The 2023-24 season is underway, and we have a great indication of which teams will separate themselves from the rest of the pack now and going forward. That doesn’t mean the best teams in the NBA will be resting on their laurels as they look to continue making roster changes with the hopes of competing for the NBA championship.
As the trade deadline gets closer by the week, it is time to make the top three targets for every NBA team right now. While not every one of these players will be realistically attainable quickly, it is interesting to see the flexibility every NBA team has when it comes to making trades and moving on from their own talent. Without further ado, here are the top targets for every NBA franchise.
Atlanta Hawks
Trade Targets: Pascal Siakam, O.G. Anunoby, Jerami Grant
The Atlanta Hawks have a strong enough squad in the East this season with the presence of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray to get into the playoffs. Trae Young is an All-Star and one of the best point guards in the NBA right now, averaging 26.5 points and 10.4 assists per game. As good as Atlanta's backcourt is on paper, they need frontcourt depth.
Pascal Siakam is one of the best in the world at the power forward spot and can even play center, while O.G. Anunoby can play three positions as required. Jerami Grant might be on the outs in Portland because he is nearly 30 years old and belongs on a contending team rather than a rebuilding one. Any one of these three players will push Atlanta back into the mix as a top-four or top-five side in the conference going forward.
Boston Celtics
Trade Targets: Trey Lyles, T.J. McConnell, Dorian Finney-Smith
The Boston Celtics are contending for an NBA title this year and have one of the best starting lineups in the NBA and an excellent backup big man in Al Horford. However, the more depth they have, the better. Kristaps Porzingis is known to be injury-prone and Horford is 37 years old and counting meaning a backup big is needed. Expect the Celtics to chase the likes of Trey Lyles, who is 28 years old and a modern big.
Otherwise, some more defense is always useful after losing players such as Malcolm Brogdon and Marcus Smart in recent seasons in an effort to add size. McConnell is a veteran who can play a similar role to Payton Pritchard while Dorian Finney-Smith would be a dream target that would result in incredible budget squeezing by Brad Stevens. Otherwise, expect the Celtics to proceed as currently constructed.
Brooklyn Nets
Trade Targets: Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, De’Andre Hunter
Brooklyn started a rebuild around Mikal Bridges but they could actually be buyers down the road. As of right now, Brooklyn is decent with Bridges and a better version of Ben Simmons (6.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 6.7 assists per game). Brooklyn might be considered sellers but could actually make a move for a player like Zach LaVine to remain competitive. They might even make a move for double-double machine Nikola Vucevic in the same light.
However, if things go south by the trade deadline, the Nets might even consider losing it all to tank and acquire picks. With Bridges their primary trade asset, many teams will be interested and the Nets could ask for young players as well. The Hawks might need a player like Bridges, so a swap with fillers and picks including De’Andre Hunter could be realistic.
Charlotte Hornets
Trade Targets: Brandon Ingram, Jordan Poole, Jonathan Kuminga
LaMeo Ball already looks like a star again this season, so the Hornets do have a promising core if they can surround him with the proper talent. Charlotte likely won't be competing in the playoffs this season, so at the least the franchise should try to bring some media attention and excitement.
A move for a star like Brandon Ingram could be in the cards because why not? Ingram is 26 years old, an All-Star, and an excellent all-around player. Ball and Ingram could do some damage together while giving Charlotte fans some hope. The same goes for Jordan Poole who is on the outs in Washington and can be a long-term partner to Ball on offense. Otherwise, they could go more long-term and try to nab Jonathan Kuminga away from the Golden State Warriors for a package of picks.
Chicago Bulls
Trade Targets: Marcus Morris, D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves
Chicago is enduring a confusing spell right now because Zach LaVine is their best player among other talents whose ceilings are questionable. However, he is on the trade market and many teams are interested in his services. One of those teams is the Philadelphia 76ers who don’t want to mess up team chemistry but could want a star, parting ways with Marcus Morris, Robert Covington, and other expiring contracts and picks.
Otherwise, the Lakers could swoop in and offer D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and any other assets the Chicago Bulls might want including a future first-round pick. If the Bulls trade LaVine, it signals a full-on rebuild and that could mean DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic could be next to leave. The Bulls organization tried to win but it just has not worked out so far in the competitive Eastern Conference.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Trade Targets: Royce O'Neale, Josh Green, Caleb Martin
Cleveland should go all-in at all costs because they will be competing in the Eastern Conference for the foreseeable future if they can hold onto Donovan Mitchell. To bolster their plans of contending around their core, a two-way wing would be a perfect addition to the squad. He can play inside and out and seems to love playing consistent defense.
