With just one day left before the 2023 NBA trade deadline, there are a lot of rumors floating around regarding potential moves. The big question is whether those rumors will lead to actual transactions.
Some contenders may be hesitant to pull the trigger on dramatic changes ahead of the final stretch of the regular season, and others could be waiting until the offseason to pursue deals. (With Kyrie Irving now in Dallas, you can bet Kevin Durant suitors are hoping that he will request a trade out of Brooklyn again.)
The amount of information circulating throughout the league makes it impossible to predict exactly what will transpire before the 3 p.m. ET buzzer on Thursday. We can throw out some educated guesses, though.
Based on what we know right now, here are a few players that will likely be wearing new jerseys by the end of the week.
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Fred VanVleet, Raptors
O.G. Anunoby, Pascal Siakam and Gary Trent Jr. have all seen their names involved in rumors, but VanVleet is the “most likely Raptor to be traded,” according to Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer. He struggled to start the season, but he has been much better lately, averaging 21.2 points, 7.4 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 1.6 steals in his last 10 games.
The Clippers, Lakers, Magic, Suns and Timberwolves are among the teams that have expressed interest in VanVleet, per Fischer.
John Collins, Hawks
Collins popping up in trade rumors? Well, that’s just shocking!
Yes, the 25-year-old forward is once again a deadline target. He hasn’t been posting stellar numbers (13.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.3 blocks per game), and he still has nearly $80 million left on his contract. There will be hurdles to clear in negotiations.
However, it’s worth noting that the asking price for Collins has “decreased significantly from recent years,” according to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, who reported that the Hawks don’t have a “mandate for a first-round pick.” Will that change in approach finally open the door for a Collins deal?
Jae Crowder, Suns
Crowder hasn’t played in a game for the Suns this season, but teams are still calling about the status of the veteran forward. He has been repeatedly linked to the Bucks, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him land in Milwaukee.
Even if he doesn’t join the Bucks, though, the Suns should attempt to get something back for Crowder. He can leave Phoenix in free agency this summer.
Bones Hyland, Nuggets
Hyland showed promise in his first season with the Nuggets, averaging 10.1 points per game off the bench and earning a spot on the All-Rookie Second Team. So, why has he suddenly become a trade candidate in Year 2?
There have been “concerns about his defensive shortcomings and some recent tensions over playing time,” according to NBA insider Marc Stein. Sending out Hyland could allow Denver to add a quality defender.
Mason Plumlee, Hornets
His performance has largely gone unnoticed because the Hornets are near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, but Plumlee could provide a significant frontcourt boost for a playoff team. He is setting new career highs in points (12.3), rebounds (9.7) and assists (3.7) per game.
Fischer reported that Plumlee “projects as the Hornets’ most likely trade candidate” and has been frequently connected to the Kings. Charlotte should be motivated to move him, as he is in the final year of his current contract.
Jarred Vanderbilt, Jazz
There could certainly be other Jazz players on this list, but Vanderbilt is considered the one “most likely” to be traded before the deadline, according to The Athletic’s Tony Jones. Utah reportedly already has multiple offers on the table for him.
Vanderbilt always brings strong defense and energy to the floor, and at just 23 years old, there is room for him to grow offensively. He would be a natural fit for several teams.
