Editor's note (Feb. 6): This piece has been updated with the latest intel and analysis.
Welcome to deadline week, in which the focus will be on Anthony Davis, Marc Gasol and Mike Conley.
After a busy November and December, the trade market moved at a slow crawl. That, of course, changed when Kristaps Porzingis was traded to Dallas on the last day of January.
We break down what to watch for all 30 teams and what moves they can make before the 2019 NBA trade deadline on Thursday.
Draft assets for every team | List of 2019, 2020 free agents
Atlanta Hawks
What to watch: Jeremy Lin, Dewayne Dedmon and Kent Bazemore
The Hawks are focused on player development, so if they make a move, it will likely involve these veterans. Lin and Dedmon are on expiring contracts and would provide bench depth for a playoff team.
If Lin and Dedmon are not moved, don't expect a buyout to happen. The Hawks have placed a priority on building a winning a culture around their young players.
Bazemore has a $19.3 million player option that he will likely exercise and he has not played much since the end of December as he rehabs a sprained right ankle. For those reasons, Bazemore has drawn minimal interest. Because the Hawks will have cap flexibility this summer, there is no reason to make a shortsighted trade at the deadline.
Restrictions/notes
Lin (Brooklyn) and Justin Anderson (Philadelphia) cannot be reacquired by their original teams during the season.
Boston Celtics
What to watch: The four first-round picks and Jabari Bird
General manager Danny Ainge is sitting on an insurance policy with the potential to have four first-rounders in the June draft: the Celtics' own, the Kings' (protected for No. 1), the Grizzlies' (protected Nos. 1-8) and the Clippers' (lottery-protected). Though all four certainly have value, Boston will be hesitant to put any in a trade based on the uncertainty of its own 2019 free agents (including Kyrie Irving). With Memphis in free fall and New Orleans weighing offers for Davis, it's likely the Grizzlies' pick will roll over until 2020 and give Boston a significant asset to use in trade discussions this summer.
With a payroll that projects to hit at least $140 million and Jaylen Brown becoming extension-eligible starting in July, those draft assets could be inexpensive replacements for free agents Terry Rozier, Marcus Morris and Aron Baynes.
The team will need to find a resolution with Bird -- who pleaded not guilty last Wednesday to two new charges stemming from a domestic violence case -- to become active in the buyout market. The Celtics currently do not have an open roster spot.
Restrictions/notes
Baynes can veto any trade based on the one-year Bird restriction.
Gordon Hayward and Al Horford have 15 percent trade bonuses. The bonus at the time of the trade deadline would be valued at $1.5 million for Horford, while Hayward's would be voided because he currently makes the max.
The Celtics are $4 million above the luxury tax with a current penalty of $6 million. Exceeding the $5 million tax threshold will cost Boston $1.75 for every $1 spent.
Boston cannot acquire a player who was signed using the designated rookie scale criteria (such as Davis) with Irving on the roster.
The Celtics are restricted to sending out no more than $4.8 million cash in any trade.
Brooklyn Nets
What to watch: $29 million in expiring contracts and Allen Crabbe
The Nets ended the speculation about the future of Spencer Dinwiddie when both sides agreed to a $34 million extension. Now, with the point guard under contract for a minimum of two seasons starting in 2019-20, attention turns to the direction Brooklyn takes with the expiring contracts of DeMarre Carroll ($15.4 million), Jared Dudley ($9.5 million) and Ed Davis ($4.5 million).
The Nets' front office will have the following decisions to make leading up to the deadline:
1. Is there value in flipping Carroll's contract for a player who has years left (think Brandon Knight) if a first-round pick is attached?
Brooklyn would lose $15.6 million in room and has put a high premium on cap flexibility despite the Dinwiddie extension.
2. Does competing for the final playoff spot (and having a strong locker room presence) negate turning Carroll or Davis into an expiring contract if a second-round pick(s) is attached?
Almost certain to opt into his $18.5 million contract for 2019-20, Crabbe has missed significant time and is shooting a career-low percentage from the field. To move his contract, Brooklyn would most likely have to attach a first-round pick (and that's not even a guarantee).
Restrictions/notes
Brooklyn has an open roster spot.
Dinwiddie cannot be traded.
The Nets are restricted to sending out $240,000 cash in trades.
