Note: This column has been updated with the latest news reports.
What should we expect between now and the 2020 NBA trade deadline at 3 p.m. ET on Feb. 6? A deep pool of contenders combined with a shallow free-agent class could make this deadline different from usual.
Here, we break down what to watch for all 30 teams: what kinds of moves they can make, what we're hearing, front-office trade histories and trade restrictions to note.
Note: Teams have $5.6 million cash to send out and receive in trades unless otherwise noted.
MORE: List of 2020 and 2021 FA | Draft assets for every team
Atlanta Hawks
What to watch: Clint Capela and the expiring contracts
Despite sitting in the bottom of the Eastern Conference, Atlanta has the right mix of expiring contracts (Chandler Parsons and Evan Turner), young players and draft assets to become a buyer at the deadline. One name that has surfaced: Rockets center Clint Capela.
Although Capela doesn't have the All-Star credentials Andre Drummond has, acquiring Capela gives you a center on a team-friendly contract through 2022-23. It would also signal that the Hawks are open to advancing the rebuild by sacrificing future cap space for a player who can help on the court as opposed to a salary dump.
Atlanta also could decide to become a seller with its $62 million in expiring contracts. The Hawks can try swapping out those deals for long-term salary with draft assets attached. One consideration here: Unlike last year, when the market was flooded with negative long-term deals, NBA executives can identify only about 10 deadweight deals this year, including Dion Waiters in Miami and Nicolas Batum in Charlotte. That makes Atlanta's big expirings less valuable.
Front-office deadline history: Since coming to the Hawks in 2017, GM Travis Schlenk has orchestrated five in-season trades, most of them financially motivated. The Jeff Teague deal was the first motivated by basketball reasons and not financial reasons.
Restrictions/notes
The Hawks are the only team with cap space ($2.6 million). They also have an open roster spot.
Atlanta cannot reacquire Allen Crabbe, Kent Bazemore, Solomon Hill, Taurean Prince and Omari Spellman.
Boston Celtics
What to watch: The roster outside of Kemba Walker, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum
It is difficult for Boston to cobble together enough salary to add a major piece without including one of its core players. Boston does have Daniel Theis ($5M), Enes Kanter ($4.8M), all its own first-rounders and additional picks from Milwaukee and Memphis, but that's not enough money to target a player like Drummond, the Spurs' LaMarcus Aldridge or the Cavaliers' Kevin Love -- unless Boston is willing to put Marcus Smart or Gordon Hayward in a deal, which is unlikely to happen.
The Memphis first-rounder in 2020 (top-six protected, then unprotected in 2021) was once the crown jewel of the Celtics' assets, but now the Grizzlies are competing for one of the final playoff spots in the West -- with the likelihood of improving next season.
Front-office deadline history: One of the NBA's longest-tenured executives, Danny Ainge is not known for making changes to the roster during the season. The only two in-season deals Boston has made since 2015 are acquiring Isaiah Thomas from the Suns and dumping Jabari Bird's salary last February.
Restrictions/notes
Brad Wanamaker has a one-year Bird restriction and must approve of any trade.
Jaylen Brown has a poison pill restriction. His outgoing salary counts as $6.7 million and incoming salary counts as $22.7 million for a new team.
Hayward, Walker and Kanter have 15% trade bonuses. Walker's and Hayward's bonuses would be voided since they're making the max.
Boston cannot reacquire Aron Baynes and Terry Rozier.
Brooklyn Nets
What to watch: Joe Harris and Rodions Kurucs
While the Nets don't need to trade Harris, they do need to be prepared to pay him in free agency if they hold on to him past the deadline. Harris will be the No. 2 shooting guard on the market (behind DeMar DeRozan) and should see his $7.6 million salary nearly double. With a payroll that is already projected for $140 million in 2020-21, Brooklyn could spend $30 million in salary and tax payments to retain Harris.
After starting 46 games and averaging 8.5 PPG last year, Kurucs has been an afterthought this season, shuttling back and forth from the G League. Over the summer, Kurucs was arrested following domestic violence allegations in a case that remains ongoing. Approaching the deadline, sources say that at least two NBA teams are spending resources to conduct a full background check on Kurucs to see if he is a worthwhile trade target.
Front-office deadline history: Since taking over in 2016, GM Sean Marks has made 19 trades (six during the regular season). Most of those deals have targeted second-chance players (Jahlil Okafor and Nik Stauskas) or draft picks.
Restrictions/notes
Brooklyn has an open roster spot and a $839,000 Disabled Player Exception.
Brooklyn owes Atlanta a lottery-protected pick in 2020 that rolls over to 2021 and 2022. The Nets are not allowed to trade a first until two years after that pick to Atlanta is conveyed.
Theo Pinson has a one-year Bird restriction and has veto power on any trade.
Caris LeVert and Taurean Prince have poison pill restrictions after signing rookie extensions.
Both Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving have 15% trade bonuses that would be voided since they make the max.
Brooklyn cannot reacquire D'Angelo Russell, Allen Crabbe, Shabazz Napier and Treveon Graham.
Charlotte Hornets
What to watch: Marvin Williams, Bismack Biyombo and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
The cost it would take to move Nicolas Batum and the $53 million left on his contract keeps him off this list. The Hornets can ill afford to give up draft assets to move a player who will come off the cap ledger in 2021.
That cap flexibility is a result of the expiring contracts of Williams, Biyombo and Kidd-Gilchrist. While expirings likely don't have as much value this year, trading Williams could come with Charlotte taking back a less desirable expiring contract and a second-round pick.
Despite Biyombo being on an expiring contract,Charlotte has benefited with him as a starter and moving Cody Zeller to the bench. While the Hornets will certainly not hang up the phone when it comes to trade dialogue, they could simply keep Biyombo and sign him to a reduced contract in July.
