NBA Power Rankings: Under-the-radar commerce strikes for all 30 groups

All eyes will likely be on Wednesday’s huge matchup (and a attainable NBA Finals preview) between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Cleveland Cavaliers in a conflict between the league’s high two groups.

Both boast one of the best information of their conferences and each are using spectacular profitable streaks (OKC’s 15 to Cleveland’s 10). Both have All-Star expertise in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland.

Off the court docket, the buzz around the NBA has been on Jimmy Butler and what the Miami Heat will do with the disgruntled participant forward of the Feb. 6 deadline after suspending him for seven video games final week. The Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers got the trade action began in December, and with lower than a month to go till the deadline, anticipate offers to select up as groups jockey for postseason push or rebuilding plans.

This week, we requested our NBA insiders to have a look at one commerce choice — some sneaky, some much less so — for all 30 groups, whether or not it is to fill a obvious roster gap or add some depth forward of the second half of the season.

Here are the up to date rankings for all 30 golf equipment.

Note: Team rankings are primarily based on the place members of our panel (ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Michael Wright, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk, Chris Herring and Kevin Pelton) suppose groups belong this season.

Previous rankings: Preseason | Oct. 30 | Nov. 5 | Nov. 13 | Nov. 20 | Nov. 27 | Dec. 4 | Dec. 11 | Dec. 18 | Dec. 25 | Jan. 1

Jump to a staff:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

• 2024-25 document: 31-4

• Previous rating: 1

• Next video games: vs. OKC (Jan. 8), vs. TOR (Jan. 9), vs. IND (Jan. 12), @ IND (Jan. 14)

Acquiring Cameron Johnson and Maxwell Lewis from the Nets for Caris LeVert, Georges Niang and draft capital would give the Cavs a coveted two-way participant. Johnson is on an affordable contract for years to come back, whereas LeVert is on an expiring deal. Cleveland has been so good that this is not an absolute should transfer — the Cavs entrance workplace is reluctant to disturb the chemistry in that locker room for any marginal deal, sources informed ESPN, however Johnson looks like he might slot in anyplace along with his sport and demeanor. — Dave McMenamin

2. Oklahoma City Thunder

• 2024-25 document: 30-5

• Previous rating: 2

• Next video games: @ CLE (Jan. 8), @ NYK (Jan. 10), @ WAS (Jan. 12), @ PHI (Jan. 14)

Oklahoma City will likely be tied to a lot splashier commerce candidates as a result of the Thunder have the belongings to deal for anybody. But for a staff projected to win 70 video games, an argument will be made in opposition to making a core-altering deal midseason, particularly contemplating that OKC might want to undergo an adjustment interval when Chet Holmgren returns. The Thunder might use one other shooter for the bench, although. How about Sacramento’s Doug McDermott, who’s performed in 25 video games this season for the Kings and had a quick stint in OKC earlier in his profession? — Tim MacMahon

3. Boston Celtics

The Celtics, with a roster that is mainly set, will both stand pat or trim wage between now and the commerce deadline. The most blatant candidate for the latter choice is guard Jaden Springer, who’s within the last yr of his deal making slightly north of $4 million. If the Celtics ship Springer to a different staff and do not take again wage within the deal, they’ll save roughly $16 million. — Tim Bontemps

4. New York Knicks

• 2024-25 document: 24-13

• Previous rating: 3

• Next video games: vs. TOR (Jan. 8), vs. OKC (Jan. 10), vs. MIL (Jan. 12), vs. DET (Jan. 13)

The Knicks have gotten fewer minutes and fewer scoring manufacturing out of their bench than another staff and may benefit from one other reserve huge man. Wing minutes are largely lined by Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart. But having a giant, dependable middle behind Karl-Anthony Towns — apart from 6-foot-8 Precious Achiuwa — will likely be important, and Mitchell Robinson‘s well being has been a query for some time. A 7-footer like Washington’s Jonas Valanciunas is way from excellent on protection, however would fill a necessity. — Chris Herring

