With the trade deadline approaching, it's time for us to put together our list of the top 10 predictions for the NBA trade deadline in 2024. There's a lot going on around the association right now, and while no big moves have happened yet, it seems like it's just a matter of time Before the first domino falls.
So, with some teams approaching rock bottom at a drastic pace, let's take a look at the ten biggest names on the trade market and the players most likely to find a new home before the end of the season, barring a major turn of events.
10. Zach LaVine
It's no surprise that our list of 2024 NBA trade deadline predictions starts with the most obvious trade candidate on the market right now. The Chicago Bulls can't beat anyone right now, and Zach LaVine has never shied away from controversy or hidden the fact that he's not comfortable in the Windy City.
LaVine is still under contract long-term and young, so he should get some attention league-wide. However, he also makes a lot of money and plays no defense, which could put off many championship contenders. Regardless, he won't be in Chicago much longer.
9. Chris Paul
A Chris Paul trade could become one of the biggest in NBA history, but not for the right reasons. He wasn't the cause of the Golden State Warriors' never-ending problems, but he didn't do anything to solve their problems either.
Paul's best years are far behind him, and the Warriors need someone who can help them turn things around now. He's one of the greatest players of all time, but he doesn't fit what they need and he makes too much money to play off the bench.
8. DeMar DeRozan
Our preview of the 2024 NBA trade deadline includes another member of the sluggish Chicago Bulls roster. DeMar DeRozan is currently a more obvious trade candidate than his teammate for two main reasons: he's older, and he's in the middle of the final year of his big-money contract.
DeRozan should get a lot of attention league-wide. Although he is not a great striker, he is still an elite goalscorer and has proven that he is more than just a playmaker who can handle the ball as well. He could be an elite option at second or third on a roster spot, even if it's just a lease until the end of the season.
7. And Anunoby
OG Anunoby has looked extremely underwhelming in the North this season, and rightly so. The talented two-way winger has been good as usual, but the Toronto Raptors can't seem to right the ship, and frustration continues to mount among the team's veterans.
Anunoby was linked to several deals last season, and most contenders would like to land an elite winger with an improved offensive game in their ranks. Now, it will be up to Masai Ujiri to come to terms with the fact that he needs to let him go.
6. D'Angelo Russell
D'Angelo Russell has been consistent since arriving in Los Angeles, at least in the regular season. But we've already seen him struggle in the playoffs, and reports stated that LeBron James wasn't very happy with his performance last season, and you know what that means.
Typically, all teams with LeBron James undergo a roster overhaul, and the Los Angeles Lakers were no exception. You know they'll do something eventually, it's just a matter of when and what, and Russell is the most tradeable player right now.
5. Pascal I
Just like OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam has been involved in countless trade rumors over the years. The Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks and even the Boston Celtics have been mentioned as potential destinations several times, but to no avail, at least, so far.
The Raptors are in a bit of a tailspin at the moment, and Siakam has yet to sign a contract extension. He has been non-committal about his future with the organization, and that doesn't seem to come as a huge surprise. So, simply put, they can either choose to lose it for free, or trade it while they still can. He's a solid defender, someone who can score from all three levels, put the ball on the floor and is quite coachable.
4. Lauri Markkanen
Just before last year, Lauri Markkanen was considered the favorite to win the league's Most Valuable Player award, looking like a star in the making and even single-handedly carrying the Utah Jazz into potential playoff contention, against all odds.
Fast forward to today, and while Markkanen is still a star, his team has been unable to maintain the same pace. The Jazz are struggling, and we know how much Danny Ainge loves to pile up draft picks, making Markkanen a potential trade candidate.
3. Buddy Hield
Buddy Hield has been a trade target for the Los Angeles Lakers for nearly five years. He has often been mentioned as a potential trade chip, and now that he has failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension with the Indiana Pacers, it may finally be time to let him go.
Then again, Rick Carlisle's team is firing on all cylinders right now, and even though Hield isn't their primary or secondary scorer, it probably wouldn't be wise to dismantle their core. They're at risk of losing him because he could leave in free agency, but they shouldn't give up one of the best three-point shooters in the league unless the offer is very good.
2. Malcolm Brogdon
The Portland Trail Blazers have finally begun their long-awaited rebuilding process. Letting go of Damian Lillard was just the first step in that direction, but now, it's all about getting rid of the remaining veterans and raising as much draft capital as possible. This makes Malcolm Prodjohn one of the obvious candidates to find a new home, either via trade or buyout.
Brogdon has struggled with injuries as of late, which is why the Boston Celtics gave up on him in the first place. Then again, he's one of the best defensive guards in the league, not to mention someone who can play on and off the ball, start or come off the bench, and rarely turns the ball over.
1. Bojan Bogdanovic
And last but not least, our list of 2024 NBA trade deadline predictions includes Bojan Bogdanovic. The Detroit Pistons were the worst team in the league by a wide margin, and it's clear that a lot of things need to change. However, since most of their team is filled with young players, rival executives may need to target veteran players instead.
Bogdanovic played lights out wide last season, and while he now has injury concerns, he is still a solid striker who can play as a three or four. He can play for others, he's not a liability on the defense anymore, and he can score efficiently from all three levels. The Pistons are in a bit of a mess right now, and they want to put together as many draft picks as possible to see if they can turn things around by the NBA Draft.