Front-office deadline history: Since taking over in May 2018, Mitch Kupchak has made six trades, though none during the regular season. He is known as one of the more conservative GMs in the NBA regarding transactions.
Restrictions/notes
Charlotte cannot reacquire Kemba Walker.
Chicago Bulls
What to watch: Kris Dunn, Denzel Valentine and Thaddeus Young
As we saw last year with Bobby Portis, the Chicago front office is not afraid to move a former first-rounder if there is value coming back.
Dunn had started 87 games in two seasons before moving to the bench early in the season in favor of Tomas Satoransky. However, Dunn has moved back to the starting lineup and is having an All-Defense type of season. Valentine missed the entire 2018-19 season with a left ankle injury and has played in only 22 games this season. Both players are on expiring contracts.
Young has underperformed on the court in the first half of the season. The forward is under contract with cap hits of $12.9 million, $13.5 million and $14.2 million going forward. The last season is guaranteed for $6 million.
Front-office deadline history: Chicago has taken opposite approaches at the past two deadlines. In 2018, John Paxson and Gar Forman were focused on draft assets and cash. In 2019, they made an aggressive move by acquiring Otto Porter Jr.
Restrictions/notes
Shaquille Harrison has a one-year Bird restriction giving him veto power on any trade.
Cleveland Cavaliers
What to watch: Tristan Thompson and Kevin Love
Note: On Dec. 23, Cleveland traded Jordan Clarkson to Utah for Dante Exum and two second-round picks.
With Clarkson now traded, the attention shifts to what the future holds for Thompson. On an expiring $18.5 million contract, the veteran is posting career highs across the board. As with Clarkson, it is more likely that Cleveland would receive multiple seconds if the team does look to move him. Cleveland also has the expiring contracts of John Henson, Matthew Dellavedova and Brandon Knight. All three would likely be cap fillers and do not have the same type of value as Clarkson or Thompson.
As ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported, Cleveland is prepared to listen to trade offers for Love, who is owed more than $90 million over the next three seasons. Cleveland needs to decide if a package of expiring contracts and a decent first-round pick (think Portland, Phoenix or Denver) outweighs keeping Love into the offseason, when his value is likely to increase (if he stays healthy). Charlotte and Minnesota also have the right mix of expiring contracts, draft picks and starters on good contracts (like Robert Covington).
Front-office deadline history: Koby Altman has been maybe the most aggressive GM during the regular season. Since Altman was hired in July 2017, eight out of Cleveland's 12 transactions have occurred outside the offseason. Three of those trades have occurred with the Jazz.
Restrictions/notes
Cleveland is $5.9 million below the luxury tax with two open roster spots.
Cedi Osman cannot be traded.
Cleveland has two $1.5 million trade exceptions. It also has a $3.8 million exception from the Clarkson deal.
Clarkson cannot be reacquired.
Dallas Mavericks
What to watch: The roster outside of Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis
Update (Jan. 24): In a move to boost frontcourt depth after a season-ending injury to Dwight Powell, Dallas acquired Willie Cauley-Stein from Golden State in exchange for Utah's 2020 second-round pick. In addition, Dallas sent Isaiah Roby to Oklahoma City for Justin Patton, who was eventually waived.
Dallas still has the $12.8 million Courtney Lee expiring contract along with the Warriors' 2020 second-round pick. Despite not being able to trade a first-rounder until 2025, both are considered strong trade assets.
The Lee expiring contract along with Dallas' collection of second-round picks could be enough to get the Grizzlies' Andre Iguodala. The Warrior' 2020 second-rounder is looking particularly valuable. Lee-for-Iguodala would work straight up, and two second-rounders might be the best Memphis gets.
Front-office deadline history: Dallas' jump into playoff contention makes the two first-rounders included in the Porzingis trade look like more of a steal. Besides acquiring Porzingis, Dallas also acquired Justin Jackson in exchange for Harrison Barnes. Jackson has shot 44.4% from 3 off the bench this season.
Restrictions/notes
The Mavericks have trade exceptions worth $9.6 million and $1.2 million.
Dallas can receive up to $4.8 million cash in a trade.
Porzingis has a 5% trade bonus that becomes voided if he is moved.
J.J. Barea has a one-year Bird restriction and can veto any trade.
Dallas owes New York an unprotected first in 2021 and a top-10 protected first in 2023 that rolls over to 2024 and 2025 if not conveyed. The Mavericks cannot trade a first until two years after their commitment to New York is met. Dallas could trade a 2025 first-rounder by removing the protection on the 2023 pick.
Denver Nuggets
What to watch: The luxury tax, Malik Beasley and Torrey Craig
The biggest question in Denver as we get closer to the deadline: Is this front office content with a team that will likely win 55 games? That's a difficult question to answer knowing that a change could move the Nuggets up a tier in the West.
Even if the team doesn't make a move, Denver should be an attractive destination at the March 1 buyout deadline. The Nuggets still have an open roster spot and can sign a veteran to the prorated minimum while staying below the tax. They could outspend the competition by using the prorated midlevel and biannual exceptions, but that would certainly put them in the tax for the first time since 2009-10.
Also keep an eye on soon-to-be restricted free agents Beasley and Craig. Beasley turned down a three-year, $30 million extension offer with the hope of receiving a bigger payday in July. Both players' stats are down, and they are options to be moved if Denver is looking for a win-now upgrade.
Front-office deadline history: Atop the West standings last year, Denver stood pat at the deadline, prioritizing team continuity instead of tweaking the roster. Since taking over in 2013, Tim Connelly and Arturas Karnisovas have made 10 trades during the season, the most notable coming in 2017 when Mason Plumlee was acquired for Jusuf Nurkic and a first-round pick.
Restrictions/notes
Denver is $979,000 below the luxury tax with one roster spot open.