5. Houston Rockets

The Rockets might use a go-to wing scorer able to becoming into coach Ime Udoka’s defense-first philosophy, however basic supervisor Rafael Stone would not seem like fascinated by disrupting the membership’s younger core (not less than for now). Houston appears able to take the subsequent step in its ascension. But the summer time could be one of the best time to do one thing main (De’Aaron Fox?) for a staff that possesses loads of younger prospects and draft belongings to drag off huge strikes. A transfer for Jimmy Butler feels unlikely. — Michael Wright

6. Memphis Grizzlies

Another staff rumored to be concerned within the Jimmy Butler sweepstakes, Memphis ranks third within the West with one of many NBA’s deepest rosters, making gamers resembling Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, John Konchar and Brandon Clarke engaging choices in potential trades. The Grizzlies have the sources to accumulate a star resembling Butler, they usually’ve been seeking to seize a two-way wing who can create. But at 35, Butler seems to be extra of a possible resolution to present targets than the intense future in Memphis. — Wright

7. Denver Nuggets

• 2024-25 document: 20-15

• Previous rating: 10

• Next video games: vs. LAC (Jan. 8), vs. BKN (Jan. 10), @ DAL (Jan. 12), @ DAL (Jan. 14)

Russell Westbrook has labored out so much higher than anticipated when the Nuggets added him within the offseason. But Nikola Jokic might use extra assist to alleviate a few of the burden on his and Jamal Murray‘s shoulders. While the Nuggets might desperately use a two-way wing to assist enhance the protection, additionally they want one other scorer. Bulls guard Zach LaVine has scored 30 or extra in 4 of his earlier 5 video games getting into Tuesday, and the Nuggets can use one other big-time scorer like him, however it could virtually actually value Michael Porter Jr. in return. — Ohm Youngmisuk

8. Los Angeles Lakers

If L.A. might preserve its greatest three gamers in Anthony Davis, LeBron James and Austin Reaves whereas including a two-time All-Star like Zach LaVine — for a bundle of Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino and draft capital — it could give JJ Redick’s offense a much-needed increase, whereas not sacrificing an excessive amount of on the defensive finish. Dorian Finney-Smith might step into Hachimura’s function, and L.A. may very well be a vacation spot for buyout gamers for the stretch run. LaVine, averaging 23.1 factors on 51/45/82% splits this season, and nonetheless simply 29, will help L.A. now and sooner or later. — McMenamin

9. LA Clippers

The Clippers simply bought Kawhi Leonard again to hitch a roster that has been constructed round having complimentary defensive-minded gamers. While they may use one other scorer to assist Leonard, James Harden, Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac, the Clippers additionally might use a younger participant with potential. They want some constant assist behind Zubac at middle. Portland’s Robert Williams III has been injured, however he is nonetheless solely 27 and the type of younger proficient participant with potential that the Clippers can use extra of. And he would solely make Jeff Van Gundy’s protection even stingier. Of course, Portland’s price ticket for Williams could be an excessive amount of for the Clippers. — Youngmisuk

10. Orlando Magic

Since Franz Wagner joined Paolo Banchero on the sidelines, the Magic’s offensive score ranks twenty ninth, forward of solely the Hornets. Orlando’s top-five protection has helped the staff keep within the East’s high 4, and Banchero might return quickly, however the Magic will nonetheless be available in the market for extra offensive punch on the deadline. With Cole Anthony falling to the fringes of Orlando’s rotation at instances, would the Magic be keen so as to add a veteran scorer off the bench like Utah’s Jordan Clarkson? — Kevin Pelton

11. Dallas Mavericks

Can the Mavs discover a commerce to exchange the offensive manufacturing they’re lacking whereas Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are sidelined by accidents? Of course not. If wholesome, Dallas will likely be thought of a harmful playoff matchup no matter seeding, however the Mavs might use a disruptive on-ball defender such because the Pelicans’ Javonte Green, who’s on a minimal contract. — MacMahon

12. Milwaukee Bucks

• 2024-25 document: 18-16

• Previous rating: 12

• Next video games: vs. SA (Jan. 8), @ ORL (Jan. 10), @ NYK (Jan. 12), vs. SAC (Jan. 14)