Jared Dudley (Phoenix) cannot be reacquired by his original team during the season.
Charlotte Hornets
What to watch: GM Mitch Kupchak and Frank Kaminsky
Time is running out for Kupchak to upgrade the roster around impending free agent Kemba Walker. With 11 players set to return next season and a lack of flexibility, the Hornets would likely have to pitch Walker on continuity for a .500 team at best. Where Charlotte will run into a dead end is the lack of appeal for a group of players that consists of Nicolas Batum, Marvin Williams, Cody Zeller and Bismack Biyombo. The four players account for a combined $72 million next season.
If there is a Hornet to be moved before the deadline, Kaminsky is the likely player. The former lottery pick has seen his role fluctuate this season from being buried on the bench to averaging 18.3 minutes per game to now only playing in one game since Jan. 11. Kaminsky is on an expiring contract and will be a restricted free agent in July.
Restrictions/notes
Charlotte has one open roster spot.
The Hornets can receive only up to $240,000 cash in any trade.
Biyombo cannot be reacquired by Orlando during the season.
Charlotte has a $7.8 million trade exception.
The Hornets are $3.4 million below the luxury tax and have never paid the penalty.
Chicago Bulls
What to watch: Robin Lopez and Jabari Parker
Editor's note (update): Parker was traded to the Wizards along with Bobby Portis for Otto Porter on Wednesday
The Bulls are once again headed for the draft lottery and they fired their head coach midseason. That -- plus the play of rookie Wendell Carter Jr. -- has made the veteran Lopez expendable on his expiring contract. Expect Lopex to be bought out if he isn't traded.
When it comes to Parker, Chicago has not been shy that the forward is not part of the future. Expect him to either be moved by the deadline or bought out by March 1.
Because Parker has a $20 million cap hit, interested teams will need to send back a minimum of $15 million in salary. While Parker still has high value around the league, putting a deal in place that does not have the Bulls taking back salary into 2019-20 could present a challenge. However, keep in mind that 50 percent of the NBA is on expiring contracts, and taking back one-year salaries could be the best option for the Bulls.
Restrictions/notes
The Zach LaVine contract comes with two restrictions: The guard has veto power on any trade and he is prohibited from being acquired by the Kings during the season.
Ryan Arcidiacono can veto any trade based on the one-year Bird restriction.
Wayne Selden and Porter cannot be aggregated in a future trade.
The Bulls have a $2.7 million trade exception.
The Bulls cannot accept any cash in a transaction.
Cleveland Cavaliers
What to watch: JR Smith, Kevin Love and Alec Burks
Editor's note (update): Burks was traded to Houston on Wednesday
After the Rodney Hood trade, Cleveland's focus now shifts to Smith and Burks. Burks -- on an $11.5 million expiring contract -- is the more likely of the two to be moved.
Moving Smith presents an intriguing decision for Cleveland. His contract has value in the offseason because his $15.7 million salary is only guaranteed for $3.7 million. The full cap hit and not the guaranteed portion would be allowed in a trade. However, Cleveland's expected payroll next season is now close to $115 million. That's edging closer to the projected $132 million luxury tax threshold. A move such as taking back the contract of Solomon Hill from the Pelicans or Brandon Knight from the Rockets in exchange for a pick would put the Cavs in a tough spot.
Of course, Cleveland could work out a buyout with Smith if a trade does not materialize or waive him outright and eat his $3.7 million cap hit for 2019-20. The Cavaliers have until June 30 to make that call.
When it comes to Love, the phrase teams have used regarding his future is "house flipping." The term references what the Clippers did last January when they flipped the $171 million contract of Blake Griffin in exchange for Tobias Harris, Avery Bradley, a lottery pick (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) and Boban Marjanovic. Can the Cavaliers use the same model when it comes to Love? Unlikely.
Though the Clippers had a healthy Griffin to trade and a team desperate for an All-Star level talent, Love has been out since the start of the season recovering from left foot surgery (he hasn't played 70 games since 2015-16) and will be 31 when his $120 million extension kicks in next season. Right now, there is not a serious market for Love.
Restrictions/notes
Cleveland is $1.2 million below the luxury tax. The team received $750K in tax relief when the bonuses for Henson were deemed unlikely.
Larry Nance Jr. has a $9.4 million poison-pill restriction as a result of the rookie extension he signed in October.