As part of the trade to acquire Jerami Grant, Denver will send a top-10 protected first to Oklahoma City in 2020. The Nuggets can trade a future first two years after the pick to the Thunder is conveyed.
Jamal Murray has a poison pill restriction in his contract.
Detroit Pistons
What to watch: The roster outside of Blake Griffin
The Pistons define being stuck in the NBA middle -- not good enough to compete for a top playoff spot and not bad enough to bottom out with prospects and draft assets. Detroit is at a crossroads with Griffin still owed more than $100 million, Andre Drummond set to be a free agent if he opts out, and a hole at point guard. There is also a mandate to stay under the luxury tax.
The Pistons are in limbo with Drummond. They can play out the season and look to re-sign him in July (at a huge financial cost) or continue to test his trade value. Bringing back an expiring contract (such as that of Chandler Parsons) along with draft picks would give Detroit $36 million in cap space for 2020. That could be enough to sign a player such as Fred VanVleet and use the remaining money on a center-by-committee approach.
Besides Drummond, the Pistons have the expiring contracts of Reggie Jackson and Langston Galloway, along with the team-friendly salaries of veterans Derrick Rose and Markieff Morris. Rose has significant value not only because of his contract but also because teams can use him coming off the bench or as a starter.
One name that has surfaced in an ESPN story from Adrian Wojnarowski is former lottery pick Luke Kennard. We had placed the shooting guard close to untouchable because he represents one of the few foundational pieces in Detroit. However, with Jackson, Griffin and Drummond having limited trade value, moving on from Kennard would be a way to build up the Pistons' draft assets and wipe the roster clean. Remember, Kennard was selected by the former front office in Detroit.
Front-office deadline history: Hired in 2018, Ed Stefanski has made two trades during the regular season -- both right at the deadline last February. The deals netted two former draft picks, Svi Mykhailiuk and Thon Maker, along with a 2021 second-rounder from the Lakers.
Restrictions/notes
Detroit is $3,669 below the luxury tax.
Detroit has a $9.25 million disabled player exception.
The Pistons can send out $3.6 million in cash.
Detroit has a $2.5 million and a $1.1 million trade exception.
Drummond has an 8% trade bonus in his contract.
Golden State Warriors
What to watch: D'Angelo Russell and Alec Burks
Update (Jan. 24): Golden State traded Willie Cauley-Stein to Dallas for Utah's 2020 second-round pick.
Russell is eligible to be traded, but moving him for a package of role players (Robert Covington, Gorgui Dieng and a first-rounder?) does little for Golden State. That thinking should be placed on hold until the offseason, when there's a better understanding of the roster. Plus, there should be more options for Russell as we get closer to the draft and Golden State's hard cap restriction is lifted.
After trading Cauley-Stein, the Warriors have enough of cushion to convert the Ky Bowman and Marquese Chriss two-ways into standard contracts. Because of the trade, Golden State is not forced to move on from Burks and Glenn Robinson III. However, both players could fetch a second-rounder from playoff teams looking to add depth.
Front-office deadline history: The six-year regular season trade drought is now over following the Cauley-Stein deal. Because of how dominant this Golden State team has been since 2015, Bob Myers and his staff had not made an in-season trade since February 2014.
Restrictions/notes
Golden State has trade exceptions worth $17.2 million, $2.2 million $1.6 million and $1.6 million, but it is $395,000 below the hard cap.
The Warriors have two open roster spots.
The Warriors can't send out any cash in a trade.
Lee cannot be traded.
Draymond Green has a Feb. 3 trade restriction.
Klay Thompson, Steph Curry and Green have 15% trade bonuses. The bonuses for Thompson and Curry would be voided if traded.
Andre Iguodala, Kevin Durant, Damian Jones, Shabazz Napier and Treveon Graham cannot be reacquired by Golden State.
As part of shedding the Iguodala contract, Golden State owes Memphis a first-round pick in 2024 (top-four protected), 2025 (top-one protected) or 2026 (unprotected). The Warriors also owe Brooklyn a 2020 (top-20 protected) first-round pick that will not be conveyed.
Houston Rockets
What to watch: GM Daryl Morey, Nene and buyout candidates
We should never discount Morey and his staff at the deadline, but Houston is faced with obstacles when looking to upgrade the roster. Removing James Harden, Russell Westbrook and Eric Gordon (cannot be traded) from the trade list leaves the Rockets with two starters to consider -- Clint Capela and PJ Tucker -- along with nine players earning $3.5 million or less.
Capela has been mentioned in trade rumors because he represents the lone available player on the roster who would get the Rockets a much-coveted first-round pick to use for a player like Minnesota's Robert Covington. However, moving on from Capela could leave Houston exposed at the center position.
Because of the 15-man roster restrictions, Houston would need to recruit a third team to send back players.
At the time of the deadline, Nene will be owed $1 million for the rest of this season. Trading him would allow the Rockets to sign a player on the buyout market while staying under the luxury tax. The best work Morey did last year was when he signed Austin Rivers and Kenneth Faried after the two hit free agency during the season. The buyout market will be important for the Rockets yet again.
If Nene is not traded prior to Feb. 6 or waived by Feb. 15, his $2.6 million salary for 2020-21 becomes guaranteed, so Houston is on the clock.
Front-office deadline history: Circumstances have dictated how aggressive Morey has been at the deadline. Houston made five trades last year that were mostly financially motivated. The Rockets saved $18 million toward the luxury tax by attaching $2.6 million in cash, a first-round pick and three second-rounders.
Restrictions/notes
Houston is $321,000 over the luxury tax threshold with an open roster spot.
The Rockets have two trade exceptions worth $1.5 million each, plus three more exceptions worth $1.6 million, $3.2 million and $3.6 million.
Nene's $2.6 million contract for 2020-21 becomes guaranteed if he is not waived by Feb. 15
Eric Gordon and Chris Clemons cannot be traded.
