The NBA trade deadline is quickly approaching and trade rumors are in full swing. After analyzing the Eastern Conference teams it’s time to analyze what each Western team needs and what player they could target. While emphasizing fit and realistic moves, here is one trade target for every Western Conference team.
If a player isn’t on this list he is either featured on the Eastern Conference list or I couldn’t find an ideal fit for him.
1 Realistic Trade Target For Every Western Conference NBA Team
Dallas Mavericks: Kyle Kuzma
Currently, the Mavericks are a piece away from true contention. With a star at the level of Luka Doncic you should always be looking to improve and in win-now mode. With Kyle Kuzma on the trade block and Wizards possibly looking to fully bottom out this could be the perfect opportunity for the Mavericks to make a move. Kuzma is a quality three-level scorer and the perfect complimentary wing. Dallas can offer a bigger contract such as Tim Hardaway Jr or Richaun Holmes. As well as intriguing young players including Josh Green and Jaden Hardy with distant picks to make a deal work. Ultimately landing an all-around wing like Kuzma would change the Mavericks’ season outlook and upside.
Denver Nuggets: Andre Drummond
The Nuggets are top-tier contenders and have a strong chance to repeat as champs. As a result, no major move is necessary at the deadline. Upgrading the backup center position and getting more value out of the non Nikola Jokic minutes is a goal at the deadline. Andre Drummond is the perfect target given that need. Recently, Drummond has stepped up for the Bulls he is once again an elite rebounder and solid rim protector. Drummond could provide the Nuggets with quality bench minutes and be part of the Nuggets’ playoff rotation. He is the ideal player to round out Denver’s roster.
Golden State Warriors: Pascal Siakam
The Warriors desperately need a move at the trade deadline and should go all in for Pascal Siakam. He is the only realistic target that addresses both of the Warriors’ main needs in secondary shot creation and front-court size. Furthermore, the Warriors can offer an intriguing package to Toronto centered around Jonathan Kuminga. The deal would also include Chris Paul, possibly another player, and draft capital. Due to Siakam’s two-way abilities, shot creation, and versatility, he’s the only player who moves the needle for the Warriors.
Houston Rockets: DeMar DeRozan
The Rockets veteran off-season additions have been a perfect fit and they’ve been one of the league’s best stories as a result. Without their first-round pick this year why not invest further and make a playoff push? DeMar DeRozan could be available for a discount price. Parting with expandable players including Victor Oladipo, Jock Landale, Jae’Sean Tate and some light draft capital could land DeRozan. With DeRozan on an expiring contract, the Rockets could lock him up on a more team-friendly deal in the off-season. DeRozan’s shot creation and scoring make him an ideal wing next to Alperen Sengun. A Raptors reunion with Fred VanVleet is also an exciting possibility.
Los Angeles Clippers: Royce O’Neale
The James Harden trade has turned out better than anyone could have expected and the Clippers are clear contenders. As a result at the deadline, no major moves need to be made. However, adding another shot-maker and defensive-minded wing wouldn’t hurt. Making Royce O’Neale the ideal candidate to round out the Clippers roster. Bones Hyland, Amir Coffey, and Kobe Brown would be a fair deal in exchange for O’Neale.
Los Angeles Lakers: Zach LaVine
Zach LaVine’s value is at a low point. Throughout LaVine rumors the Lakers are the only team he’s consistently been connected with and the fit makes sense. LaVine would provide the Lakers with much-needed floor spacing and perimeter creation. Additionally, the Lakers are the perfect spot for LaVine to reinvent his game in a way and buy into a winning system. D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, a few rational players, and possible draft capital would make this deal work. Not a bad price considering LaVine’s talent and clear fit. Some might be apprehensive about adding LaVine due to his massive contract. However, with the Lakers underperforming they need to make a move and get back into contention with LeBron James and Anthony Davis having incredible seasons.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Lauri Markkanen
There’s a good chance the Thunder don’t make a move at the deadline and opt to continue developing their elite young core together. However, if Lauri Markkanen is available he is certainly worth targeting. According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, Utah wants about five first-round picks for Markkanen. The Thunder have 15 first-round picks and could wow the Jazz with an offer. At some point, the Thunder will have to cash in on some of their picks, and trading five for Markkanen while retaining much of the young core and future assets is reasonable. Markkanen would provide the Thunder with more frontcourt size and floor spacing while being a seamless fit next to their already loaded core. Landing a star like Markkanen would solidify OKC as a top contender and further accelerate the team’s timeline.