The Cavaliers are restricted to receiving no more than $3.99 million cash in trades.
Knight and Chriss cannot be aggregated in a trade.
The Cavaliers has multiple trade exception: three worth $1.5 million and one worth $2.8 million.
Cleveland cannot trade a first-round pick until 2022.
Dallas Mavericks
What to watch: Harrison Barnes
Editor's note (update): Barnes was traded to the Kings on Wednesday
In the Porzingis trade, Dallas sacrificed cap space in 2019 for the chance to acquire a franchise player. The additions of Tim Hardaway Jr. and Courtney Lee left the team with $10 million in room, a significant drop from the close to $50 million that was projected.
For Dallas to get back into the free agent market, Barnes either would need to be moved before the deadline or not pick up his $25.1 million option. With a talent-rich free agent class, it is hard to see the forward recouping the money lost if he opts out.
Restrictions/notes
Dallas has $21.3 million in cap space.
The Mavericks can receive up to $3.1 million cash in trades.
Dirk Nowitzki and Salah Mejri can veto any trade based on the one-year Bird restriction.
Porzingis, Hardaway, Burke and Lee cannot be aggregated in a trade.
Dallas cannot trade a first-round pick.
Dallas has a $1.85 million disabled player exception that expires on March 11.
Dallas has a $12.9 million trade exception.
Denver Nuggets
What to watch: The trade exceptions
Not only did the Nuggets save close to $85 million this offseason in two transactions, but the team also created three trade exceptions valued at $13.7 million, $12.8 million and $5.9 million. They expire in July and can be used to take back salary without sacrificing a player in return. The Nuggets have 15 players on guaranteed contracts, but former first-round pick Tyler Lydon is expendable after his third-year team option was not exercised.
The Nuggets are $6.9 million below the luxury tax but will need to factor in close to $1.5 million in potential bonuses for Nikola Jokic, Gary Harris and Paul Millsap.
Restrictions/notes
Denver can receive up to $5.13 million in trades.
The Nuggets cannot trade a first-round pick unless the protection on the 2019 pick owed to Brooklyn is eliminated.
Detroit Pistons
What to watch: Stanley Johnson
Editor's note (update): Johnson was traded for Thon Maker before the deadline
The change in coach from Stan Van Gundy to Dwane Casey was supposed to result in an offensive uptick for former lottery pick Johnson. Instead, his production level continues to decrease from his rookie season, as evidenced by his real plus-minus (-1.02) ranking No. 43 among small forwards. (Last year, he ranked No. 35 at -0.96). Though Johnson is still only 22 years old, the four-year experiment in Detroit with the small forward is likely close to ending. Johnson will be a free agent in July.
Restrictions/notes
The Pistons are $2.6 million below the luxury tax.
Detroit has two trade exceptions, worth $2.5 million and $1.3 million.
Andre Drummond has an 8 percent trade bonus. The bonus at the time of the deadline is valued at $33,000.
Golden State Warriors
What to watch: GM Bob Myers
Since the championship run started in 2014-15, Myers has not made an in-season trade. In fact, Golden State has made only five trades since May 2014, the latest coming when Jordan Bell was acquired for cash the night of the 2017 draft.
If there is a move to be made, it will likely come after the trade deadline with a player bought out of his contract.
Restrictions/notes
Kevin Durant and Kevon Looney have one-year Bird restrictions and can veto any trade.
Durant and Stephen Curry have 15 percent trade bonuses. The Curry bonus is voided because it would exceed the max salary, though the Durant bonus is for $1.6 million at the time of the trade deadline.
Golden State is $21.4 million over the tax threshold with a penalty of $50.3 million. Signing or trading for a player would cost the Warriors $3.75 for every $1 spent.
Houston Rockets
What to watch: The buyout market and Danuel House Jr.
The Rockets started the second trade season (buyout market) when they signed Austin Rivers and Kenneth Faried. Because Houston's trade assets are limited, expect the trend to continue after the deadline when the pool of players increases.
Houston has an open roster spot, so keep an eye on House. The former starter is now relegated to the G League after using his allowed allotment of days with the Rockets. Houston and agent Raymond Brothers are in a stalemate on a future contract. House can join the Rockets after March 24 (when the G League season ends) but would not be playoff-eligible without being signed to an NBA contract.
