Let’s take a look instead at players rumored to be on the trading block—along with their potential destinations.
Zach LaVine Draws Interest from Nuggets, Lakers
The Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine is reportedly drawing significant interest from the Denver Nuggets and a cursory look from the Los Angeles Lakers. Denver, per The Athletic, is eyeing more offensive firepower, and Lavine fits the bill, averaging 21.7 points on 50.1% shooting overall and 42.8% from downtown. He has also averaged more than 23 points in five of his last six seasons, proving his explosive scoring.
However, LaVine’s big contract—$43 million this season, $46 million next season, plus a $49 million player option for 2026–27—makes any trade complicated because of the NBA’s salary cap rules. But if Denver is willing to go smaller and trade Michael Porter Jr. (and his own hefty contract) plus draft picks, then an exchange could very well happen.
Brandon Ingram Draws Interest from a Western Conference Team
Brandon Ingram not signing a contract extension and then signing with Klutch Sports are reasons to believe the high-scoring wing is on the move. Initially, he was being linked to the Los Angeles Lakers, who are supposedly looking for another playmaker.
Lately, though, it appears a different Western Conference team also has Ingram on the radar: the Nuggets. Denver’s search for another playmaker is reportedly an open secret, and Ingram is as good an option as Lavine. In fact, he might be a better option, with an Ingram for Porter deal-making as much sense as a Lavine for Porter exchange.
Jimmy Butler to the Warriors Reportedly Possible
Over the past weeks, Jimmy Butler has been talked about as being likely to be moved before the trade deadline, with his preferred destinations being the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, and Phoenix Suns.
According to the Stein Line, however, it’s Golden State that likely has the most interest in Butler, with a trade package expected to center on young wing Jonathan Kuminga. Butler, who is averaging 19.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.0, would move the Warriors to win-now mode if ever, forming a veteran trio with Stephen Curry and the recently acquired Dennis Schroder.
Other Notables: Jonas Valanciunas, Clint Capela, Cam Johnson, D’Angelo Russell
Other players reportedly available for the right package include:
- Jonas Valanciunas – The veteran big man is playing a career low in minutes but is still putting up 12.0 points and 7.8 rebounds. He has been linked to the Lakers.
- Clint Capela – Already on the trading block prior to the start of the season, Capela is even more available now with Onyeka Okungwu’s emergence.
- Cam Johnson – Brooklyn’s fire sale is expected to continue, and Johnson is drawing lots of interest—including from the Warriors, Lakers, and Kings.
- D’Angelo Russell – The Lakers have long been looking for lineup upgrades, and it appears Russell will be the first to go in any such trade.