Another similar type of player is Josh Green, a 23-year-old with solid defensive skills and potential to be a long-term starter. Otherwise, expect the Cavaliers to go after Caleb Martin who is 28 years old and could be a veteran for a young team. The Cavs want to win as soon as possible because if they lose Mitchell, it could be a delay in their contention in the East.
Dallas Mavericks
Trade Targets: Nikola Vucevic, Clint Capela, Myles Turner
The Dallas Mavericks should do everything possible to add talent around superstar Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Nikola Vucevic could be moved for a relatively simple package since the Bulls are rebuilding and the Mavericks could play around with a first-round pick or some second-rounders. Clint Capela isn't a star player in today's NBA, but he's a dominant defensive player who would greatly elevate the Mavericks’ defense and rim protection. Dallas can have a strong base to add defense around Doncic because there aren’t any effective bigs on the roster at this moment.
Another great option would be Myles Turner, a player who has been available for trade for a few seasons, and the Mavericks could swoop in for him. Turner is a two-time blocks champion and an excellent floor-spacing center. Management would have to get creative to land Turner so expect a mix of youngsters and first-round picks to get the deal done.
Denver Nuggets
Trade Targets: Reggie Bullock, Jae'Sean Tate, Mo Bamba
The Denver Nuggets have everything right now and probably don’t need to make any roster changes. They won the NBA title last season and have one of the best starting lineups in the NBA around superstar Nikola Jokic. However, depth does not hurt and after losing Bruce Brown this summer, they can make amends by adding some veteran role players.
Bullock can space the three and has only appeared in seven games for the Houston Rockets so far. The Nuggets could do a small trade for him if they include a second-round pick for example, otherwise, they could target a player like Jae’Sean Tate who can play a similar role to Brown. In case the 76ers don’t need him and alternatively, Mo Bamba can be a player who can provide some depth behind Nikola Jokic.
Detroit Pistons
Trade Targets: John Collins, Jalen Johnson, Josh Green
The Detroit Pistons are not a good team at all and the fanbase is simply waiting for Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson, and Jalen Duren to get better on the court together while players such as Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks belong on new teams. The Pistons need to add more young talent to the roster and keep earning draft picks to continue their rebuild. John Collins is a new member of the Atlanta Hawks but has not exactly set the team on fire with his play and the Pistons could look towards an immediate improvement in their frontcourt.
Alternatively, Jalen Johnson fits into the plans perfectly as a 6’9” forward who can score and provide size around the basket. The Pistons need to complete their long-term lineup with a player of this style and can possibly strike a deal with the Hawks. Otherwise, Josh Green can fit that role as he is only 23 years old and is getting better.
Golden State Warriors
Trade Targets: Zach LaVine, O.G. Anunoby, Alec Burks
The Golden State Warriors started out the season on fire behind the scorching shooting of Stephen Curry but have been poor over the last 10 games, going 3-7. To make a shocking move, they could dangle any of their assets (Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody) for some reinforcements which could come in the form of O.G. Zach LaVine or Anunoby.
LaVine is born to be a Splash Brother, while Anunoby can defend and also space the floor. If the Warriors can get one of these two to place alongside Stephen Curry, they are onto something in the Western Conference. Otherwise, a veteran such as Alec Burks can come in and provide shooting and some size on the wing.
Houston Rockets
Trade Targets: O.G. Anunoby, Alex Caruso, Delon Wright
The Houston Rockets have finally returned to competitiveness thanks to smart moves by management. Ime Udoka is an elite coach, Fred VanVleet is an All-Star point guard, and Dillon Brooks is providing a defensive identity. Not to mention, Alperen Sengun has looked like an All-Star all season. To continue the improvement, the Rockets might want to add some more defenders.
O.G. Anunoby is the dream target as a two-way starter and could become an All-Star someday but that could mean valuable assets could be going the other way. Alex Caruso is the name being heavily rumored as he is no-nonsense, doesn’t need the spotlight, and fits into Udoka’s playing style. He can also help Amen Thompson develop into the elite defender he can become. Otherwise, Delon Wright can fill in a role as a backup guard as a 31-year-old who does not fit with the Washington Wizards.
Indiana Pacers
Trade Targets: Pascal Siakam, O.G. Anunoby, Kyle Kuzma
The Indiana Pacers have an All-Star in Tyrese Haliburton but need to give him a big man who can run, shoot, and catch the ball when passed to him. Pairing Haliburton with an All-Star like Pascal Siakam means Indiana will make the playoffs in the East with a star duo in the paint and capable playmaking and shooting on the perimeter.
