As the 2025 NBA trade deadline on February 6th draws near, the rumor mill is heating up, and front offices across the league are scrambling to make moves. This season has been full of surprises – including the Lakers trading D’Angelo Russell for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton while superstars such as Jimmy Butler, Brandon Ingram, and Zion Williamson have been floated around in trade rumors for their own reasons. For many franchises, the next few weeks could determine their trajectory for years to come.
Among the names being discussed are former All-Stars looking for a fresh start, underutilized talents ready to shine elsewhere, and veterans on teams that are ready to embrace a rebuild. Here are the 10 stars most likely to be on the move before the February 6th trade deadline.
1. Jimmy Butler
2024-25 Season Statistics: 17.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Jimmy Butler’s relationship with the Miami Heat has gone from championship camaraderie to public discontent. After clashing with the Heat front office over roster construction and being suspended for seven games earlier this season, Butler’s future in Miami appears murky.
The Heat sit at a mediocre 21-20, barely clinging to a play-in spot, and Butler’s dip in scoring reflects his growing frustration. Contenders like the Phoenix Suns and even Memphis Grizzlies are rumored to be monitoring the situation, knowing Butler could instantly elevate their playoff hopes.
Butler’s appeal lies in his two-way dominance and proven playoff pedigree. Despite averaging his lowest points per game since 2014-15, his defensive intensity and leadership remain invaluable. With Miami likely hesitant to commit to a massive contract extension next summer, the trade deadline might be their best opportunity to extract value. Butler could be the missing piece for a team with championship aspirations, but his age (35) and max contract demands make a move complex.
2. Brandon Ingram
2024-25 Season Statistics: 22.2 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 5.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Brandon Ingram is in the midst of a strong individual season, but questions surrounding his long-term fit in New Orleans persist. The Pelicans, currently hovering at 11-32, are facing an identity crisis with a horrific team record and uncertainty around Zion Williamson’s durability. Ingram has been reportedly on the trade market all season because the Pelicans are done with their core.
A versatile scorer and playmaker, Ingram’s ability to create offense from the perimeter and mid-range makes him a coveted target. However, his defensive inconsistencies and injury history are concerns for potential suitors. With free agency looming this summer, the Pelicans may decide to trade him for anything they can get rather than risk losing him for nothing.
3. Zion Williamson
2024-25 Season Statistics: 21.9 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.2 BPG
Few players are as polarizing as Zion Williamson. On one hand, he remains one of the most dominant interior scorers in the league, capable of overpowering defenders with ease. On the other, he has missed significant time due to injuries, leaving the Pelicans at 11-32 and questioning whether he can be their cornerstone.
In fact, it might be the case that Zion does not even want to be in New Orleans and is looking for a way out. Perhaps that is why the franchise ended up suspending their franchise player for a game for poor behavior.
Williamson’s blend of size, speed, and skill is unparalleled when healthy, but his availability is the biggest red flag. The Pelicans could demand a large package for him, including multiple first-round picks and young talent. While trading Williamson feels premature, New Orleans might decide the risk of keeping him outweighs the potential reward, especially if they can secure assets for a more durable core.
4. Zach Lavine
2024-25 Season Statistics: 23.6 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 4.6 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
The Chicago Bulls are stuck in mediocrity with an 18-25 record, and Zach LaVine’s name is constantly in trade rumors. While LaVine remains one of the league’s most explosive scorers, his inability to carry Chicago to success has led to speculation about his future. The Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets have reportedly shown interest, though LaVine’s contract and defensive shortcomings make him a risky addition.
LaVine’s scoring prowess, particularly his ability to create off the dribble and shoot from deep, makes him a tantalizing option for teams seeking offensive firepower. However, his $46 million salary next year limits flexibility for contenders. Chicago could use this deadline to jumpstart a rebuild, offloading LaVine for assets while focusing on developing younger talent.
5. Bradley Beal
2024-25 Season Statistics: 17.5 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Bradley Beal’s role with the Phoenix Suns has become a major storyline this season. After being relegated to a sixth-man role, Beal has struggled to find his All-Star form again despite averaging 17.5 points per game.
With the Suns sitting at 21-20, Beal’s bench production has been solid, but his hefty contract ($53.7 million in 2025-26 and $57.1 million in 2026-27) makes him expendable if the Suns want to improve elsewhere. Unfortunately for the Suns, moving Beal won’t be easy at all since the player has a no-trade clause and might hold the power in what happens in his future.
