Five trade candidates who could have an impact on NBA futures odds
by Sam Cox | by Tyler Doty
2025 NBA Trade Deadline - Five Key Trade Candidates
Front offices looking to sell have to work harder to find a viable trade, and only a handful of teams are definitely looking to move rotation pieces as the trade deadline nears. Still, there are going to be impact players on the market, including a veteran star, and an impressive three-and-D wing. Here's a look at some key trades that might impact your NBA predictions:
Jimmy Butler
The Miami Heat are currently +600 to win the Southeast Division at FanDuel. These odds are already accounting for Jimmy Butler’s suspension and desire to be traded before the deadline, but their price is bound to lengthen further if Butler is ultimately moved.
Butler and his agent have reportedly told several teams not to trade for him. He appears to be forcing a trade to the Phoenix Suns, who are 16-19.
Bradley Beal’s bloated contract and no-trade clause make it very challenging for Phoenix to pull off a Butler trade. The Suns – currently +1800 to reach the NBA Finals – would be a better team with Butler in Beal’s place, though, and their odds would shorten dramatically.
The fit on the Memphis Grizzlies is even more exciting. Memphis is fourth in net rating. Butler might be reluctant to extend with the Grizz, but they have the assets to make a win-now trade and form a fearsome big four with Butler, Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr.
Cam Johnson
The Brooklyn Nets have already flipped Dennis Schröder and Dorian Finney-Smith. Brooklyn still has its most prized asset in Cam Johnson, however, with the three-and-D wing bound to be a man in demand.
Johnson would slot into any contender. The Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and Grizzlies are three of the best fits, and each have the assets to get a deal done.
Under contract for two more seasons and shooting over 43% from three, any suitor will need to relinquish at least one first-round pick to acquire Johnson. He’s a needle mover in futures markets.
Brandon Ingram
An ankle injury has kept Brandon Ingram out for a month. He shot a career-high 6.4 three-point attempts per game prior to his injury, perhaps indicating an openness to playing a different role on a new team.
The New Orleans Pelicans were unable to come to an agreement with Ingram on an extension. He’s a free-agent-to-be, yet trade interest has been very limited thus far.
There’s a possibility his salary is used in a three-team deal to get Butler to Phoenix.
Miami’s chances of winning their division would improve with Ingram in place of a disinterested Butler. He could be an interesting fit on the Milwaukee Bucks, who are currently +2700 to win the title.
Zach LaVine
Like Ingram, Zach LaVine has been on the trade market for a while. A $46 million salary next season and a $49 million player option for 2026/27 have deterred teams from working out a deal for LaVine.
The way the current CBA works makes it hard to have a player of LaVine’s ability on a contract like this. He could be an electric third option on the right team, but that doesn’t fit with his cap hit.
LaVine is a subpar defender and doesn’t efficiently create shots for others. Still, he’s averaging an ultra-efficient 23.1 points per game, and any trade would inevitably shake up the futures markets. We just can’t see where he ends up.
Walker Kessler
A 23-year-old center averaging a double-double with 2.6 blocks per game seems like a player a rebuilding team should keep hold of. Walker Kessler has still been mentioned in trade rumors, though, and it seems possible the Utah Jazz could part ways with the third-year big man if they get sufficient draft compensation.
The Lakers have been most frequently linked with Kessler. His presence would help a Lakers defense which ranks 29th in opponent field goal percentage at the rim (although Utah is only 27th in that category).
Golden State could be another landing spot, and several other teams are on the lookout for more frontcourt size. Other centers like Jonas Valančiūnas, Jakob Poeltl, and Robert Williams III could be on the move before the deadline. Each would have an impact in the postseason.