Memphis Grizzlies: Saddiq Bey
After Ja Morant’s season-ending injury, many are expecting the Grizzlies to fully bottom out. However, to me, Memphis has already secured a spot in the lottery and will likely have a top-seven pick. Why not find some long-term fits next to Morant for a bargain price? Saddiq Bey fits that description perfectly; he is a prototypical 3-and-D wing that Memphis has needed since Dillon Brooks left in the off-season. Bey is a pending free agent and with the Hawks likely selling at the deadline he will be available for a cheap price as a result. Finding a wing with a skill set that compliments Morant for next to nothing would be a great pickup for the Grizzlies.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Jordan Clarkson
The Timberwolves are currently the one seed in the West and have been an incredible story. Minnesota’s top-ranked defense and elite size around Anthony Edwards has led them to this level of success. However, with a bottom-half offense and an inexperienced team, it’s fair to wonder if they’re true contenders. The Timberwolves guard depth is a clear weak point adding Jordan Clarkson would help both of these problems. Clarkson is a spark plug off the bench who would give Minnesota needed bench scoring and another ball handler. Due to the Timberwolves’ lack of draft assets, they would have to part ways with fan favorite and awesome backup center Naz Reid. Making this move controversial and less likely. Ultimately, adding Clarkson would change the Timberwolves playoff outlook and give them more balance so this move is worth the price.
New Orleans Pelicans: Dejounte Murray
The Pelicans are an under discussed landing spot in Dejounte Murray rumors. New Orleans could use a natural point guard and playmaker making Murray a perfect fit. Murray could play next to possibly evaluate Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. We would also see Murray’s game reach another level by getting away from the awkward fit next to Trae Young. The Pelicans are currently the 6th seed in the West and project to be a tough playoff matchup. But they could make a big swing moving towards legit contention. The Pelicans have a lot of young wings with high upside but not enough opportunity. As a result, it’s worth considering trading Trey Murphy, and another player to make the contracts work and draft capital to land Murray. Ultimately, with the Pelicans future draft assets and young talent they could make the best offer in the Murray sweepstakes.
Portland Trail-Blazers: Kevin Huerter
The Trail-Blazers are in a rebuild so trading win-now players including Jerami Grant and Malcolm Brogdon in exchange for picks is logical. In addition to picks, the Blazers will likely receive some raw young talent and players on larger deals to make the contracts work. The young talent will likely be nothing crazy but some of those bigger contracts could have real value. Along those lines, Kevin Huerter is an intriguing fit. The 25-year-old wing is in the midst of a down year and has a good chance of being moved as a result. Despite the down year Huerter has been a knockdown shooter for most of his career. He would fit nicely next to Portland’s young guards and could return to his previous level of play.
Phoenix Suns: Dennis Schroder
The Suns season has been a massive disappointment riddled with injuries. Phoenix lacks a natural point guard and playmaking. With no draft picks and a top-heavy team, the Suns don’t have a ton of moves they can make. However, since Dennis Schroder has been rumored to be unhappy and Immanuel Quickley is viewed as the guard of the future a Schroder move is possible. Schroder is averaging a career-high 6.8 assists per game making him an ideal facilitator next to the Suns’ big three. He would also provide the team with an additional scoring option.
Sacramento Kings: Jerami Grant
The Kings need a move to establish themselves as true contenders. Sacramento’s bottom-ten defense is a clear area of improvement. With Siakam trade talks off the table, Jerami Grant is the next logical fit. Grant is a high-level two-way wing who fits into the Kings’ identity of offense and three-point shooting. All while alleviating defense concerns. Grant would be a seamless fit next to De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis complimentary their games perfectly. Grant’s fit next to young wing Keegan Murray is both intriguing and exciting.
San Antonio Spurs: Tyus Jones
The Spurs desperately need a point guard and playmaker next to Victor Wembanyama. There are rumors that the Spurs are considering a reunion with Dejounte Murray but that feels pretty unlikely given the franchise’s approach so far. Drafting a guard with playmaking abilities feels like a very likely scenario at this point. The Wizards might look to completely bottom out making a Tyus Jones trade realistic. Adding Jones would give the Spurs a steady playmaking and shooting presence next to Wemby. The Spurs may win a few more games but they would still be a bottom-five team. Ultimately, this would be a positive move for Wembanyama’s development and that should be the Spurs’ top priority.
Utah Jazz: Davion Mitchell
The Jazz will likely look to be sellers at the deadline and acquire even more future draft picks. Similarly targeting young players who could benefit from a change of scenery would be a smart move. Davion Mitchell was a lottery pick in 2021 but has been phased out of the Kings rotation as they’ve become more competitive. Mitchell has shown signs of being a high-level perimeter defender and playmaker. With open minutes in Utah’s backcourt, he could rejuvenate his career and the Jazz could grab him at a low price.