The Pacers have been quite a consistent team and they deserve credit for that, but Siakam could take them to the next level. Even a player such as Anunoby could be a perfect wing partner for Haliburton because he excels at spot-up shooting situations and can add a defensive identity to the team. Otherwise, a player like Kyle Kuzma could fit into the long-term plans because he is 28 years old and averaging a career-high 23.4 points per game and adding 4.8 assists per game as well. The key is to get more competitive and they can do that with some major trades.
Los Angeles Clippers
Trade Targets: Zach LaVine, Alex Caruso, Nikola Vucevic
The Los Angeles Clippers might have messed up their plans to contend this season with the shocking move for James Harden. There are too many egos, ball-handlers, and pseudo-leaders with that mentality on the team. Harden and Russell Westbrook don’t fit and we know that already, but now it seems Kawhi Leonard has to accept not being the go-to player in critical moments anymore.
Will that keep the best player on the team happy? Probably not. It certainly looks like the Clippers are in their “last dance’ phase with the core because if this doesn’t work, expect Leonard and possibly Paul George to get out the door. However, the Clippers can make trades involving the rebuilding Chicago Bulls by trading any of their best players in time (Harden, Westbrook, Zubac, Mann) to acquire Zach LaVine, Alex Caruso, or Nikola Vucevic.
Los Angeles Lakers
Trade Targets: Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Bojan Bogdanovic
The Los Angeles Lakers have two of the best players in the world but other than LeBron James and Anthony Davis, everyone else should be available for trade. The Lakers have gotten off to a decent start but if the team starts faltering as the weeks progress, the franchise could make a move for a third-star player. The obvious targets are both on the Chicago Bulls, and their names are Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan.
The Lakers and the Bulls could strike a deal if it involves important long-term players such as Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and the 2029 first-round pick. The Bulls could be major sellers by the trade deadline and one of LaVine or DeRozan fits perfectly alongside James and Davis in terms of shot-creation. Otherwise, a cheaper option could be Bojan Bogdanovic who is 34 years old and could be cleared to play full-time basketball as he returns from injury.
Memphis Grizzlies
Trade Targets: Mikal Bridges, O.G. Anunoby, Jerami Grant
The Memphis Grizzlies are fortunate to have Ja Morant on the squad because he is a rare point guard with exceptional passing ability but he is currently dealing with a suspension. They also have Jaren Jackson Jr, a modern big man who can defend and hit outside shots but is a below-average rebounder for his size. Desmond Bane is scoring the ball well, but the team is 3-13 and offense has not been enough.
In a panic effort, the Grizzlies could make a blockbuster deal for one of three stars: Mikal Bridges, O.G. Anunoby, and Jerami Grant. Memphis might make a quick deal for one of these three players to pair with Morant when he comes back, and every player might be available if Memphis continues to falter even when the superstar point guard returns from suspension.
Miami Heat
Trade Targets: Zach LaVine, Paul George, Pascal Siakam
The Miami Heat were supposed to be the team with the most momentum entering the 2023-24 season in the East. They made last year’s Finals with the core of Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo leading the way but they might make amends for missing out on Damian Lillard this summer by going after another All-Star.
Zach LaVine is the obvious one because he is 28 years old and can be the primary scoring option, but the Heat might have to part ways with Tyler Herro to get the deal over the line. Otherwise, the Heat might opt for a veteran such as Paul George who fits in the defensive scheme of the Heat but can also lead the offense. For a Twin Towers pairing, going after Pascal Siakam could give Miami a Big Three to compete with the Celtics and Bucks in the East.
Milwaukee Bucks
Trade Targets: T.J. McConnell, Jalen Suggs, Alec Burks
The Milwaukee Bucks went all-in with Damian Lillard and have enough talent to win it all. They are still trying to build team chemistry and that will take time, but the duo of Lillard and superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo will be very difficult to handle. To shore up the depth chart, they might go after better guard play to provide backup to Damian Lillard.
McConnell is a player that every title contender would want because he competes hard on defense, can handle playmaking duties, and does not need to play major minutes to stay motivated. Otherwise, Jalen Suggs needs to be in a situation that would force him to play at a higher level because his potential is there to see although he has not reached it yet. A player like Alec Burks can also be a viable contributor to shore up the depth behind Damian Lillard as well.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Trade Targets: Julius Randle, Cole Anthony, Royce O’Neale
The Minnesota Timberwolves are in win-now mode because the team is playing a very high level of basketball and Anthony Edwards is slowly arriving as a superstar player. They have a few areas that they can address including the point guard and wing positions because Mike Conley is 36 years old and needs long-term replacement. The Timberwolves also need defenders around Edwards.