Austin Rivers and Gerald Green have one-year Bird restrictions and can veto any trade.
Harden has a 15% trade bonus that would be voided in a deal.
Chris Paul cannot be reacquired.
The Rockets can send out $4.6 million cash in a trade.
The Rockets owe OKC a first-rounder in 2024 (top-four protected) and 2026 (top-four protected). In addition, OKC has the right to swap picks in 2021 (top-four protected, with Houston receiving the least favorable of its pick, OKC's pick and Miami's pick), and 2025 (top-four protected; OKC has the right to swap with the Rockets or Clippers).
Indiana Pacers
What to watch: Victor Oladipo
It will be addition without subtraction for the Pacers at the trade deadline, assuming their All-Star guard does not suffer a setback from his injury rehab. With Indiana most likely staying quiet in trade talks, Oladipo's return on Jan. 29 -- and whether or not it vaults the Pacers into East contention -- is the big thing to monitor here.
Front-office deadline history: The Pacers have been known to shape their roster in June and July and not during the regular season. Last deadline, the Pacers acquired a 2021 second-rounder from Houston. Prior to that, the last time Indiana made a regular season trade was February 2014.
Restrictions/notes
Domantas Sabonis has a poison pill restriction. For outgoing salary Sabonis will count as $3.5 million, but his incoming salary for the acquiring team is worth $15.7 million.
Indiana can send out $4.5 million cash.
The Pacers owe Milwaukee a lottery-protected first-rounder in 2020, and those protections last until 2025. Indiana cannot trade a future first until two years after the conditions to Milwaukee have been met.
LA Clippers
What to watch: Maurice Harkless and their 2020 first-round pick
While Harkless has been a solid presence in his 23 MPG, does flipping his $11 million expiring deal make sense? There are a few considerations. The Clippers could get more financial flexibility to re-sign Montrezl Harrell by just letting Harkless walk in the offseason. Since they won't have cap space, they could also pursue a longer-term wing option signed through 2020-21. Or they could go after a veteran upgrade on an expiring like Andre Iguodala, including Rodney McGruder or Jerome Robinson to make the money work.
However, does sacrificing one of their young players on a controllable contract for three months of Iguodala make sense? Consider also that the Clippers' depth is one of their strengths, especially with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in and out of the lineup.
The Clippers also have their own first-round pick in June to use in a trade. If a pick is sent out, it will need to be unprotected because they owe Oklahoma City a first-rounder in 2022.
Whatever path they choose, expect the Clippers to mostly work around the margins in trades and buyouts.
Front-office deadline history: The Clippers have remade their roster with 17 trades (regular season and offseason) during the Lawrence Frank and Michael Winger era, including major deals that sent out Blake Griffin and Tobias Harris.
Restrictions/notes
JaMychal Green has a one-year Bird restriction and can veto any trade.
Kawhi Leonard has a 15% trade bonus that would be voided.
Danilo Gallinari and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander cannot be reacquired.
Los Angeles Lakers
What to watch: DeMarcus Cousins and Kyle Kuzma
If a veteran like Andre Iguodala shakes free on the buyout market, Cousins -- out with an ACL tear -- is the likely odd man out and would need to be waived or traded into space. The Lakers do have up to $4.6 million in cash left to cover the $1.6 million owed to Cousins at the time of the trade deadline, plus their own second-round picks starting in 2023 to use as sweeteners.
But trading for Iguodala presents a challenge. Because he earns $17.2 million, Los Angeles would need to send out three or four players in a deal. For example, a package of Cousins, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (would need to approve the trade), Jared Dudley and second-round picks works ... sort of. Because Memphis has 15 players on the roster, a third team would need to be involved to take back Cousins and Dudley. The Grizzlies would also be stuck with Caldwell-Pope's salary in 2020-21 if he opts into his $8.5 million deal.
Moving Kuzma and upgrading the roster at a different position presents a challenge. Because the forward earns $2 million, the Lakers would have to include multiple players to take back the salary of a player such as Robert Covington or Norman Powell. The Lakers are also restricted from adding any first-round compensation and cannot trade a second-rounder until 2023.
Front-office deadline history: This is the first trade deadline for Rob Pelinka since taking over for Magic Johnson. However, while Pelinka worked with Johnson, Los Angeles made three regular-season trades, including shedding the Jordan Clarkson contract to help create the space to sign LeBron James.
Restrictions/notes
Rajon Rondo, JaVale McGee and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope have one-year Bird restrictions and can veto any trade.
As a result of the Anthony Davis deal, the Lakers cannot trade a first-round pick.
Caldwell-Pope and LeBron James have 15% trade bonuses.
Because of Cousins' season-ending injury, Los Angeles has a $1.75 million disabled player exception. The exception can be used to sign or acquire a player who has one year left on his contract. However, the Lakers would need an open roster spot to do so.
Los Angeles can send out up to $4.6 million in cash.
Lonzo Ball, Isaac Bonga, Josh Hart, Brandon Ingram and Moritz Wagner cannot be reacquired.
Memphis Grizzlies
What to watch: Andre Iguodala, Jae Crowder, Solomon Hill and Josh Jackson
Have the Grizzlies overplayed their hand on Iguodala? They have already received a good first-round pick to take him from Golden State. Getting another one to move him to a contender might be tough.
Even if the Clippers and Lakers try to swing a deal, those would probably only include second-rounders. Iguodala could certainly get traded before the deadline, but there are obstacles facing potential suitors ranging from the hard cap (Miami), lack of first-round picks (Dallas), salary matching (Houston) or a need to hold on to draft assets (Charlotte).
Besides Iguodala, Memphis also has the expiring contracts of Crowder, Hill and Jackson to look to flip.