Restrictions/notes
Houston has an available roster spot.
Gary Clark, Rivers and Faried cannot be traded.
Gerald Green can veto any trade based on the one-year Bird restriction.
James Harden has a 15 percent trade bonus worth $138,000 at the time of the deadline.
The Rockets are restricted to sending out $575,000 million in cash.
The current tax bill is $6.1 million.
Houston has four trade exceptions: $2.6 million, $1.5 million, $1.5 million and $995,000.
The Rockets cannot trade a first-round pick until 2021.
Indiana Pacers
What to watch: Kyle O'Quinn and life without Victor Oladipo
Signed in the offseason with the $4.4 million midlevel exception, O'Quinn has averaged a career-low in MPG this season. The sparse playing time is a result of Domantas Sabonis' playing 80 percent of his minutes at backup center, per Basketball-Reference. However, O'Quinn's 12-point, 10-rebound performance vs. Orlando shows that he still has value when given the opportunity.
With the Pacers in need of shooting after Oladipo's season-ending injury, O'Quinn's salary could be used in a trade for players such as Wayne Ellington, Garrett Temple, Troy Daniels and Justin Holiday.
The Pacers have the expiring contracts of Thaddeus Young, Bojan Bogdanovic, Darren Collison, Tyreke Evans and Cory Joseph, but all five players average at least 20 MPG. O'Quinn is the more likely trade piece.
Restrictions/notes
Indiana has one open roster spot.
Myles Turner has a $14.7 million poison pill restriction.
LA Clippers
What to watch: Anthony Davis
When the Clippers were added to the list of four teams that Davis would commit to long-term, the immediate reaction was that LA did not have the assets to trade for him. That all changed early Wednesday morning when Tobias Harris was traded to Philadelphia.
LA acquired two key assets: a highly coveted unprotected first-round pick from Miami in 2021 and a protected first from Philadelphia in 2020. Will that be enough to get a deal done by the deadline for AD? Unlikely, but it does set up the Clippers for the summer, when Davis will probably still be available.
Restrictions/notes
The team has three trade exceptions: $9.8 million, $2.8 million and $849,000.
Teodosic has a 15 percent trade bonus valued at $336,000 at the time of the trade deadline.
Tyrone Wallace has veto power on any trade, and the Pelicans cannot acquire him during the season.
Marcin Gortat cannot be reacquired by Washington this season.
The Clippers can send out up to $3.94 million cash in trades and are below the luxury tax by the same amount.
The Clippers own extra first-rounders from Philadelphia (protected in 2020) and Miami (2021 unprotected). Their own 2019 first-rounder will be conveyed to Boston if it falls outside of the lottery.
Los Angeles Lakers
What to watch: The front office and Anthony Davis
The clocking is ticking for the Lakers to get a deal done for Davis before the deadline. No player is untouchable except for LeBron James. Even with a roster filled with expiring salaries, young players on controllable contracts and draft picks, there is no guarantee that a deal for Davis can get done. In fact, it is more likely that Davis is on the Pelicans' roster when the deadline expires.
If the Lakers miss out on their prime target by Thursday, the attention turns to the offseason. The Lakers will have $36 million in cap space and the same young core available to target Davis again.
Restrictions/notes
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has veto power on any trade based on the one-year Bird restriction.
Caldwell-Pope and James have 15 percent trade bonuses. The James bonus would be voided because it cannot exceed his max salary. Caldwell-Pope's is $640,000 at the trade deadline.
Tyson Chandler cannot be traded until Feb. 6.
The Lakers can send out up to $3.7 million cash in trades.
Memphis Grizzlies
What to watch: The entire roster outside of Jaren Jackson Jr.
The Grizzlies have made it known that both Mike Conley and Marc Gasol are available if the right trade package comes along. Despite their on-court value (both rank in the top 10 at their position in real plus-minus), high salaries will make it challenging for the front office to find a strong trade package. The most likely outcome is that Memphis regroups in the summer or concedes a low-value deal.
Gasol is under contract through 2019-20, with a $25.6 million player option for next season. Conley is under contract through 2020-21 and is set to see his $34.5 million contract in that final year become fully guaranteed in early February when he hits the games-played criteria. That is a big number for a player who will be 33 years old in the last year of his deal, taking up close to 25 percent of a team's salary cap.
