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The annual NBA trade deadline is 3 p.m. ET Thursday and will potentially alter the league and the fortunes of numerous teams.
So, which players are likely to get moved ahead of the deadline?
With the obvious caveat that only team executives are truly in the know, here are four candidates who could find themselves in new places.
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(Giannis Antetokounmpo has been thoroughly covered, so let’s give him a well-earned rest for now.)
Coby White, Chicago Bulls
The Bulls can’t extend White, due to the league’s 140% veteran extension limit, meaning he will go into 2026 free agency fully unrestricted.
This means the Bulls have a choice: They can either move White ahead of the deadline in order to get something for him as opposed to losing him for nothing, or they can hope to retain him this summer, without any insurance whatsoever.
Door No. 2 might be the most appealing, but door No. 1 is the safest.
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The Bulls won’t get a ton for White, but that’s on them for not moving off the scoring guard earlier, so they’re unsurprisingly left dealing with the consequences of their own actions.
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What could they do to salvage some of that value? Well, they do have one bullet left in the chamber in regard to White.
His contract ($12.8 million) is immensely easy to match in any trade scenario, meaning even contenders could get into the bidding without much issue.
If the Bulls could create a small bidding war among the league’s elite teams for White’s scoring prowess, they might be fortunate enough to get a first-round selection, even if it’ll be heavily protected.
Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors
We’ve all seen the reports that the Warriors are less likely to move Kuminga after the season-ending Jimmy Butler injury.
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But show of hands: How many believe general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Co.? Yeah, me neither.
This relationship is so over, both parties have re-installed Tinder. It’d be incredibly irresponsible for this relationship to linger any further, especially for Kuminga, who has never been given anything that resembles a steady role in order to develop.
While the league’s interest in the 6-foot-7 combo forward is seemingly lukewarm, surely there will be takers for a guy who has only one year left on his deal — a team option no less — and has proven he can put pressure on the rim virtually whenever he wants.
Kuminga has a ton of potential, and while it’s unclear as to whether he realizes it, NBA history suggests someone else will give him that chance.
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For the Warriors, it’s also a necessary step to get closure on a situation that has festered for at least two years, if not longer. No good will come from having Kuminga on the roster after the deadline, so let’s get this ship sailing, shall we?
Khris Middleton, Washington Wizards
Could the Washington Wizards have one more major move up their sleeve after acquiring Trae Young?
Most would argue they shouldn’t go all-in on a new timeline, and that’s certainly a reasonable take. But what if Middleton’s expiring contract can fetch something interesting that will help the young players develop at a more realistic pace?
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Middleton’s $33.3 million in expiring money is attractive, and the fact that Washington can add picks to any package only adds to the intrigue.
Will the Wizards go out swinging for Zion Williamson? Or possibly identify a long-term center now that they have their point guard in the fold?
This organization can go in so many different directions with Middleton that one eye has to be on them at all times before the deadline.
Tobias Harris, Detroit Pistons
Harris’ $26.6 million in expiring money is not nothing, and as Kelly Iko and I recently discussed, the Pistons are too good to not make a big move before the deadline.
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That requires moving Harris’ contract, and possibly adding picks to the equation, to roll the dice on some big piece who can provide them with a legit chance of making a real push toward the Finals.
It’s necessary to note the Pistons need to do something now, as Jalen Duren — who is a restricted free agent this summer — is about to get paid. Handsomely.
Harris’ expiring deal represents a major part of the puzzle for what will ultimately be the final big piece for the Pistons and not using it would be a shame.
Whoever it is the Pistons bring in, whether it’s Lauri Markkanen or some other big fish, the Harris contract is utterly vital in getting something done.