Front-office deadline history: This will be the first trade deadline for Zach Kleiman as the head of basketball operations. Despite being the youngest lead executive in the NBA, Kleiman has been with the Grizzlies since 2015 and was part of a front office that made four regular-season trades in 2018-19.
Restrictions/notes
Memphis has trade exceptions worth $4.7 million, $3.4 million, $3.1 million, $1.5 million and $1.4 million.
Kyle Anderson has a 15% trade bonus.
Memphis can receive up to $3.6 million cash in a trade.
The Grizzlies owe Boston a top-six protected first in 2020 that becomes unprotected in 2021. As a result, Memphis cannot trade a first until two years after the conditions to the Celtics are reached.
Jevon Carter, Mike Conley, C.J. Miles, Chandler Parsons and Delon Wright cannot be reacquired.
Miami Heat
What to watch: Chris Paul, Dion Waiters, James Johnson, Kelly Olynyk, Meyers Leonard and Justise Winslow
Given their mix of expirings (Goran Dragic, Meyers Leonard) and salary filler (James Johnson, Dion Waiters, Kelly Olynyk), the Heat have been circled as a possible CP3 destination since he arrived in OKC this summer. But now the Heat are playing like one of the top teams in the East, and they should look to prioritize cap space for the superstar class in 2021. Going after Paul would upgrade the roster now but take them out of the 2021 free-agent market. And because OKC is in playoff contention, expiring contracts without one of the young prospects (such as Kendrick Nunn or Tyler Herro) is not much of a consolation prize.
Expect Waiters to be on the roster through the deadline, with Miami evaluating its options in the offseason. Waiters is owed more than $25 million the next two seasons, and Miami is not going to get an expiring contract for him without attaching a first-round pick or a player like Justise Winslow. Even if the Heat had a first-rounder to trade, they shouldn't do that.
The same could be said for Johnson and Olynyk, with contracts that stretch into the 2020-21 season. If the Heat are going to move on from either player, a draft asset or young player would need to be included.
Leonard gives the Heat an attractive $11.3 million expiring contract to target a player like Andre Iguodala. However, because of the hard cap, the Heat would likely need to attach a player like Winslow and also take back additional salary to make the money work.
Front-office deadline history: Besides the Goran Dragic trade in February 2015, the regular-season trades by Miami have primarily been to reduce the luxury tax bill. Since 2015, Miami has saved $28 million in potential luxury tax costs via trade.
Restrictions/notes
The Heat are currently $12,330 below the hard cap.
Miami has a $6.3 million trade exception but can't use it due to the hard cap unless the team sheds salary.
Udonis Haslem has a one-year Bird restriction and can veto any trade.
Kelly Olynyk has a trade bonus worth the lesser of $2 million or 5% of the remaining salary on his contract (excluding option years). Jimmy Butler has a 15% trade bonus that would be voided.
The Heat owe OKC an unprotected first-rounder in 2021 and a lottery-protected first-rounder in 2023. Because some of those protections extend into 2026, Miami is not allowed to trade a first.
Josh Richardson and Hassan Whiteside cannot be reacquired.
Milwaukee Bucks
What to watch: The 2020 Indiana first-rounder
GM Jon Horst could do nothing at the deadline and Milwaukee would still be a favorite to get to the NBA Finals. The Bucks have an MVP in Giannis Antetokounmpo, an All-Star in Khris Middleton, a veteran laden roster and depth across the board. Of course, a player such as Chris Paul would be an upgrade, but it's challenging for Milwaukee to make the money work while maintaining its depth.
If the Bucks do decide to tweak the roster, they have the Pacers' 2020 first-rounder available. That pick is currently projected to be in the late teens.
Front-office deadline history: Since taking over in 2017, Horst has been aggressive during the regular season, acquiring Eric Bledsoe, George Hill and Nikola Mirotic in deals.
Restrictions/notes
Malcolm Brogdon and Tony Snell cannot be reacquired.
Because of the Bledsoe and Hill trades, Milwaukee cannot trade its own first-round pick until 2026.
Minnesota Timberwolves
What to watch: Robert Covington and D'Angelo Russell
Update: Jeff Teague and Treveon Graham were sent to Atlanta in exchange for Allen Crabbe.
With Teague now off to Atlanta, the short-term solution for Minnesota is a combination of Shabazz Napier and Jarrett Culver. However, Napier will become a free agent in July and the Timberwolves will have a glaring need at the lead guard spot.
The team made a strong pitch to Russell over the summer in free agency. Can they find a way to trade for him before the deadline? Because of the hard cap restrictions for Golden State, Minnesota could send back only up to $27.65 million in salary (a combination of Robert Covington and Gorgui Dieng). Is that plus a package of Minnesota's first-round picks enough for the Warriors?
Covington has high value around the league. His ability to guard multiple positions plus his team-friendly contract has made him a priority for playoff teams. But that also means there is no urgency for the Timberwolves to make a move.
Front-office deadline history: This is the first trade deadline for the former Rockets executive. Last year, Houston made five financially motivated trades.
Restrictions/notes
The Timberwolves are $15.8 million below the hard cap.
Minnesota can receive up to $2 million in a trade and also has a $1.6 million trade exception.
The $18.5 million Allen Crabbe contract cannot be aggregated in a trade.
Karl-Anthony Towns has a 5% trade bonus that would be voided.
Dario Saric cannot be reacquired.
New Orleans Pelicans
What to watch: Derrick Favors, E'Twaun Moore and Darius Miller
While the Pelicans wait for Zion Williamson's return and slip down the West standings, it's unclear if they will be buyers or sellers at the deadline.
We have Favors and Moore listed here for three reasons. Both are on expiring contracts; New Orleans has replacements waiting (Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jaxson Hayes); and each player would add significant depth to a contending team (if the Pelicans decide to sell). Neither will fetch a first-rounder in return, though, and putting together a package could be difficult, given Favors' $17.6 million cap hit. Moore is at a more manageable $8.7 million salary.
