Which NBA players are most likely to be traded during the 2023-24 season?

In the 2022-23 season, a total of 61 players found themselves on the move, traded between opening night and the trade deadline. This diverse group included both former league MVPs like Kevin Durant and individuals whose NBA court experience was yet to begin, such as Juan Pablo Vaulet. Such an overall landscape is customary in a typical NBA season, reflecting a wide spectrum of player backgrounds.

Throughout recent months, our attention has been almost exclusively devoted to the superstars dominating the trade market, culminating in the headline-grabbing trade that saw Damian Lillard heading to the Milwaukee Bucks. However, as the season draws near, it’s essential to identify potential trade candidates that span the spectrum from Durant to Vaulet. So, here we are unveiling a list of the ten players most likely to be traded this season.

While some of them may carry the weight of NBA stardom, others will not reach the same level as Durant.

Before diving into our list, it’s important to note that Kevin Porter Jr. will not be featured here due to a little twist in his contract. He currently holds a guaranteed salary of $1 million for the 2024-25 season, but this figure escalates to $3 million on opening night and further to $6 million five days after the trade deadline. The Houston Rockets are actively seeking a trade involving Porter, largely because the $1 million is already guaranteed, and they are wary of allowing it to increase to $3 million by retaining him into the season, even if it provides an additional salary to wield during the deadline. If he isn’t traded before the games start, the likely scenario is his release. Our focus, however, is on players we anticipate moving during the season, not prior to it.

The 10 NBA players most likely to be traded

10. DeMar Rozan

DeMar DeRozan wants to retire with the Bulls, but Chicago’s tight budget of around $130 million for next season could push them into the luxury tax if they extend his contract. The Bulls rarely pay the luxury tax, typically prioritizing playoff contention without extra costs. Given their current competitiveness, it’s more sensible to trade DeRozan now rather than commit to an expensive extension and maintain the status quo. This approach aligns with their historical financial strategy and increases the likelihood of a trade.

9. Tyus Jones

Jones, with an expiring contract, could easily be re-signed by Washington, but it raises the question of its purpose. For a rebuilding team, why invest in the NBA’s best backup point guard? Jones may start in Washington, but with the team’s recent overhaul, it seems they’ve moved away from pursuing lower playoff seeds. It might be more logical to trade Jones to a contender who can utilize him and acquire assets. Surprisingly, a tanking move now seems plausible for Washington, considering they were willing to trade Bradley Beal to kickstart a rebuild.

8. P.J. Tucker

Now, onto Philadelphia’s bigger picture. Reports indicate Daryl Morey aims to create ample cap space for the 2024 free agency, which is why they haven’t re-signed Tyrese Maxey, as it would significantly impact their cap situation. To execute this plan, they need to retain only Maxey and Joel Embiid, leaving two minor matters to address before contemplating major in-season moves.

7. Pascal Siakam

The Raptors have a history of losing players to free agency. Siakam’s future in Toronto remains uncertain, as extension talks haven’t started. If made available, Siakam could garner significant trade interest, but the question is whether the Raptors will lower their demands or risk losing him in 2024.

6. Buddy Hield

Indiana is open to trading Hield, an appealing shooter with an expiring contract. With a promising young backcourt and an abundance of guards, the Pacers may deal Hield for valuable picks when the right offer comes along.

Related: Who are the top NBA free agents still available before the start of the 2023-24 season?

5. Clint Capela

Atlanta’s luxury tax concerns and a budding frontcourt may lead to Capela’s departure. Trade discussions with the Mavericks could resume, as Capela’s contract might not align with the Hawks’ long-term plans.

4. Alec Burks

Detroit seeks shooting to complement its young guard core. Burks, an experienced player on a developing team, could be moved before the deadline due to limited playing time and roster dynamics.

3. James Harden

A James Harden trade, once improbable, now seems within reach as the Clippers offered an unprotected first-round pick and a swap. Philadelphia doesn’t seem intent on keeping Harden beyond this season, making a deal likely. The Clippers might not be the only suitor, as circumstances can change during the season, potentially driving up the trade price.

2. Malcolm Brogdon

Robert Williams III could find a role in Portland, but Malcolm Brogdon’s value to winning teams makes him unlikely to stay with a rebuilding Blazers squad. Brogdon’s expense as a fourth guard doesn’t align with Portland’s goals, so he’s expected to be traded to a contender.

1. Kira Lewis Jr.

Kira Lewis Jr. may not be a household name, but with numerous teams over the luxury tax line, New Orleans faces financial challenges. Lewis, while talented, could be moved to help the Pelicans avoid the luxury tax, given their deep roster and fiscal constraints.