The NBA trade deadline is one month away, and the buzz around the league will likely be centered on whether the Miami Heat trade Jimmy Butler amid a standoff with the six-time All-Star.
Butler won't be the only notable player linked to a possible move ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline. The New Orleans Pelicans, stuck at the bottom of the Western Conference standings, still must figure out what to do with Brandon Ingram. And the busy Brooklyn Nets could be trading away yet another key contributor in Cameron Johnson if they find a team with bigger postseason ambitions.
Whether a team makes a move or stands pat ahead of the deadline, each has at least one player that could be used in a trade to either strengthen its playoff push or take further steps in a rebuilding process. ESPN Insiders Bobby Marks (Eastern Conference) and Kevin Pelton (Western Conference) provide a team-by-team look at one player on each roster who could be traded.
Jump to a conference:
East | West
Atlanta Hawks
Trade candidate: Larry Nance Jr., Forward
The Hawks are in a position where they can stay conservative at the deadline and still find themselves avoiding the play-in. If they do look to tweak their roster, Nance's $11.2 million expiring contract has the most value. Before breaking his right hand Dec. 28, Nance was playing his best basketball, averaging 11.2 points and 7.6 rebounds in the previous five games.
One trade that would improve the Hawks' backcourt depth is flipping Nance for Spurs guard Tre Jones. The Hawks rank 24th in turnovers and have allowed the fourth-most points off turnovers per game.
Boston Celtics
Trade candidate: Jaden Springer, Guard
Trading Springer is contingent on whether Boston is willing to attach a second-round pick to
Read more on espn.com
espn.com