Jrue Holiday has one of the most valuable contracts in the league. Although the Pelicans need to take a big-picture approach -- especially with the point guard approaching a player option this summer -- Williamson is set to return from his injury and head of basketball operations David Griffin will be in evaluation mode for the rest of the season.
If the Pelicans do become buyers, keep an eye on Miller. Despite being out for the season, Miller has a $7.25 million non-guaranteed contract in 2020-21. With the Pelicans' cap space tied up this July with the $21.8 million Brandon Ingram hold, New Orleans could flip Miller and a draft asset for a player under contract through 2020-21.
Front-office deadline history: Because he had a championship roster in Cleveland, Griffin is more used to being a buyer at the deadline, having acquired Kyle Korver, Channing Frye, JR Smith, Timofey Mozgov and Iman Shumpert in three trades. Griffin has also made moves to shed luxury tax payments in the past.
Restrictions/notes
Due to Darius Miller's season-ending injury, New Orleans has a $3.6 million disabled player exception. The exception can be used until March 10, and the Pelicans can sign or acquire only a player in the last year of his contract.
New Orleans can receive up to $3.5 million in a trade.
Anthony Davis and Solomon Hill cannot be reacquired.
New York Knicks
What to watch: The placeholders
It is almost unfair to label Taj Gibson, Marcus Morris, Wayne Ellington, Bobby Portis, Elfrid Payton and Reggie Bullock placeholders. However, the six are all on deals setting up potential short-term stays in New York.
Now that the team is at the bottom of the East, will New York look to trade these players to contenders for future assets? Or will the front office hold on to the veterans past the deadline, with the belief that they can help the team win or become more valuable offseason trade chips? Every player except for Morris has an end of June trigger date that would see his contract become fully guaranteed in 2020-21. If the Knicks go in that direction, it would signal a change in philosophy from last summer.
Keep an eye also on Allonzo Trier. After averaging 23 MPG and 11 PPG in 2018-19, Trier has seen his minutes drop. The guard is on an expiring $3.5 million contract and will be a restricted free agent in June.
Front-office deadline history: Steve Mills and Scott Perry will be most remembered for last season's Porzingis trade. Besides that move, New York has made two regular-season trades since the 2017-18 season.
Oklahoma City Thunder
What to watch: Danilo Gallinari, Mike Muscala and Andre Roberson
The three veterans are the headliners on a Thunder team in transition -- but in contention for a playoff spot.
Gallinari ($22.6 million expiring) is one of the headliners of the trade deadline. Because of his ability to play multiple positions and stretch the floor, he would be a major addition to any playoff team. However, although some teams have expiring contracts to match salary (such as Hassan Whiteside in Portland), will a potential asking price of a first-round pick be too rich?
As for Muscala, moving his $2 million contract would put the Thunder comfortably under the tax threshold and give them enough room to sign a replacement player to the prorated minimum.
The Thunder have not gotten many games from Roberson since he signed a three-year, $30 million contract in 2017, with the forward going through multiple surgeries. Although he doesn't currently have value from a playing perspective, Roberson does carry a $10 million expiring contract that the Thunder can flip along with one of the bevy of first-round picks to become buyers at the deadline.
Front-office deadline history: Since the 2016-17 season, Sam Presti has made only four trades during the regular season.
Restrictions/notes
Oklahoma City is $801,000 over the luxury tax with an open roster spot.
The Thunder have three trade exceptions worth $10.4 million, $9.3 million and $1.5 million.
Oklahoma City can receive up to $4.6 million and send out up to $4.8 million in a trade.
Nerlens Noel has a one-year Bird restriction and can veto any trade.
Steven Adams has a 7.5% trade bonus.
Because of three trades this past offseason, OKC could have 15 first-round picks in the next seven years.
Paul George, Russell Westbrook and Grant cannot be reacquired.
Orlando Magic
What to watch: D.J. Augustin and Terrence Ross
Although Markelle Fultz has taken over starting PG duties, don't put the expendable tag on Augustin yet. Augustin is on an expiring $7.3 million contract, but he is a solid insurance policy in case Fultz falters, making him important to Orlando's playoff push.
After a strong contract-year season, Ross has had an inconsistent and inefficient 2019-20. However, with injuries to Al-Farouq Aminu and Jonathan Isaac, moving on from Ross would weaken the roster for the rest of the season. After a slow start, the Magic are on pace to make the playoffs for a second consecutive year.
Front-office deadline history: The Fultz trade has been the headliner for President Jeff Weltman and GM John Hammond since they took over in 2017. Besides that, Orlando traded Elfrid Payton to Phoenix for a second-round pick in 2018.
Restrictions/notes
Orlando is $10.7 million below the hard cap.
The Magic have an open roster spot and are $7.8 million below the luxury tax.
The Amile Jefferson contract has a Feb. 1 trade restriction.
Michael Carter-Williams has a one-year Bird restriction and can veto any trade.
The Amile Jefferson contract has a Feb. 1 trade restriction.
Philadelphia 76ers
What to watch: Improving the bench; four second-round picks in 2020
A lethargic 31-point loss to Miami on Monday and a 9-18 record on the road would make you think that the 76ers should shake up the roster at the deadline. However, moving on from a starting five that was reshaped this summer has challenges.
For one, the Christmas Day blowout win against Milwaukee teased us and indicated that when the Sixers are engaged, they are one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. The roster is also top-heavy in salary, with three players making more than $27 million per season (Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris and Al Horford), Ben Simmons has a poison pill restriction and Josh Richardson has one of the best value contracts in the NBA. As a result, we should not expect major changes before the offseason.
