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With half of the regular season already on the books, it’s time we put together our list of the NBA trade deadline predictions 2023. As it always happens, multiple teams are expected to offload talent, meaning contenders will try and make the most of it to get better ahead of the postseason.
NBA trade deadline predictions 2023
So, let’s take a look at the ten likeliest players to be moved.
10. Cam Reddish to Lakers
Cam Reddish trade rumors have been around for quite some time now. The former Duke star isn’t a part of Tom Thibodeau’s rotation, and the word around the league is that it would only cost a couple of second-round picks to acquire his services.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been keeping tabs on him since last season, and while he hasn’t been as efficient and solid as most expected, he’s still quite young and with plenty of upside. His athleticism and scoring skills make him an intriguing player, to say the least.
9. Raptors deal VanVleet
The Toronto Raptors are the likeliest team to go through a roster overhaul. There are rumors of the veterans’ unrest, and they would reportedly prefer to be dealt to a contending team. That puts Fred VanVleet most likely out of the door.
VanVleet is making a lot of money, so moving him would be complicated. However, he’s also posting borderline All-Star production, and he’s one of the most underrated backcourt defenders and three-point shooters in the Association.
8. Timberwolves give up on Russell
D’Angelo Russell trade rumors shouldn’t come as a surprise or anything new at this point in the season. The Minnesota Timberwolves have been a disaster, and he’s making way too much money not to produce like an All-Star-caliber player.
While Russell has failed to live up to the expectations, he could actually be of great help to a contender. Also, he’s in the final year of his contract, so his salary would be off the books in no time if he doesn’t deliver on another team, either.
7. Pistons make a deal featuring Bogdanovic
Most NBA trade deadline predictions 2023 have Bojan Bogdanovic as one of the most sought-after players right now. The Detroit Pistons are rebuilding, so they don’t have a use for a veteran like him other than for him to mentor their young guns.
Bogdanovic is having the best season of his career, and his versatile skill set and sky-high basketball IQ could be huge for multiple teams. He can put the ball on the floor and create for others, and efficiently knock down shots from all three levels.
6. Simmons trade rumors heat up
Maybe it’s time we all come to peace with the fact that Ben Simmons trade rumors will never go away. He’s become that kind of player, and no matter how good or bad he performs, he’ll always be tied with a move to a different team.
Simmons has been solid defensively for the Brooklyn Nets, but he is what he is at this point. His character issues are well-documented, but a team looking for playmaking and a versatile defender could shock the world and make a run at him.
5. Toronto considers dealing Siakam
Pascal Siakam has a shot at being the best among the best players available ahead of the deadline. As we already mentioned, things aren’t going that well up north, and Siakam is one of the highest-earners on the Raptors.
Siakam can dominate on both ends of the glass, and he’s had some impressive performances this season. He could average a double-double with 3+ assists and a couple of blocks per game on a contending team, so he might not be available unless they pay a hefty price.
4. Lakers deal Westbrook to help LeBron
Even though he’s been quite a bit better this season, most NBA trade predictions still project the Los Angeles Lakers to part ways with Russell Westbrook at some point in the year. He’s making way too much money, and his contract could lure an All-Star or better role players to Hollywood.
Westbrook has salvaged his career by embracing coming off the bench without hesitation or complaints. He’s turning back the clock and has already set an NBA record for most triple-doubles coming off the bench, so you know he’s going to produce.
3. Raptors continue tear down with GTJ
As you can tell by our previous NBA trade deadline predictions 2023, there are few players who might survive the Toronto Raptors’ roster overhaul. Notably, we firmly believe Gary Trent Jr. isn’t going to be one of them, as he’s been heavily linked to a move away for quite some time now.
Trent Jr. is an underrated backcourt stopper and one of the most efficient volume three-point shooters in the league. Multiple teams will be in desperate need for a 3-and-D kind of player, so they should find little trouble moving on from him.
2. Wizards deal Kuzma
Kyle Kuzma is reportedly ready to opt out of the final year of his contract with the Washington Wizards. He’s looking to bet on himself an either join a contending team or sign another lucrative deal, so why not trade him right now?
Kuzma is playing the best basketball of his career, and he’s already been a part of a championship-winning organization. He’ll welcome a move to a contender with open arms, especially if it comes with a big market team attached to it.
1. Pacers pivot with Hield deal
And last but not least, we find Buddy Hield as no. 1 in our potential NBA trade predictions. The Indiana Pacers were one of the biggest and most pleasant surprises early in the season, but all that is in the rearview mirror with Tyrese Haliburton getting hurt.
The Pacers would be wise to avoid making the playoff and focus on gathering as many NBA Draft picks as they could. Buddy Hield is one of the league’s finest sharpshooters, so he should gauge some nice value in return in the trade market.