Garrett Temple and Justin Holiday are more likely trade pieces. Playoff teams are starved for backcourt depth and both players on expiring contracts could help in the short-term.
Restrictions/notes
Memphis is $292,000 below the luxury tax.
The Grizzlies can create a roster spot by releasing Bruno Caboclo from his 10-day contract.
Joakim Noah cannot be traded.
Holiday's contract cannot be aggregated in a future trade.
Gasol and Kyle Anderson have 15 percent trade bonuses. The bonus is $1.3 million for Gasol and $4.7 million for Anderson at the time of the trade deadline.
Temple cannot be reacquired by Sacramento this season.
Memphis has $2.66 million in cash to send in a trade.
The Grizzlies have $2.4 million, $1.7 million and $1.5 million trade exceptions.
The Grizzlies cannot trade a future first-round pick until 2023, unless the top-eight protection is eliminated from the 2019 first owed to Boston, making the 2021 pick available.
Memphis has a $689,000 disabled player exception that expires on March 11.
Miami Heat
What to watch: Tax savings
The Heat made a financial move before the deadline by sending Tyler Johnson and Wayne Ellington to Phoenix in exchange for Ryan Anderson.
Still $1.2 million over the tax threshold, Miami will likely see that number drop to $200K because forward Kelly Olynyk is projected to finish the season playing fewer than 1,700 minutes. Olynyk has a $1 million bonus if he meets that minutes criteria, something he accomplished last season. To fall under the tax, Miami would likely need to move Rodney McGruder before the deadline.
Restrictions/notes
Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem have veto power based on the one-year Bird restriction.
Kelly Olynyk has a 15 percent trade bonus worth $782,000.
Justise Winslow has a $10.5 million poison-pill restriction.
The Heat can trade their 2019 first-round pick if it is unprotected or comes with protection that does not roll over to future years. They also can trade their 2023 and 2025 first-rounders.
Miami is currently $1.7 million above the tax threshold.
The Heat have trade exceptions worth $1.3 million and $6.3 million.
Adding a player with their open roster spot would cost the Heat an additional $1.5 for every $1 spent.
Milwaukee Bucks
What to watch: Thon Maker
Editor's note (update): Maker was traded for Stanley Johnson before the deadline
As ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowksi reported, Maker is looking for a new home based on a lack of playing time with the Bucks.
It would be reasonable to think that Robin Lopez, Jabari Parker and Enes Kanter all have more trade value than Maker. However, factor in his low salary and controllable contract and Maker is more likely to be moved than those three players. Since he has a $2.8 million cap hit, interested teams would only have to send back $1.5 million in salary or acquire him with a trade exception. Maker is also under contract next season for $3.6 million and hits restricted free agency in 2020.
The former lottery pick is an intriguing prospect. Still a work in progress, Maker has shown glimpses, including in Games 2 and 3 of the playoffs vs. Boston last season. Maker is worth a second-round pick.
Restrictions/notes
The Bucks have a $1.9 million trade exception that expires on Feb. 5.
Milwaukee can receive up to $3.2 million cash in any trade.
Jason Smith and George Hill cannot be aggregated in a trade until Feb. 7. Smith (Washington) and Hill (Cleveland) also cannot be reacquired by their original team.
Milwaukee is not allowed to trade a first-round pick.
Minnesota Timberwolves
What to watch: GM Scott Layden
We will learn leading up to the trade deadline if the former top lieutenant to Tom Thibodeau is more of a placeholder or if he has the authority to make personnel decisions.
With much of the heavy lifting done once Jimmy Butler was traded, the direction from ownership to Layden should be more about roster maintenance. The Timberwolves have an open roster spot available plus veterans Jerryd Bayless and Anthony Tolliver on expiring contracts to use in trades.
One thing to monitor is what will happen with Derrick Rose, Taj Gibson and Luol Deng if the Timberwolves fall out of playoff contention by late February. All three players were seen as allies to Thibodeau.
Restrictions/notes
Rose has veto power on any trade based on the one-year Bird restriction.
Karl-Anthony Towns has a $27.6 million poison-pill restriction.
The Timberwolves are $3.5 million below the luxury tax and have a $2.7 million trade exception.
Minnesota will have an open roster if Isaiah Canaan is released from his 10-day contract.
