• Loading stock data...
Sunday, October 12, 2025
One week until Asset Class at the NYSE Request to Attend

NBA: 5 Notable Players Who Can Still Get Dealt Before Trade Deadline

With De’Aaron Fox and Luka Dončić off the board, Jimmy Butler and Cam Johnson headline the remaining top trade targets.

Dec 19, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson (2) reacts after making a three point basket against the Toronto Raptors in the second half at Scotiabank Arena.
Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

The NBA trade deadline isn’t until Thursday afternoon, but there have already been enough fireworks this past weekend to account for an entire trade season. 

The Mavericks’ stunning decision to swap Luka Dončić for Anthony Davis early Sunday morning was quickly followed by the Spurs acquiring De’Aaron Fox from the Kings in a three-team trade with the Bulls. 

With a few days before Thursday’s 3 p.m. ET deadline, here are some notable names who could be in a new uniform by the end of the week: 

Jimmy Butler, Heat

Contract: $49 million this season, $52 million player option for 2025–2026 season

Butler was expected to be the biggest name potentially moved at the deadline until Dončić and Davis leap-frogged him. The 35-year-old prefers to be traded to the Suns, but the team would need to do significant gymnastics to get a trade done, including getting Bradley Beal to waive his no-trade clause. The Warriors were also tied to Butler, but on Sunday night, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that Butler indicated he’s “unwilling” to sign an extension with the team, which ended trade talks between the two sides. 

The Heat have suspended Butler through the deadline for “intentionally withholding services,” which could impact his free agency should a suspension for that reason extend beyond 30 days. The two sides could be at a crossroads if Butler isn’t moved by Thursday. 

Nikola Vučević, Bulls

Contract: $20 million this season, $21 million for 2025–2026 season

The Bulls’ decision to trade Zach LaVine on Sunday as part of the Fox trade initiated something that many thought the team should have done years ago: a rebuild. In the NBA, contention or tanking is preferred to middling and the Bulls were directionless the past few seasons before deciding to trade LaVine. Could Vučević be the next Bulls star to head out of town? 

His contract is very team-friendly at $20 million this season, with just a slight increase next season. Vučević, 34, is averaging 19.9 points and 10.4 rebounds per game on 55% shooting. He’s also shooting 40% from three-point range. Can the Bulls get another significant contract off their books before Friday? 

Cam Johnson, Nets

Contract: $22.5 million this season, $20.5 million for 2025–2026 season, $22.5 million for 2026–2027 season

For weeks Johnson has been talked about as the most likely player to be dealt by Thursday and that’s before the Fox trade talk started and the Dončić stunner. The Nets are tanking and looking to make their first lottery selection since 2011, while Johnson is having a career year as the talent around him continues to thin. He’s averaging 19.4 points and 2.9 assists per game while shooting 49% from the field, all career bests. Known for his marksmanship, he’s also shooting nearly 42% from three. 

Before the weekend trades, Johnson had been linked to the Kings, Warriors, Lakers, and Thunder, among other teams. The Kings are likely out after acquiring LaVine, whose contract is nearly double Johnson’s, unless they have more moves to create the space for him. The Warriors could pivot to Johnson after ending talks with Butler, while the Lakers need a center to replace Davis, which likely drops Johnson on their list of priorities. The Nets are seeking two first-round picks for Johnson—and the weekend’s trades could have helped the Nets get their ask, with other options off the board for interested teams. 

Robert Williams III, Blazers

Contract: $12.4 million this season, $13.2 million for 2025–2026 season

The Blazers have a big man problem that will likely need to be addressed by Thursday. The team has three young centers in Williams (27), Deandre Ayton (26), and rookie Donovan Clingan (20). It’s hard for all three to coexist or develop together. Williams is injury-riddled and played just six games last season, but when healthy he is a defensive anchor for a team. His nickname is “Time Lord” because of his shot-blocking precision. 

Williams is currently battling a hand injury and has played just 17 games this season, but could be a difference-maker in the playoffs if he can stay healthy. His $12.4 million contract means teams wouldn’t have to give up much to make the money work, making his health worth the risk in a trade. The Lakers were reportedly interested in Williams before trading for Dončić and are in great need of a center. The question is whether they have enough assets to still get him. 

Bruce Brown, Raptors

Contract: $23 million this season

Brown is probably the least-known name on this list, but he is a player all teams need simply because he is a winner. He has played center despite being 6-foot-4, is a great defender, and does all the little things teams need, as evidenced by his role on the Nuggets’ 2023 championship. 

He’s on an expiring contract, which makes him an attractive rental option for a team and is an interesting test case in terms of his return in a trade. He has a team-friendly deal and is moldable to any system, but perhaps doesn’t have any elite niche aside from doing the dirty work on teams, which makes it tough to gauge a reasonable offer for him. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Penn State Fires James Franklin, Will Pay Nearly $50M Buyout

The Nittany Lions lost again Saturday, falling to 3-3 this season.
Sep 29, 2025; Inglewood, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) poses during media day at Intuit Dome
opinion

Clippers’ Aspiration Fiasco Recalls Another Doomed NBA Sponsorship

The Kawhi controversy has shades of the still-recent FTX scandal.
Patrick Kraft
exclusive

Penn State, Adidas Deny Wrongdoing Around $300M Apparel Deal

The school and the brand publicly defended their 10-year deal Saturday.

Featured Today

Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Athlos

Track Start-Up Athlos Makes ‘Millions’ but No Profit Yet

Alexis Ohanian called being profitable by the 2028 Olympics a “great goal.”
Aug 3, 2024; Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France; NBA commissioner Adam Silver talks to International Basketball Federation board member Mark Tatum in the fourth quarter between the United States and Puerto Rico during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
October 9, 2025

NBA Aims for Drama-Free Return to China After 6-Year Hiatus

The league looks to rebuild its presence in the populous country.
Cheryl Reeve
October 10, 2025

WNBA Officiating Task Force Still Taking Shape After Outcry

How refs are trained and instructed was a major issue this year.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Bad Bunny performs on stage for his “Most Wanted Tour” at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, May 11, 2024.
October 9, 2025

Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA to Run Alternate Super Bowl Halftime Show

Group announces “The All-American Halftime Show” on Feb. 8.
Mar 15, 2025; Buffalo, New York, USA; Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) reacts after scoring a goal during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center.
October 8, 2025

How Connor McDavid’s Extension Set Off a Wave of Big-Money Deals

Several notable contracts are completed in the wake of the superstar’s deal.
Alexis Ohanian
October 8, 2025

Alexis Ohanian Tweaks Track Rivals With Promise of Instant Payments

Athletes will be paid minutes after finishing their races at Athlos.
exclusive
October 8, 2025

Bud Selig: ‘Remarkable’ Brewers Run Can’t Mask MLB’s Money Divide

The former commissioner lauds his hometown team while raising economic concerns.