NBA trade season is set to intensify.
With the NBA’s Feb. 6 trade deadline quickly approaching, brace yourself for a bevy of rumors involving most — if not all — of the league’s 30 teams. If the reporting that has surfaced in the lead-up is any indication, it will be a busy time in the league.
The Lakers’ stunning move to acquire Luka Doncic serves as a reminder that no trade idea is too outlandish and sets the tone for what is already a league-altering deadline period.
While De’Aaron Fox received his wish to be sent to San Antonio, there is still an ongoing Jimmy Butler trade request saga in Miami that has yet to be resolved, meaning there is more movement to come.
As with every year, a specific crop of teams rises above the rest as the ones that may be particularly active in the pursuit of a deal. With that in mind, here’s a breakdown of the most interesting teams at the deadline, from those who could be directly involved in attaining a star to those looking to make moves in the margins to bolster their chances of making a deep run.
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Most interesting NBA trade deadline teams in 2025
Warriors
If there was any doubt, Golden State is making it clear that it understands the gravity of this deadline. Shams Charania has reported that “the Warriors are legitimately calling about every All-Star player.”
Among those All-Star players is Suns forward Kevin Durant, who is continuously being linked to his former team in trade talks. Where there’s smoke, there may be fire.
These talks may not amount to anything but Golden State is going to be very active in the lead-up to the deadline and it can make a move that sends even more shockwaves throughout the basketball world.
Lakers
If it feels like the Lakers are mentioned in this spot annually, it’s probably because they are. Having LeBron James on the roster certainly adds to the urgency, but this was the case long before he arrived in Tinseltown.
This time around, L.A. is now looking to make follow-up moves to its stunning acquisition of Doncic. The Lakers have shown plenty of initiative for roster improvement in the short- and long-term, and that should only continue moving forward.
When Doncic was introduced as a Laker, GM Rob Pelinka acknowledged that the “roster has continued work to do to become complete.” Pelinka did temper expectations by saying the deadline deal will likely be marginal, but what comes at this deadline will be crucial in determining what this team’s 2025 ceiling is.
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Celtics
Are the defending champions losing a step or are they just bored? Regardless, a recent skid opened the door for discussions around potential roster upgrades.
Boston’s record is nothing to scoff at, but it has shown some concerning flaws, mostly around its depth on the wing. Jaden Springer has played up his trade value as of late, and the team could also add Sam Hauser and Xavier Tillman to a potential package.
The Celtics are essentially running back the same roster from last year’s title run, but they face a tougher path this time around. Fans have not seen a back-to-back champion in seven years. Whatever Boston does in an attempt to make that happen will be something to keep an eye on.
Grizzlies
With reports that the Rockets are intent on keeping their roster intact at the deadline, the focus shifts to the Grizzlies. OKC is firmly at the top of the West standings, but Memphis has a unique opportunity to make a move to become a clear-cut No. 2.
The Grizzlies’ rise back toward the top of the West has almost been too quiet. They’re capable of making a big splash to bring in talent that complements Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. The right move might cause people to pay attention.
Not for nothing, Memphis has been here before. Given their experience, the Grizzlies could position themselves to make a Mavericks-like run in 2025.
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