• Loading stock data...
Sunday, September 7, 2025
Fox Analyst and Media Entrepreneur Greg Olsen to Speak at Tuned In Get your ticket now!

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

Aug 23, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) leads the team onto the field for warm ups before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.

Slow Burn: The NFL’s Private-Equity Era So Far

Three deals have been struck to date. But the league is bullish.
exclusive

Ryan Clark Could Be On Thin Ice at ESPN After Second Public..

Clark and Peter Schrager had a tense on-air moment Friday.
Donald Trump

Donald Trump Attending US Open As Rolex Guest

USTA asked broadcasters not to show “disruptions or reactions” to Trump’s attendance.
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) and linebacker C.J. Hicks (11) shake hands while leaving the field following the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025. Ohio State won 14-7

How Ohio State Rebuilt Its NIL Strategy in the Rev-Share Era

The Buckeyes are staying “aggressive” in the new NIL landscape.

Featured Today

Tennis

The US Open Is Groaning Under the Weight of Its Own Success

New York’s tennis major is more popular than ever.
Dec 21, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) gets ready to take the field prior to a game against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 5, 2025

How Brazil Game Fits Into NFL’s Plans for World Domination

Friday night’s Chiefs-Chargers game in São Paulo is big by design.
Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrate their touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field.
September 2, 2025

TV Ratings Just Changed Again. The NFL Will Be the Big Winner

Nielsen’s new viewership system will have a big impact on sports.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.
August 30, 2025

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.
Valkyries

Valkyries Are Only Latest WNBA Team To Be Displaced in Playoffs

Several important playoff series have been moved over the years.
Walker Cup
September 4, 2025

Prestigious Cypress Point Is Hosting Biggest Golf Event in 35 Years

Fans get a rare glimpse at one of the most exclusive courses.
September 5, 2025

MLB Attendance Is Holding Steady, but Gap Widens Between Teams

Recent attendance data varies widely from market to market.
Sponsored

Trailblazer Cal Calamia Is Racing for ‘Advocacy, Storytelling, and Performance’

The marathoner wants excellence—not just inclusion—to be the goal for non-binary athletes.
September 4, 2025

NBA Hopes Global Format Can Revive 2026 All-Star Game

A new, globally themed format is in development for the midseason showcase.
September 3, 2025

Scheffler, McIlroy, but No LIV at Trump Jupiter Made-for-TV Showcase

The eight-player team showcase will take place Dec. 17 in primetime.
Caitlin Clark
September 3, 2025

Podcast Deletes Episode With Big3 Announcer’s Claim of $15M Caitlin Clark Offer

Clark’s WNBA contract was less than $80,000 in her first season.
September 3, 2025

Barcelona, AC Milan Abroad? Fan Groups Reject Travel Plans

Supporter groups warn of a “Pandora’s box” if overseas games happen.