5 Most Impactful Players Who Could Be Traded at the Deadline

Ben DiGiacomo
Host · Writer
Malcolm Brogdon
I’d be shocked if Malcolm Brogdon is still a Portland Trail Blazer once the trade deadline passes. After coming to Portland in the Jrue Holiday deal, the Blazers opted to hold on to Brogdon instead of flipping him right away, but his abilities don’t match up with the Blazers’ rebuild timeline. After his success with the Celtics in the postseason in recent seasons, playoff teams can easily plug and play Brogdon off the bench or as a starter, so expect him to fetch a decent return for Portland, as he’ll have a wide range of suitors lining up for him.
Lauri Markkanen
Lauri Markkanen’s trade value is through the roof right now, as he averages 24 points and eight rebounds per game on the Utah Jazz. He won’t be cheap, as he’s still under control for another season at just 26 years old. Still, many view him as a legitimate third option on a championship team. Given the high asking price, many teams have been deterred from reaching out to Utah. However, a team like the Philadelphia 76ers should be doing everything in their power to land Markkanen as he and Joel Embiid in a frontcourt together would have the 76ers in prime position to challenge the Celtics for a trip to the NBA Finals.
Dejounte Murray
Dejounte Murray has become one of the hottest names on the trade market as the Atlanta Hawks have fallen apart this season, garnering a ton of trade interest. The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly Murray’s most prominent suitor. They’ve marked him as their top priority this trade deadline, hoping to swing a deal for a package headlined by D’Angelo Russell. Other teams like the Milwaukee Bucks primarily and the Philadelphia 76ers have been linked to Murray this trade cycle, viewing him as a strong backcourt pairing for Damian Lillard or Tyrese Maxey. Atlanta is demanding a solid return given how favorable Murray’s contract is, and it looks like he’s one of the likelier players to be moved by this deadline.
Bruce Brown
The Toronto Raptors are acquiring as many assets as possible right now after dealing away Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby for decent hauls. After receiving Bruce Brown from Indiana in the Siakam trade, his tenure in Toronto is expected to be short-lived. After seeing how valuable Brown was to the Nuggets’ championship run last summer, championship contenders this season are lining up to bid on Brown’s services, namely the Milwaukee Bucks.
Zach LaVine
It feels like Zach LaVine has been on the trade block for years, but unfortunately for the Bulls, his trade value around the league is as low as ever. His lucrative contract doesn’t have suitors lining up, and a lingering foot injury doesn’t help. Still, teams looking to jump-start their rebuild view LaVine as a veteran piece to bring in. Detroit has been interested in LaVine as they search for an above-average wing, with teams like Sacramento and Golden State having shown interest in the past.
Malcolm Brogdon
I’d be shocked if Malcolm Brogdon is still a Portland Trail Blazer once the trade deadline passes. After coming to Portland in the Jrue Holiday deal, the Blazers opted to hold on to Brogdon instead of flipping him right away, but his abilities don’t match up with the Blazers’ rebuild timeline. After his success with the Celtics in the postseason in recent seasons, playoff teams can easily plug and play Brogdon off the bench or as a starter, so expect him to fetch a decent return for Portland, as he’ll have a wide range of suitors lining up for him.
Lauri Markkanen
Lauri Markkanen’s trade value is through the roof right now, as he averages 24 points and eight rebounds per game on the Utah Jazz. He won’t be cheap, as he’s still under control for another season at just 26 years old. Still, many view him as a legitimate third option on a championship team. Given the high asking price, many teams have been deterred from reaching out to Utah. However, a team like the Philadelphia 76ers should be doing everything in their power to land Markkanen as he and Joel Embiid in a frontcourt together would have the 76ers in prime position to challenge the Celtics for a trip to the NBA Finals.