Minnesota cannot acquire a player who was signed using the designated rookie extension with Towns on the roster.
New Orleans Pelicans
What to watch: Anthony Davis
GM Dell Demps has three options here following Davis' trade request:
Take an aggressive approach before the deadline and target all 28 teams (except Boston) with the intent of moving Davis now.
Establish the framework of a possible trade with Boston and wait until July, when Kyrie Irving's contract won't prevent a deal.
Do nothing with the hopes that offers improve closer to the draft.
If Davis were on an expiring contract, the first option would be the most realistic choice. But the Pelicans only need to move now if that's when the best deal arrives. It's unlikely any of the best current deals would disappear in the offseason.
Keep an eye out for what New Orleans does with Julius Randle and Nikola Mirotic. As ESPN's Zach Lowe outlined, both players are on expiring contracts (Randle has a player option) and the Pelicans have made them available, separate from any discussions regarding Davis.
Restrictions/notes
Ian Clark has veto power on any trade based on the one-year Bird restriction.
Davis has a 15 percent trade bonus. The bonus is valued at $66,000 at the time of the trade deadline.
Davis was signed with the designated rookie exception and cannot be acquired by a team that has already traded for a player who was signed with the same criteria.
New Orleans has a $2.3 million trade exception.
New York Knicks
What to watch: Enes Kanter, DeAndre Jordan and Wesley Matthews
New York changed the landscape of the buyout market when it sent a package centered on Porzingis to Dallas for Jordan, Matthews, Dennis Smith Jr. and two first-round picks. Because of the trade, Jordan and Matthews join Kanter as potential buyout candidates. However, the early indication is that Jordan and Matthews could be on the roster past March 1.
That leads us to Kanter. It's difficult to find the right combination of salary that does not put New York over the luxury tax ($1.5 million) and does not extend past this season, making a trade unlikely. If the center is going to be on a different roster after the deadline, it will be because of a buyout or straight waiver.
Restrictions/notes
New York has an open roster spot.
Allonzo Trier cannot be traded.
Jordan, Matthews and Smith cannot be aggregated in a trade.
New York has two extra first-rounders from Dallas: Unprotected in 2021 and top-10 protected in 2023.
Luke Kornet has veto power on any trade based on the one-year Bird restriction.
New York has a $1.4 million trade exception.
Oklahoma City Thunder
What to watch: The $10.8 million trade exception
Not only did the Thunder acquire a strong backup in Dennis Schroder through the Carmelo Anthony trade, but they also created a $10.8 million trade exception. Although the Thunder have an open roster spot, using the exception comes at a cost because of the repeater tax. Adding salary would cost the team between $4.75 and $5.25 for every $1 spent.
Since the start of the offseason, Oklahoma City has seen its tax bill shrink from $149.3 million to $66.1 million, including most recently saving $7.3 million when Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot was sent to the Bulls. Now it's easier for the Thunder to be aggressive, either with their exception or after the deadline, when players are bought out of their contract.
Restrictions/notes
OKC has two open roster spots.
Raymond Felton can veto any trade based on the one-year Bird restriction.
Paul George, Steven Adams and Russell Westbrook have 15 percent trade bonuses. The George and Westbrook bonuses would be voided because of their max salaries. The value of the Adams bonus at the time of the trade deadline is $1.3 million.
Schroder (Atlanta), Luwawu-Cabarrot (Philadelphia) and Abdel Nader (Boston) cannot be reacquired by their original teams.
OKC can receive $2.2 million and send out $411,000 in trades.
The Thunder cannot trade a first-round pick until 2024.
Orlando Magic
What to watch: Terrence Ross
The combination of Orlando still being in playoff contention for the first time since 2011-12 and Ross having a career year will make it difficult for the front office to consider trade proposals. Although Ross is in his last season, Orlando has Bird rights and can sign him to a new contract in the offseason.
Starting center Nikola Vucevic is also having a career season and is headed for free agency in July.
Restrictions/notes
Orlando can receive up to $2.2 million cash in trades.
Jerian Grant (Chicago), Jarell Martin (Memphis) and Timofey Mozgov (Brooklyn/Charlotte) cannot be reacquired in a trade.
Philadelphia 76ers
What to watch: The buyout market and Markelle Fultz
Free agency came early for Philadelphia with the additions of Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris. With Harris, Mike Scott and Boban Marjanovic now on the roster, the attention for Philadelphia shifts to the buyout market.
