Multiple franchises are weighing trade options as the NBA calendar moves closer to the deadline, according to ESPN reporting.
Toronto Raptors
Sources told ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst that Toronto has quietly asked rival clubs about the market value of key pieces Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett, and could also include Jakob Poeltl in talks. The Raptors are viewed as one of the few teams willing to accept sizable multiyear salaries—such as deals for Ja Morant, Domantas Sabonis or Anthony Davis—because they would be sending out comparable long-term contracts.
League executives believe that flexibility carries a price: without large expiring contracts, Toronto would likely have to attach draft picks to make a competitive offer.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are targeting perimeter stoppers and rim protection, ESPN reports, but prefer cost-effective additions over headline-grabbing moves. A Western Conference general manager told the outlet that Los Angeles could land a bargain if it is willing to take on long-term money—so long as the incoming player “fits cleanly next to Luka Doncic.” The GM emphasized that the Lakers do not want contracts that hinder their next roster phase.
Milwaukee Bucks
Rival executives expect Milwaukee to act before the deadline, with interest “across basically any position,” per ESPN. The Bucks still own a tradable first-round pick and sit roughly $14 million below the luxury-tax threshold, an Eastern Conference executive noted, adding that teams have “made chicken salad with less.”
Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota is seeking backcourt help while attempting to reduce payroll, sources said. The challenge: any meaningful acquisition would likely force the Timberwolves to surrender a current rotation player, a difficult trade-off for a club balancing contention and cost control.
The trade market remains fluid as front offices evaluate whether current prices align with their competitive timelines.
Source: Hoops Wire