The Bucks have been one of the aggressive groups within the league in search of offers all through the season, scouring the commerce market as early as the beginning of November after a sluggish begin. But Milwaukee is up in opposition to the second apron, which means the Bucks cannot combination salaries in a commerce or carry again a single greenback greater than it sends out. That hasn’t stopped Bucks basic supervisor Jon Horst, who has been one of the lively basic managers on the deadline the previous few seasons. The Bucks could even make a long-shot play for Butler however that might require some wage administration strikes with MarJon Beauchamp, Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis. — Jamal Collier

13. Golden State Warriors

The Warriors would possibly wait till nearer to the commerce deadline to not solely give their present roster extra time to get out of their latest struggles but in addition see what the market will likely be for different offers. One participant who might assist the Warriors — and may not value them as a lot as an even bigger star — is Chicago’s Nikola Vucevic. The Bulls’ huge man would appear to be a pleasant match for Steve Kerr’s offense and will give Stephen Curry one other scoring choice in addition to stretch the ground and assistance on the glass. Golden State, although, will not wish to half with younger belongings like Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski except it brings again a franchise-altering participant. — Youngmisuk

14. San Antonio Spurs

Sacramento guard De’Aaron Fox makes loads of sense in San Antonio, given how the 27-year-old suits inside the timeline of the younger Spurs roster and his potential on-court match alongside French phenom Victor Wembanyama. But the Spurs are nonetheless attempting to determine what mixtures work greatest with Wembanyama, making it unlikely they may make a legit play for Fox on the deadline except the precise deal falls into place. San Antonio in all probability will not make an actual push for Fox till the summer time. Keldon Johnson, Tre Jones and Zach Collins seem like on the staff’s checklist of most tradeable gamers. — Wright

15. Indiana Pacers

• 2024-25 document: 19-18

• Previous rating: 19

• Next video games: vs. CHI (Jan. 8), vs. GS (Jan. 10), @ CLE (Jan. 12), vs. CLE (Jan. 14)

Indiana made a giant splash final season by buying Pascal Siakam earlier than the commerce deadline en path to the Eastern Conference finals. Is there the same splash that would propel them there once more this yr? It’s unlikely, however the Pacers — who’ve received three in a row and 7 of their previous 10 video games — might use some assistance on the wings, which is why they’ve been related to Nets sharpshooter Cameron Johnson. — Collier

16. Miami Heat

With Jimmy Butler suspended for his or her complete West Coast highway journey, which started Monday in Sacramento, the Heat have a few weeks to let the temperature cool between the 2 sides. Butler’s future will dominate in Miami till he is traded, or the deadline passes. It’s onerous to see Miami specializing in the rest till that large piece of enterprise is resolved. — Bontemps

17. Atlanta Hawks

After buying Dyson Daniels — whose defensive prowess earned him the nickname the Great Barrier Thief — through commerce final summer time, the Hawks could be smart to focus on a participant like Chicago’s Jevon Carter, who additionally prioritizes protection. Carter is not identified for his scoring capability, however the 29-year-old exploded for 26 factors — together with 19 within the first quarter, throughout which he drilled six triples — in a Dec. 26 loss to Atlanta. Carter probably would not value the Hawks a lot, on condition that he would not play each evening for the Bulls. — Herring

18. Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota made a significant commerce earlier than the beginning of the season by sending Karl-Anthony Towns to New York in trade for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. After such a significant shake-up, the Wolves usually tend to be quiet on the deadline. But in the event that they wished to make a transfer, the Wolves might transfer Randle and use his $33 million wage to pursue a celebrity to suit alongside Anthony Edwards. — Collier

19. Detroit Pistons

• 2024-25 document: 18-18

• Previous rating: 23

• Next video games: @ BKN (Jan. 8), vs. GS (Jan. 9), vs. TOR (Jan. 11), @ NYK (Jan. 13)