Cole Anthony fits the bill at the point guard spot for Minnesota because he is 23 years old and is averaging 15.0 points per game on 35.8% from three. Anthony is a capable offensive player who can push the pace and also shoot well enough. Otherwise, a veteran such as Royce O’Neale competes on defense and will continue making the team’s ability on the perimeter going forward. However, things can quickly change and if Karl-Anthony Towns becomes available suddenly, expect the Knicks to go for a blockbuster swap involving Julius Randle.
New Orleans Pelicans
Trade Targets: Jarrett Allen, Myles Turner, Isaiah Stewart
The New Orleans Pelicans have Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, meaning they need to surround those two young stars with appropriate talent. It seems the Pelicans want to move on from center Jonas Valanciunas and the best targets have to be Jarrett Allen, Myles Turner, and Isiaha Stewart for long-term solutions.
Allen is 25 years old, has an All-Star appearance to his name, and is a capable shot-blocker and rebounder. Alongside Zion, Allen would make the interior very difficult to score on. Myles Turner can also block shots but he can shoot the three, so the Pacers might be interested in what the Pelicans have to offer. A backup option could be Stewart, a 22-year-old big with a tremendous motor.
New York Knicks
Trade Targets: Donovan Mitchell, Zach LaVine, Paul George
The New York Knicks want to create a Big Three by all means and there are some stars that are available right now. Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson are untouchable unless Joel Embiid somehow becomes available, but the rest of the roster can be moved around. Donovan Mitchell is the player most linked to the Knicks, and he can be a member of the Big Three in exchange for RJ Barrett, picks, and other assets.
Otherwise, Zach LaVine or Paul George could be slightly “cheaper” options because the Bulls and Clippers are not playing great basketball, and contract situations could dictate what happens with the players. The Knicks need a third star and they should focus their efforts on adding to the duo of Randle and Brunson.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Trade Targets: Brandon Ingram, O.G. Anunoby, Otto Porter Jr.
The Oklahoma City Thunder might be in win-now mode when looking at their record, how well they are playing, and the star talent they have. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren are untouchable, but a player such as Brandon Ingram and O.G. Anunoby could be available for the right price. The Thunder have a top-two seed in the West so far this season, and a player such as Ingram or Anunoby would catapult them to keep their standing considering the issues other teams are having right now.
Other than the Denver Nuggets, no other contender looks particularly dominant which means the Thunder could have a sniff at making the Western Conference Finals. Let’s see if the Thunder want to make win-now moves or stay put for this season because if they want to continue stockpiling picks, they could move Tre Mann to the Toronto Raptors for a selection of second-round picks and players like Otto Porter Jr.
Orlando Magic
Trade Targets: Anfernee Simons, Collin Sexton, D’Angelo Russell
The Orlando Magic need better guard play and they could use Cole Anthony as the sacrificial lamb, along with other assets such as Jonathan Issac. Anfernee Simons can be a long-term Orlando Magic player because his shooting would complement Paolo Banchero exceptionally well.
Other options could include Collin Sexton or D’Angelo Russell who can score the ball and have plenty of confidence spacing the floor. Sexton is only averaging 11.9 points per game this season and a new challenge could spark his play once again as he returns to form following injury. Russell is a player who might not be improving but he can certainly score the ball.
Philadelphia 76ers
Trade Targets: Zach LaVine, O.G. Anunoby, Buddy Hield
The Philadelphia 76ers are a very good team thanks to Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. The departure of James Harden means there is space for the current crop of players to contribute effectively and we are already seeing that with Maxey. However, the 76ers also have a ton of expiring contracts and could package them for a player such as Zach LaVine who is an All-Star offensive player.
It might not make sense for the 76ers to play with their chemistry right now because they have a top-two seed in the East, but a player like LaVine does not become available very often. The same goes for Anunoby who can defend, fits with Embiid and Maxey, and does not come with any baggage. A cheaper option could be Buddy Hield who is an elite outside shooter (41.7% 3-PT FG in 2023-24) and can help the Sixers space the floor even better.
Phoenix Suns
Trade Targets: Jae’Sean Tate, Nicolas Batum, Joe Ingles
The Phoenix Suns need as many bench players as they can possibly get. Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Jusuf Nurkic are sure-fire starters and Josh Okogie might be the player who can fit in with them going forward. However, the bench is very shallow outside of 34-year-old Eric Gordon who is past his best.