The loss of Landry Shamet to LA has Philadelphia in search of backcourt depth. Three names to keep an eye on are Wesley Matthews, Garrett Temple and Justin Holiday.
Fultz is now Philly's lone asset outside of the core players. If the Sixers can acquire a first-rounder in a trade, Fultz's stay in Philadelphia will be short.
Restrictions/notes
Corey Brewer will be in limbo until after the deadline. Because his 10-day expired on Feb. 3, Philadelphia will need to hold off on signing the forward until Thursday -- if the roster spot is not already filled.
JJ Redick and Amir Johnson can veto any trade based on the one-year Bird restriction.
Redick has a 15 percent trade bonus valued at $327,000 at the time of the trade deadline.
Harris (Clippers), Marjanovic (Clippers), Scott (Clippers), Patton (Minnesota) and Butler (Minnesota) cannot be reacquired by their original teams.
The 76ers have a $1.0 million trade exception.
Philadelphia can receive up to $2.7 million and send out $5.0 million cash in trades.
Philadelphia cannot trade a first-rounder until 2022.
Phoenix Suns
What to watch: Troy Daniels
Despite only appearing in 26 games and averaging 13.5 MPG, Daniels is featured here because playoff teams value shooting off the bench, especially career 40 percent 3-point specialists.
Daniels is a viable trade candidate on a $3.3 million expiring contract. He would cost a second-round pick.
Restrictions/notes
The Suns will have an open roster spot if Wayne Ellington is waived
Kelly Oubre Jr. cannot be aggregated in a trade but can be moved in a one-for-one deal. He can't be reacquired by the Wizards.
Ellington and Tyler Johnson cannot be aggregated in a trade.
Devin Booker has a poison pill restriction of $26.9 million.
Richaun Holmes (Philadelphia) cannot be reacquired by his original team.
Phoenix can send out up to $4.2 million cash in any transaction.
Portland Trail Blazers
What to watch: GM Neil Olshey
Here is what the Portland GM shared with ESPN at the May 2018 draft combine regarding the 2017-18 season:
"I think probably one of the things we were a little too conservative with this offseason and at the trade deadline was we were probably far too protective of our draft pick and our trade exceptions and the tools we had to continue to build the roster long term," Olshey said. "And maybe [we] lost sight of the fact that the first round was going to be more competitive than we expected."
While the Trail Blazers did not use their first-round pick in the Rodney Hood acquisition, Olshey showed that the team will sacrifice both finances and draft assets for a likely five-month rental. Now with an open roster spot, Portland should be aggressive when it comes to players waived or bought out of their contracts by March 1.
Restrictions/notes
Portland has an open roster spot.
The Trail Blazers are $7.9 million above the tax threshold with a $12.6 million tax penalty.
Portland has a $3.5 million trade exception that expires on Feb. 8.
Sacramento Kings
What to watch: Zach Randolph and cap space
Editor's note (update): The Kings executed trades involving Zach Randolph, Justin Jackson and Iman Shumpert on Wednesday
It's easy to forget that the former All-Star is on the Sacramento roster. Signed to a two-year, $24 million contract in 2017 to be an on-court and locker room presence, Randolph has not stepped on the court this season. There's interest in him around the league, but there will be more in the buyout market after the trade deadline.
Expect the front office to take an aggressive approach with its $11 million in cap space. The lone NBA team with room, Sacramento can either:
1. Use room and a combination of Randolph, Iman Shumpert and Kosta Koufos to improve the roster.
2. Target a tax team, such as Washington, that is looking to reduce payroll and can sacrifice a draft asset or prospect.
Restrictions/notes
Ben McLemore cannot be reacquired by Memphis.
Sacramento has an open roster spot.
The Kings can receive up to $3.7 million cash in trades.
Sacramento cannot trade a first-round pick until 2021.
San Antonio Spurs
What to watch: GM RC Buford
Because the Spurs have been a perennial playoff team, Buford has taken a conservative approach during the season. The last trade the Spurs made during the season came when Austin Daye was acquired from the Raptors in 2014. This season, San Antonio can look to become a buyer to cement its postseason status, using Pau Gasol and first-round picks to upgrade its rotation.