The Pistons are in an uncommon place as the one NBA staff with cap house main as much as the commerce deadline. Ordinarily, groups with cap room are close to the underside of the standings, however a latest four-game profitable streak has Detroit in a battle for a top-six seed within the Eastern Conference. The Pistons might use that flexibility so as to add to their core, maybe by bringing in one other guard following Jaden Ivey‘s fibula fracture. Marcus Sasser has moved into the rotation after enjoying effectively in spot alternatives, however Detroit has little depth within the backcourt past him. — Pelton

20. Sacramento Kings

A five-game profitable streak underneath interim coach Doug Christie will not probably do a lot to alter the Kings’ pursuit of a deadline improve, though it would change their goal. With Keon Ellis excelling in a beginning function and rookie Devin Carter debuting after shoulder surgical procedure, including a guard could now not be vital for Sacramento. The Kings might use assist in the frontcourt, the place they lack a dependable backup for Domantas Sabonis and have restricted measurement on the ahead spots. Jerami Grant, Brandon Ingram, Cameron Johnson and Kyle Kuzma are logical targets to fill that void. — Pelton

21. Philadelphia 76ers

• 2024-25 document: 14-20

• Previous rating: 20

• Next video games: vs. WAS (Jan. 8), vs. NO (Jan. 10), @ ORL (Jan. 12), vs. OKC (Jan. 14)

Daryl Morey is all the time aggressive on the commerce deadline, and do not anticipate this yr to be any completely different with a win-now 76ers roster that has been beset by accidents. It’s been a gradual climb again into the East playoff image over the previous few weeks after Philadelphia’s disastrous 3-14 begin. Armed with some mid-tier salaries and a number of other first-round picks, the 76ers might make a number of strikes to enhance their standing and use KJ Martin — he turns into commerce eligible subsequent week — if the alternatives come up. — Bontemps

22. Chicago Bulls

• 2024-25 document: 17-19

• Previous rating: 22

• Next video games: @ IND (Jan. 8), vs. WAS (Jan. 10), vs. SAC (Jan. 12), vs. NO (Jan. 14)

The Bulls haven’t been an lively staff on the commerce deadline in recent times, going three straight seasons with out making a deal throughout deadline week. However, Chicago appears prone to change that this season with veterans Nikola Vucevic and Zach LaVine off to terrific begins however not becoming in with the long-term imaginative and prescient for the staff’s rebuild. Currently in tenth place within the East however with a 2025 draft choose as a result of Spurs if it falls exterior the highest 10, the Bulls are prone to goal younger gamers with upside fairly than a group of draft picks. — Collier

23. Phoenix Suns

• 2024-25 document: 16-19

• Previous rating: 18

• Next video games: vs. ATL (Jan. 9), vs. UTAH (Jan. 11), vs. CHA (Jan. 12), @ ATL (Jan. 14)

This just isn’t so sneaky however buying Jimmy Butler ought to be the transfer Phoenix obsesses over till it’s accomplished or it turns into clear it is not going to occur — both due to Miami’s unwillingness to ship Butler to a most popular vacation spot or Bradley Beal‘s refusal to waive his no-trade clause. Butler would shake issues up for a Suns staff that simply cannot discover a rhythm, and the transfer would sign to Kevin Durant and Devin Booker the franchise’s continued urgency to capitalize on their time collectively. — McMenamin

24. Portland Trail Blazers

• 2024-25 document: 12-23

• Previous rating: 25

• Next video games: @ NO (Jan. 8), @ DAL (Jan. 9), vs. MIA (Jan. 11), vs. BKN (Jan. 14)

If the Blazers commerce one among their veteran starters, Jerami Grant or Anfernee Simons, anticipate them to focus on gamers who will help now fairly than draft picks. That method paid off with Deni Avdija, who’s been Portland’s most effective perimeter scorer after being acquired on draft evening for 2 first-round picks. As flush because the Blazers are with younger guards, they may stand to improve their taking pictures by including a participant like Sacramento’s Kevin Huerter as matching wage in such a commerce.— Pelton

