The NBA trade deadline is still a few months away, and there’s no telling how things will change between now and February. Even so, while it’s impossible to know the future, we can still understand how the landscape is shaping up on the market.
When it comes to sellers, it’s no surprise that the teams on the bottom are most likely to part ways with some of their top veteran players, making things interesting for opponents that are looking for reinforcements. As it stands, there are two lottery-bound teams that GMs expect to be very active this season: the Milwaukee Bucks (1-11) and Los Angeles Clippers (2-8).
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For the Bucks specifically, both veteran center Myles Turner and former Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma are on the trade block, and they have been since before the season even started.
“Two other teams expected to be open to hearing offers for virtually any of their players entering the trade deadline are the LA Clippers and Milwaukee Bucks,” reported Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. “Myles Turner and Kyle Kuzma are the two players the Bucks have been attempting to move since the offseason started. However, Milwaukee has not been receptive to calls regarding Jaime Jaquez Jr. or Ryan Rollins.”
Sitting 15th in the East in their first season without Giannis Antetokounmpo (two-time MVP), the Bucks are headed nowhere fast, and some critics claim they have the worst future of any team. That’s why it’s in their best interest to flip whatever players they can to build up their arsenal.
Out of any of their players, Myles Turner makes the most sense to trade, and he could generate interest from several teams as a 6’11” center and rim protector. The only problem? He’s set to make $83 million over the next three years and is having the worst season of his career with averages of 6.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.5 steals, and 2.4 blocks per game on 32.9% shooting from the field.
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Despite his limitations on both ends of the floor, Kyle Kuzma is much easier to trade given he’s on an expiring deal worth $20.3 million. At this point in his career, he’s not a huge difference maker, but he could provide a nice boost off the bench for any playoff team. This season, in 12 games, he’s averaging 10.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game on 45.9% shooting from the field.
In the West, the Clippers are in a similar situation as they look for ways to recover from the NBA’s cap-circumvention penalties that cost them five first-round picks. Right now, at 2-8, they aren’t in a position to compete, and that makes them a prime candidate for trades. With guard Darius Garland and swingman Rui Hachimura being mainstays, guys like forward Max Strus, veteran Brook Lopez, and bench scorer Derrick Jones Jr. have been identified as the most likely to be moved.
“In terms of what to expect from the Clippers, this is a team that is simply waiting to see what they look like when they have all of their pieces,” Siegel added. “Brandon Ingram has not played yet this season, and the organization has an internal belief that their 2-8 start to the 2026-27 season is not reflective of the talent on their roster.”
“But with the Clippers facing an uphill battle to work their way back into the playoff conversation in the Western Conference, league personnel are looking at Max Strus, Brook Lopez, and Derrick Jones Jr. as the three most likely players for LA to trade by February.”
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The Clippers shouldn’t expect a massive haul for those role players, but there are sure to be teams willing to give up a bench player or a second-round pick. Specifically, a three-and-D wing like Derrick Jones Jr. is a dime a dozen, and he’d be a great fit for the Lakers (and other contenders) with averages of 11.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game.
In the end, whatever happens this season, we know where things are headed on the trade market. As always, teams that are struggling will be open to trade talks, and almost nobody is safe. Those who can take advantage and seize the opportunity will be better off for it, and it’s only a matter of time before some serious changes are made.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
