anfernee Simons, G, Portland Trail Blazers

Even with a healthy Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner on the floor, the Orlando Magic have an abysmal offensive rating of 105.5 (9th percentile via Cleaning the Glass). This team needs more offensive creation, especially out of its guards.

Of all the potential fits for Ball, perhaps no team needs him more than Orlando. Putting the 23-year-old in the backcourt next to Jalen Suggs would do wonders for the team's scoring attack.

If the Magic don't want to make an "all-in" move just yet, McCollum would be a more affordable option. The veteran combo guard is averaging 21.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists and is a career 39.7 percent three-point shooter. Simons is a central Florida native who would make a big difference as well.

• Santi Aldama, PF, Memphis Grizzlies
• Simone Fontecchio, SF, Detroit Pistons
• Keon Ellis, SG, Sacramento Kings

One of the most interesting teams to watch at the trade deadline, there's a world where the 76ers tank and get a top pick in the 2025 draft and another where they get enough healthy bodies to actually make a playoff run.

Hedging with players who can help now and in the future may be the best plan of all for Philly.

Aldama, 24, is an ideal starting power forward at 6'11" with his ability to shoot and pass. Fontecchio brings floor-spacing around the stars on the roster and Ellis is a 6'6" shooting guard who would be an upgrade over veterans like Eric Gordon and Reggie Jackson next to Tyrese Maxey.

• Jimmy Butler, F, Miami Heat
• Bogdan Bogdanović, G/F, Atlanta Hawks
• Andre Drummond, C, Philadelphia 76ers

If the Phoenix Suns can somehow move Bradley Beal in a trade for Butler they probably should, if nothing else for the future financial relief the move could create. We're still skeptical on just how far up the standings a team led by Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Butler could climb, however.

Bogdanović could be a deadline target of the Suns according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, giving Phoenix another rotation vet who can shoot and create for others.

With Jusuf Nurkić almost certainly traded, Drummond gives the Suns some center insurance behind Nick Richards.

• Jonathan Kuminga, F, Golden State Warriors
• Jarace Walker, F, Indiana Pacers
• Ousmane Dieng, F, Oklahoma City Thunder

The Portland Trail Blazers have been a little too good in this rebuilding year and only project to land the No. 7 overall pick in the draft. It's time this franchise parts ways with Jerami Grant, Deandre Ayton and other vets to try and secure a better pick and get some young talent back in return.

Kuminga is the dream target here, putting him with Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe to create perhaps the most athletic young trio in all of basketball.

Walker and Dieng carry some upside as well as forwards who could slide into rotation roles if Grant gets moved.

• Jonas Valančiūnas, C, Washington Wizards
• Larry Nance Jr., F/C, Atlanta Hawks
• Daniel Theis, C, New Orleans Pelicans

With the De'Aaron Fox situation now settled and Zach LaVine joining the starting lineup, the Sacramento Kings should be looking to build up their depth, especially at the center position.

Valančiūnas is putting up 20.9 points, 14.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.0 blocks per 36 minutes of play with the Wizards this season. He should be thrilled with a return to a contender.

Nance gives Sacramento a good three-point shooter and passer behind Sabonis and Theis is a solid, low-cost option that the Pelicans should be willing to part with.

• Jonas Valančiūnas, C, Washington Wizards

• Goga Bitadze, C, Orlando Magic

• Andre Drummond, C, Philadelphia 76ers

De'Aaron Fox was the original name at the top of this list and kudos to the San Antonio Spurs for getting the deal done without parting with Stephon Castle, Jeremy Sochan or any of their young building blocks.

With Zach Collins now gone, the Spurs could use another big man to help spell Victor Wembanyama.

Valančiūnas is one of the best centers on the market who's making a reasonable $9.9 million this season. Bitadze is a strong defender and underrated passer who would fit the Spurs' system and Drummond continues to dominate the glass at age 31.

• Nic Claxton, C, Brooklyn Nets
• Walker Kessler, C, Utah Jazz
• Deandre Ayton, C, Portland Trail Blazers

The Toronto Raptors have actually played some good basketball as of late and should be eyeing the next franchise center to pair with Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett and others.

Claxton, 25, can anchor a defense with his size and mobility. Kessler is having a breakout season with the Jazz (11.0 points, 11.3 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, 71.8 percent shooting) and Ayton is averaging a double-double for the seventh-straight season.

Toronto should look to trade 29-year-old Jakob Poeltl and find a younger option who can grow alongside this core.

• Jabari Smith Jr., PF, Houston Rockets
• Cam Thomas, SG, Brooklyn Nets
• Julian Champagnie, F, San Antonio Spurs

There should be a mass exodus of veterans in Utah as the Jazz chase a top pick in the 2025 draft.

Moving John Collins would open up a starting job for Smith, a 6'10" forward who could thrive in a larger role outside of Houston.

Trading guards like Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson means a big role for Thomas as he auditions for a new contract this summer and Champagnie, 23, has averaged 12.8 points and 5.2 rebounds in his 26 starts for the Spurs this season.

• Tre Jones, PG, Chicago Bulls
• Cam Whitmore, F, Houston Rockets
• A 2025 first-round pick

Having a pass-first point guard would do wonders for the development of the young talent on this Washington Wizards roster. Jones, 25, is averaging 8.3 assists against 1.7 turnovers per 36 minutes of play this season and is an ideal setup man to bring in.

Whitmore has a ton of upside as a scorer. If the Rockets make a trade for Kevin Durant, Jimmy Butler or another veteran, the Wizards should try to get involved and pry Whitmore out.

Washington currently possesses just a single pick (their own) in the 2025 first round. For a team that's completely bottomed out, the Wizards should see if they can extract at least another late first from a team for a player like Kyle Kuzma, Malcolm Brogdon or Jordan Poole.