Jae’Sean Tate can be another version of Okogie as he competes on defense, attacks the rim, and hustles for loose balls. Nicolas Batum could be a veteran who can shoot and defend while improving overall team chemistry. The same goes for Joe Ingles who can space the floor and can actually be a viable contributor in big games.
Portland Trail Blazers
Trade Targets: Dyson Daniels, James Wiseman, Nic Claxton
The Portland Trail Blazers are in complete rebuild mode going after first-round picks will be their primary priority over acquiring any players. However, they can trade Jerami Grant and bring back some young players and picks which would help them continue to build around Scoot Henderson and Deandre Ayton.
A player such as Dyson Daniels fits into Portland’s schemes because he is a 6’8” point guard and looks to be a fascinating prospect for a team that is currently giving Henderson time to develop in the NBA. James Wiseman could be another target to consider since Robert Williams III is out for the season and a backup to Ayton could be a useful addition at this point. Otherwise, expect Portland to also look at Nic Claxton as another big to challenge Ayton in the paint.
Sacramento Kings
Trade Targets: Pascal Siakam, Alex Caruso, Dorian Finney-Smith
The Sacramento Kings have some exciting talent on the roster including All-Stars DeAaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, but a blockbuster deal for Pascal Siakam could make them extremely formidable. If that trade is not possible, players such as Alex Caruso and Dorian Finney-Smith can give the team better defenders. Sacramento can score the ball at will but consistent defenders could take their production to another level.
Caruso is one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA and has a reputation for helping teams get better. He can form a dynamic backcourt with Fox while players such as Davion Mitchell help in the rotation. Finney-Smith is also a capable two-way wing player who can start or come off the bench and the Kings can get better with a move for him.
San Antonio Spurs
Trade Targets: Ben Simmons, Killian Hayes, Tyus Jones
The San Antonio Spurs have been operating in an interesting manner with Zach Collins handling the ball more often. The logic might be to clear space for superstar Victor Wembanyama, but Collins might not be the best fit. A better fit could be Ben Simmons, the once-heralded star who is trying to prove he can return to his elite levels.
Simmons could easily play power forward and handle the ball, creating space for Wembanyama down low and also giving shooters the ball consistently. If there is a coach that can help Simmons get back to his best, it is Gregg Popovich. The legendary coach can motivate Simmons to be a triple-double threat and feed the Frenchman as much as possible. Other options include Killian Hayes or Tyus Jones who can be primed to take over the backcourt going forward.
Toronto Raptors
Trade Targets: Keegan Murray, Jalen Suggs, Jonathan Isaac
The Toronto Raptors might have to trade their best players including Pascal Siakam and O.G. Anunoby because Scottie Barnes is untouchable. If the Sacramento Kings go for Siakam, the Raptors might bring back Keegan Murray who can fit nicely next to Barnes. The Raptors want young players and picks more than anything if they trade their stars.
Another player such as Jalen Suggs can fit into the long-term plans because he is 22 years old and was a former No. 5 overall pick. The Raptors need to see which young players with potential are available and which teams can offer the most picks, so a deal with the Kings or Magic could be in the cards.
Utah Jazz
Trade Targets: Tyler Herro, Pascal Siakam, O.G. Anunoby
The Utah Jazz have an exciting core of Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, and Ochai Agbaji which means they have a team that is looking more impressive by the year. The Jazz should go all-in and use some of the many picks they gained from the Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert trades and nab a top player such as Tyler Herro, Pascal Siakm, or O.G. Anunoby.
Herro is 23 years old, averages 22.9 points per game this season, and can be a long-term centerpiece. The Heat probably don’t want to move Herro but a haul of draft picks could be hard to ignore. The same goes for the Raptors who will move Siakam or Anunoby for picks and the Jazz have plenty of them right now.
Washington Wizards
Trade Targets: Terry Rozier, Nic Smith Jr., Jonathan Isaac
The Washington Wizards might be done with Jordan Poole in the same way the Golden State Warriors were to start the season. Poole is not a franchise player by any means and might be best suited to be a sixth man. The Charlotte Hornets could be in the mix because they need scorers and LaMelo Ball can make a killing alongside Poole in that sense.
In return, the Wizards might ask for Terry Rozier and Nic Smith Jr. along with picks because the former competes on defense and the latter is only 19 years old and has plenty of potential as a floor-spacer. As long as Washington gets picks in return, they will be willing and able to move on from Poole and that might also include what the Orlando Magic has to offer.
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