25. Brooklyn Nets

• 2024-25 document: 13-23

• Previous rating: 21

• Next video games: vs. DET (Jan. 8), @ DEN (Jan. 10), @ UTAH (Jan. 12), @ POR (Jan. 14)

Brooklyn already dealt two starters in Dennis Schroder and Dorian Finney-Smith in latest weeks, indicating that the Nets — hoping to land a high choose within the lottery — are nonetheless extra prone to commerce away expertise. (Nets ahead Cameron Johnson figures to be on a number of groups’ want lists main as much as the deadline.) The membership is not involved about discovering win-now gamers. Still, with ground generals and free-agents-to-be D’Angelo Russell and Ben Simmons on the roster, Brooklyn might inquire a couple of strong younger guard like San Antonio’s Tre Jones because the Nets take the subsequent steps of their rebuild. — Herring

26. Utah Jazz

Any commerce the Jazz make will probably be extra about picks than gamers by way of compensation, however maybe Utah can purchase a younger prospect. Grizzlies ahead Jake LaRavia is the kind of participant who would possibly match that mould, as he is proven potential however has a murky future in Memphis, which declined his fourth-year participant choice. The third-year guard has had an excellent season — 8.4 factors, 4.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists in 22.2 minutes per sport whereas taking pictures 50% from the ground and 45.3% from 3-point vary — and the wage cap guidelines would possibly hamper the Grizzlies on what they’ll provide in the event that they do wish to preserve him. — MacMahon

27. Toronto Raptors

• 2024-25 document: 8-28

• Previous rating: 28

• Next video games: @ NYK (Jan. 8), @ CLE (Jan. 9), @ DET (Jan. 11), vs. GS (Jan. 13)

After years of rivalry, Toronto is getting into right into a rebuild centered round All-Star ahead Scottie Barnes. The largest query for the Raptors over the subsequent month is the way forward for guard Bruce Brown, who’s lastly again on the court docket and is on a $23 million expiring contract, making him a main candidate to be moved if Toronto can discover the precise deal. — Bontemps

28. New Orleans Pelicans

• 2024-25 document: 7-30

• Previous rating: 29

• Next video games: vs. POR (Jan. 8), @ PHI (Jan. 10), @ BOS (Jan. 12), @ CHI (Jan. 14)

Brandon Ingram is about to be an unrestricted free agent on a staff that does not seem like shut to creating an actual push for the postseason. Trading the 27-year outdated is a priority for the Pelicans, who additionally seem open to doubtlessly shifting veteran guard CJ McCollum. Zion Williamson is not precisely untouchable right here, however he is nonetheless 24 and dripping with celebrity potential that the Pelicans aren’t prepared to surrender on but. — Wright

29. Charlotte Hornets

Far extra prone to lean into its strong lottery odds than to push for extra wins within the second half, Charlotte would not must take an aggressive swing for a contributor. If something, it would be greatest served by discovering strong veterans to function examples for star children like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, who determine to guide the group for years to come back. That might doubtlessly be completed by the Hornets utilizing their cap house to assist to facilitate offers as a 3rd get together — and accumulating spare draft picks by doing so — the way in which they did to assist the Knicks and Wolves shut the blockbuster deal involving Karl-Anthony Towns.— Herring

30. Washington Wizards

• 2024-25 document: 6-28

• Previous rating: 30

• Next video games: @ PHI (Jan. 8), @ CHI (Jan. 10), vs. OKC (Jan. 12), vs. MIN (Jan. 13)

Washington has been extra related to who they may commerce — Kyle Kuzma — fairly than who they may get. The Wizards will preserve accumulating as many belongings as they’ll as they proceed to construct for the long run. But in the event that they do land any gamers in trades, Memphis veteran level guard Marcus Smart may very well be somebody who might assist them in a wide range of methods. Smart is extra appropriate for a staff able to win now, so that would serve Washington effectively in relocating the veteran in trade for extra belongings. But if the Wizards have been to land somebody like Smart and maintain onto him for a bit, he might assist mentor younger expertise like Bilal Coulibaly, Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington and Kyshawn George. — Youngmisuk