Rudy Gay, Quincy Pondexter and Dante Cunningham are the only players on expiring contracts.
Restrictions/notes
Gay can veto any trade based on the one-year Bird restriction.
LaMarcus Aldridge has a 15 percent trade bonus that is valued at $8.7 million at the trade deadline.
DeMar DeRozan and Jakob Poeltl cannot be traded to Toronto this season.
The Spurs can send out only $243,000 cash in any trade.
Toronto Raptors
What to watch: The buyout market
Toronto will become an attractive destination after the trade deadline. The Raptors have three things that most teams cannot offer: an open roster spot, the pro-rated tax midlevel exception and a legitimate shot at reaching the NBA Finals.
Despite being a luxury-tax team, management will spend if the right player becomes available.
Restrictions/notes
The Raptors have two open roster spots.
Patrick McCaw cannot be traded.
Toronto can receive up to only $133,000 in any trade.
The Raptors have $1.6 million, $2.4 million and $2.9 million trade exceptions.
Currently $15.3 million over the tax threshold, Toronto has a tax bill of $29.6 million. Signing a player will cost $3.25 for every $1 spent.
Toronto cannot trade a first-round pick until 2021.
Utah Jazz
What to watch: The front office
The Jazz's front office is now faced with the following questions:
Does the combination of Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert work? Favors has a $16.9 million non-guaranteed contract for 2019-20.
The future of Ricky Rubio and his $15 million expiring contract. Is there a comfort level with Dante Exum being the full-time point guard moving forward, making Rubio expendable? Or does exploring a Grizzlies trade for Conley make sense?
While nobody wants to see a player injured, Utah saw a glimpse of the future when Donovan Mitchell took over PG duties with Rubio out. Can Mitchell be the permanent solution next season? Unlikely. The Jazz will need to sign a point guard, but the two-week sample showed that the Jazz do not have to overpay at the position.
Restrictions/notes
Utah has $4.0 million, $3.7 million and $2.4 million trade exceptions.
Washington Wizards
What to watch: The entire roster
Editor's note (update): The Wizards traded Otto Porter to the Bulls on Wednesday
The Wizards got the ball rolling once the Dec. 15 signing restrictions were lifted when they acquired veteran Trevor Ariza. Despite the addition, Washington is still outside the playoffs in the East, with big decisions to make leading up to the trade deadline. The Wizards have a few options:
1. Create a bidding war for All-Star Bradley Beal and look to cash in the most valuable trade piece. (Unlikely, because Beal is an All-NBA caliber player on a long-term deal and one of Washington's few valuable pieces.)
2. Take back expiring contracts in exchange for Otto Porter Jr. (With Porter playing well, now might be the ideal time to trade him.)
3. Identify the trade markets for their eight expiring contracts. The Wizards are projected to be over the salary cap next season and will face decisions on their impending free agents before the deadline. They can retain these players in the offseason and continue to be a luxury-tax team, let the contracts expire (replacing them with minimum-salary players) or look to move an expiring contract for a second-round pick.
Keep an eye on Ariza as well. Although his salary cannot be aggregated, Washington can trade him for an expiring contract and possible draft picks before the deadline (think Kentavious Caldwell-Pope from L.A.). The Wizards might still be able to sign him in the offseason, though.
4. Do nothing, with the hope that the addition of Ariza is enough to get this roster into the playoffs.
Restrictions/notes
Washington has one open roster spot.
Chasson Randle cannot be traded.
John Wall and Porter have 15 percent trade bonuses. The bonus for Porter is voided because it would exceed the max allowed. The bonus for Wall at the time of the trade deadline is worth $19.5 million. However, because the bonus would be spread over four years and exceeds the max in 2019-20, the bonus for Wall is applicable only to the 2018-19 season, so the total amount is still TBD.
Sam Dekker cannot be reacquired by the Clippers and Cavaliers.
Parker and Portis cannot be aggregated in a trade.
Ariza cannot be aggregated in a trade with another player, and he is prohibited from joining the Suns. Ariza can be traded again but only one-for-one.
• Washington is $232,000 below the tax threshold.
Washington can send up to $3.2 million cash in trades. The team also has trade exceptions of $5.4 million, $3.75 million $3.3 million, $1.3 million, $958,000 and $649,000.
Washington has a $8.6 million disabled player exception that expires on March 11.