Ranking the Top 10 NBA Trade Candidates
Zack Cook
Host · Writer
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1. Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat
Season Stats: 17.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.4 BPG
It's no secret that Jimmy Butler is on his way out of Miami. The only questions we need to answer revolve around the potential destination and the return for the Heat. Butler has proven his worth in the postseason, but he's still searching for that coveted first championship.
2. Zach Lavine, Chicago Bulls
Season Stats: 24.0 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Zach LaVine is a terrific scorer with some strong playmaking ability. The biggest elephant in the room surrounding LaVine on the market is his contract, which might make a move more difficult for the Chicago Bulls.
3. De'Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings
Season Stats: 25.2 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 6.2 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG
It's not hard to get excited about the prospects of De'Aaron Fox being available ahead of the NBA trade deadline. Still, early reports suggest he has a destination in mind for his 2026 free agency, which could limit potential buyers.
4. Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans
Season Stats: 22.2 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 5.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG
With the season going off the rails for the New Orleans Pelicans, it's easy to envision teams having some interest in Brandon Ingram. Injuries have plagued him this year, and it won't be a surprise if the Pelicans won't to move off this player prior to his upcoming free agency.
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5. Cameron Johnson, Brooklyn Nets
Season Stats: 19.4 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.9 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Cameron Johnson remains a player with plenty of buzz surrounding him. When there's smoke, there's often fire. Johnson's shooting ability and solid defense make him a coveted option to move if the price is right for the Nets.
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6. CJ McCollum, New Orleans Pelicans
Season Stats: 22.0 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 3.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.6 BPG
CJ McCollum remains a strong contributor offensively, with some obvious limitations on the defensive side of the basketball. You have to wonder what type of market there would be for this player to entice a potential move.
7. Bradley Beal, Phoenix Suns
Season Stats: 16.9 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Things haven't gone according to plan for Bradley Beal with the Phoenix Suns. If the Suns want to land Jimmy Butler like many expect, Beal has to find a new home along the way.
8. Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets
Season Stats: 9.7 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.1 BPG
The Nets don't have to move Nic Claxton, but if they get an offer that will help them in the future, it's certainly possible that they at least consider moving their valuable big.
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9. Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks
Season Stats: 11.9 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 4.6 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.1 BPG
To say that it's been a dismal start to the year for Khris Middleton would be an understatement. You can understand why his name is out there if the Bucks are trying to upgrade. Still, they might be better off holding onto the player and hoping he finds his game again.
10. Bruce Brown, Toronto Raptors
Season Stats: 9.1 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Bruce Brown knows his role and he plays it well. Brown was a key contributor to the Denver Nuggets NBA title two years ago. Will that attract more teams and create a real market for this player?
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1. Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat
Season Stats: 17.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.4 BPG
It's no secret that Jimmy Butler is on his way out of Miami. The only questions we need to answer revolve around the potential destination and the return for the Heat. Butler has proven his worth in the postseason, but he's still searching for that coveted first championship.