When it comes to improving the bench, Philadelphia has four second-round picks in June, including two in the low 30s that are comparable to a first-round pick. They also have the $4.8 million Mike Scott and $3.0 million Zhaire Smith contracts to target a player who earns up to $13 million.
Front-office deadline history: GM Elton Brand has been part of two blockbuster trades during the regular season, acquiring Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris. In total, Brand has made five regular-season trades, all during the 2018-19 season.
Restrictions/notes
The 76ers can receive up to $3.6 million in a trade.
Tobias Harris has the lesser of 5% or $5 million trade bonus. The bonus would be voided if Harris is traded.
Ben Simmons has a poison pill restriction. For outgoing salary, Simmons will count as $8.1 million, but his incoming salary to the acquiring team will be $29.4 million.
Jimmy Butler cannot be reacquired in a trade.
James Ennis has a one-year Bird restriction and can veto any trade.
Philadelphia cannot trade a first-rounder until 2022.
Phoenix Suns
What to watch: Dario Saric, Aron Baynes, Tyler Johnson and Luke Kennard
The Suns are on the playoff bubble and will need to decide between now and the deadline whether they're going to be buyers or sellers. Keep an eye on Saric, Baynes and Johnson -- all on expirings -- if the Suns drop out of the postseason race.
Because of his strong start filling in for the suspended Deandre Ayton, Baynes has become one of the best available centers in 2020 free agency. He will likely command a salary right at the $9.8 million midlevel exception, though the Suns have Bird rights and can exceed the cap to sign him. Phoenix will also need to decide how committed it is to Saric (restricted) and Johnson long-term.
One other name that teams are keeping an eye on: Cheick Diallo. The former second-round pick is on a two-year, $3.5 million contract with a team option in 2020-21 and has shown glimpses of strong play.
Trade dialogue between the Suns and Pistons picked up Monday night regarding Kennard. Phoenix executive Jeff Bower drafted Kennard in 2016 while he was with the Pistons. The Suns must make sure that Kennard has a thorough physical as part of any trade -- Kennard has not played since Dec. 21 because of bilateral knee tendinitis.
Front-office deadline history: One of James Jones' underrated moves was acquiring Kelly Oubre Jr. from Washington in exchange for Trevor Ariza. Jones is approaching his second deadline, though Phoenix also has veteran executive Jeff Bower in the front office. In his time with the Pistons, Bower was part of seven regular-season trades, including the Blake Griffin blockbuster.
Restrictions/notes
Phoenix can receive up to $4.5 million in a trade.
Josh Jackson, De'Anthony Melton and T.J. Warren cannot be reacquired.
Portland Trail Blazers
What to watch: Hassan Whiteside, Kent Bazemore and draft assets
It would be difficult for the Blazers to part with Whiteside in a trade. He is on a $27.1 million contract, but he's looking much more like the player who had a career year in 2015-16, making him a reliable insurance policy while Jusuf Nurkic continues his injury rehab. Holding on to Whiteside despite his expiring deal would give Portland the option to sign him as a free agent (he has Bird rights) or use him as an asset in the offseason in a sign-and-trade.
Bazemore has struggled to shoot the ball well in Portland. Could his $19.1 million contract and a lottery-protected first-rounder be enough for a player such as Danilo Gallinari? Although Carmelo Anthony has filled in admirably at power forward, Gallinari would give Portland even more options. He would also come with Bird rights in the offseason.
Front-office deadline history: Since the Feb. 2017 trade deadline, Neil Olshey has made four regular-season deals, including acquiring Rodney Hood and Jusuf Nurkic.
Restrictions/notes
The Trail Blazers have one open roster spot but are $11.3 million above the luxury tax threshold.
Carmelo Anthony is not allowed to be traded during the regular season.
The Trail Blazers have trade exceptions worth $1.8 million and $1.7 million. They also have a $2.86 million Disabled Player Exception.
Rodney Hood has a one-year Bird restriction and can veto any trade.
Damian Lillard cannot be traded.
CJ McCollum has a Jan. 30 trade restriction.
Portland cannot reacquire Maurice Harkless, Jake Layman, Meyers Leonard and Evan Turner.
The Trail Blazers have a $2.9 million disabled player exception that will expire on March 10.
Sacramento Kings
What to watch: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Harry Giles Dewayne Dedmon
The Kings are about to get expensive, making impending restricted free agent Bogdanovic a key player to watch at the deadline. Sacramento doesn't have to trade him now, but the guard is likely to command a starting salary of $16 or $18 million next summer. He will at least get deals starting at his qualifying offer of $10.7 million. One team executive told ESPN that because of Bogdanovic's restricted free agency, the Kings could fetch multiple first-round picks for him.
Besides Bogdanovic, keep an eye on former first-round picks Harry Giles ($2.6 million). After seeing his team option declined, he is a good buy-low candidate.
Dedmon recently was fined $50,000 after he publicly asked to be traded. Since starting the first four games of the season, Dedmon had been relegated to the bench. However, with starter Richaun Holmes now injured, the minutes for Dedmon have increased, including a season-high 31 in a win against Phoenix. At the time of the Feb. 6 deadline, Dedmon will be owed $19.6 million ($5.3 million for the remainder of the season, $13.3 million in 2020-21 and $1 million for 2021-22).
Front-office deadline history: Since Vlade Divac took over in 2015, Sacramento has been one of the most active teams during the regular season. In total, there have been six regular-season trades since 2017, four involving at least three players.
Restrictions/notes
Buddy Hield has a poison pill restriction. For outgoing salary, Hield will count $4.8 million, but his incoming salary will be worth $19.7 million.
San Antonio Spurs
What to watch: The uncertain future of the roster
If there is going to be a shakeup in San Antonio, head of basketball operations RC Buford will need to do something he is unaccustomed to: make a trade during the regular season.