Rumors suggest the Suns could explore moving Beal for defensive upgrades or draft assets, particularly as his no-trade clause complicates roster flexibility. Teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat (in a complex swap for Butler) could be interested in Beal’s scoring, but his recent injury history and declining defensive impact might lower his trade value.
6. CJ McCollum
2024-25 Season Statistics: 21.6 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 3.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG
CJ McCollum continues to produce at a high level, but the New Orleans Pelicans’ inconsistent start to the season (11-32) has prompted rumors about his future with the team. The veteran guard remains a reliable scorer and playmaker, but his fit alongside Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram has been questioned due to overlapping offensive roles. That is why the Pelicans want to shop McCollum to rebuild.
McCollum’s trade value is buoyed by his ability to score efficiently from all three levels and his experience in high-pressure playoff situations. However, his defensive limitations and contract (earning $30.7 million next season) could deter suitors. New Orleans may be willing to part ways with McCollum in exchange for younger assets or draft picks as they evaluate whether to pivot toward a different roster configuration.
7. Nikola Vucevic
2024-25 Season Statistics: 20.6 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 3.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Despite posting a double-double average and being one of the most skilled offensive centers in the league, Nikola Vucevic’s fit with the Chicago Bulls remains a topic of debate. With the Bulls hovering near .500, the team may decide to trade Vucevic for assets that align better with a rebuild or retool. His ability to stretch the floor and dominate the boards makes him an appealing target for teams like the Los Angeles Lakers or Golden State Warriors.
Vucevic’s defensive shortcomings have often been a liability for the Bulls, particularly against athletic big men. While his offensive skill set is undeniable, his impact on winning has come under scrutiny. If the Bulls decide to part ways with the 34-year-old (who will make $21.5 million next season), they could acquire younger talent or draft capital to complement their evolving core.
8. Jerami Grant
2024-25 Season Statistics: 14.7 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.0 BPG
Jerami Grant’s tenure with the Portland Trail Blazers seems to be nearing its end as the team shifts focus toward its younger players. With Portland holding one of the worst records in the league (14-28), moving Grant for future assets is a logical step. Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers could view Grant as a versatile forward who can defend multiple positions and contribute as a secondary scorer.
Grant’s decline in production this season may be a product of Portland’s lack of cohesion, but his two-way capabilities remain attractive to many teams including contenders. However, his contract ($32.0 million in 2025-26 and $34.2 million in 2026-27) may make teams hesitant to take on such a significant long-term commitment. Portland will likely need to temper their expectations for a return package, but Grant’s presence on a winning team could elevate his value.
9. Deandre Ayton
2024-25 Season Statistics: 13.5 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.0 BPG
Deandre Ayton’s tenure with the Portland Trail Blazers has been underwhelming as the team struggles to find consistency. While Ayton continues to post respectable numbers, his inability to dominate games has left many questioning his ceiling. With the Blazers already pivoting toward a rebuild centered around Scoot Henderson, Ayton could be moved to a team looking for a skilled big man to complement their roster.
Ayton’s contract (earning $35.6 million next season) and occasional lack of aggression may limit the market for him, but teams like the Sacramento Kings or Charlotte Hornets could see him as a worthwhile gamble. Portland’s front office will need to weigh whether keeping Ayton aligns with their timeline or if they should cash in for younger assets.
10. Kyle Kuzma
2024-25 Season Statistics: 14.4 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Kyle Kuzma’s role with the Washington Wizards has diminished as the team prioritizes development for players like Bilal Coulibaly and Johnny Davis. At a putrid 6-35, the Wizards are clearly in rebuilding mode, and Kuzma’s decent contract ($21.4 million in 2025-26 and $19.4 million in 2026-27) makes him an attractive trade candidate. Teams like the Sacramento Kings could view Kuzma as a versatile forward capable of stretching the floor and providing secondary scoring.
While Kuzma’s scoring efficiency has dipped slightly this season, his ability to create his own shot and defend multiple positions makes him a valuable piece for playoff-bound teams. The Wizards are unlikely to command a significant return, but even a late first-round pick or a promising young player would be a win for both parties. Kuzma’s departure would also allow Washington to fully embrace their youth movement.
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