The 9-14 Spurs have questions surrounding possible free agent DeMar DeRozan ($27.7 million player option), former All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge, three rotation players with salaries extending into 2020-21 (Rudy Gay $14.5 million, Patty Mills $12.4 million and DeMarre Carroll $6.7 million), expiring contracts (Marco Belinelli $5.8 million, Bryn Forbes $2.9 million and Jakob Poetl $3.8 million) and a young core of four former first-round picks.
The big question will be what to do with DeRozan. He will be one of the top free agents in 2020 if he does not opt in. However, unless Atlanta, Charlotte, Cleveland or Memphis is willing to pay up, the market for the former All-Star could be dry. As one league executive told ESPN, "I like DeRozan as my third option, and those type of players are not earning near max-type money."
The Spurs can elect to do nothing and let the market dictate DeRozan's next deal (if he opts out). However, if DeRozan walks for nothing, San Antonio will be over the cap and unable to replace him in free agency.
Front-office deadline history: The last time San Antonio made a trade during the regular season was February 2014, when Austin Daye was acquired for Nando De Colo. Since 2012, San Antonio has made only seven trades overall.
Restrictions/notes
San Antonio is $13.1 million below the hard cap.
LaMarcus Aldridge has a 15% trade bonus.
Dejounte Murray has a poison pill restriction. For outgoing salary, Murray will count as $2.3 million, but his incoming salary for an acquiring team will be $13.3 million.
Davis Bertans cannot be reacquired.
Toronto Raptors
What to watch: Buyers at the deadline, but at what cost?
Toronto's trade pieces to improve this season include the $23.3 million expiring contract of Serge Ibaka, a team-friendly, three-year deal for Norman Powell ($10.1 million annually) and salary-cap fillers in Patrick McCaw ($4 million), Stanley Johnson ($3.6 million) and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson ($2.5 million). The Raptors own all of their future first-rounders.
The team should gauge what McCaw, Johnson and a first-round pick can bring back. Packaging both players means the Raptors can trade for up to $9.6 million in salary. That would put them in the range of Bogdan Bogdanovic (unlikely), E'Twaun Moore (possible), JJ Redick (unlikely and would still need to add salary), D.J. Augustin (unlikely), Kris Dunn (possible) and Marco Belinelli (possible).
Front-office deadline history: Besides the deal to acquire Gasol, Toronto made two other trades in February, and both were financially motivated, saving Toronto $9 million toward the luxury tax. Prior to the 2019 deadline, the Raptors had made five regular-season trades since Ujiri took over in 2013.
Restrictions/notes
Toronto is $11.7 million below the hard cap.
Pascal Siakam has a poison pill restriction.
Toronto has three trade exceptions worth $2.5 million, $1.6 million and $1.5 million.
Utah Jazz
What to watch: The patience of the Jazz front office
Note: The Jazz traded for Jordan Clarkson on Dec. 23.
The Jazz followed the same script from the Kyle Korver trade last year when they acquired Clarkson from the Cavaliers. The trade now gives Utah depth at shooting guard, especially with Donovan Mitchell playing point guard as Mike Conley recovers from injury. The trade is not an overreaction to a slow start but more about Utah moving early to acquire much-needed depth.
With Clarkson on board, the rest of the roster -- outside of the starters -- features a combination of minimum contracts, former first-round pick Tony Bradley and the $4.8 million expiring contract of Ed Davis. Clarkson's $13.4 million contract can also be used in a deal before the trade deadline.
Front-office deadline history: Since the 2017-18 season, Utah has made three regular-season trades. All three of those trades involved the Cavaliers.
Restrictions/notes
The contracts for Royce O'Neale ($1.6 million), Georges Niang ($1.6 million and Juwan Morgan ($898,000) become guaranteed if not waived by Jan. 7. Morgan cannot be traded, and neither can Joe Ingles or Rayjon Tucker.
Utah will send Memphis a first-rounder in 2020 if it falls between Nos. 8 and 14, with more protections on that pick running through 2024. The Jazz cannot trade a first-rounder until two years after the conditions to Memphis are met.
Grayson Allen, Jae Crowder, Dante Exum and Derrick Favors cannot be reacquired.
Washington Wizards
What to watch: The $5.0 million trade exception, Davis Bertans and Isaiah Thomas
Savvy moves for Davis Bertans and Moritz Wagner gave the Wizards two quality players and a valuable $5 million trade exception that they can use to take back salary when looking for future assets.
Bertans' $7 million expiring contract should certainly be attractive to teams. Because of his play on the court and Bird rights that carryover, Bertans has high value for playoff contenders looking for a stretch-4.
Despite Bertans approaching free agency, the Wizards are not forced to move him, especially if they see him as part of the future. However, he could cost double his current salary on the open market.
Thomas is a name to watch because the Wizards will continue to focus on player development for the last two months of the season. Keeping the point guard would be counterproductive to that. Opening up a roster spot to sign a G League player or a young prospect on a controllable contract should be something to consider. For the season, Thomas has averaged 24 minutes, 12.3 points on 40.4% shooting from the field. He would have value to a playoff team coming off the bench.
Front-office deadline history: This is the first trade deadline for Tommy Sheppard since he took over in Washington. However, Sheppard has been part of the Wizards' front office since 2003. During the 2018-19 regular season, the Wizards made four deals that helped them drop below the luxury tax threshold.
Restrictions/notes:
As part of his extension, Bradley Beal cannot be traded. Neither can Gary Payton II or Anzejs Pasecniks.
John Wall has a 15% trade bonus that would be voided.
Washington is $8.8 million below the hard cap.
The Wizards have a $5 million trade exception but are currently $2.8 million below the tax threshold.
The Wizards can send out up to $4.5 million cash.
Tomas Satoransky cannot be reacquired.
The Wizards have a $4.4 million disabled player exception that will expire on March 10.