Last-minute NBA trade deadline ideas for these notable teams

The NBA trade deadline is on Thursday at 3 p.m. EST. While it's unlikely that there will be any high-profile players on the move, in contrast to recent seasons, there are still plenty of intriguing trade candidates available and several teams with franchise-altering decisions to address. 

Based on what's circulating on the rumor mill, here's one trade idea for teams that are expected to be active at Thursday's deadline.  

Eastern Conference

Boston Celtics

The trade: Acquire Wizards guard Delon Wright 

The best team in the NBA isn't searching for a massive upgrade before the deadline, though the Celtics "have been active" on the trade front, HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reports. Wright is among the options that Scotto says Boston has explored adding, and the guard's strong perimeter defense would be a seamless fit for a Celtics team that allows the fifth-lowest three-point percentage (34.9%). Boston would likely have to part with a couple of bench pieces to take on Wright's $8.19M salary, but the current Wizard could be the final piece needed to complete a championship run. 

Milwaukee Bucks

The trade: Acquire Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith 

One of the primary reasons for former HC Adrian Griffin's surprising dismissal last month was Milwaukee's disappointing defensive rating, which has modestly improved under Doc Rivers' guidance. While the early results are promising, Milwaukee would benefit from adding a 3-and-D player who can elevate the bench unit, and according to SNY's Ian Begley, Finney-Smith is a name the team is showing ‘strong interest’ in. Although Brooklyn reportedly rejected an offer of two first-round picks for Finney-Smith, Bucks GM Jon Horst shouldn't worry about being overly aggressive at the deadline, given how tight the team's championship window is. 

New York Knicks 

The trade: Acquire Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson 

After last week's meeting between Knicks president Leon Rose and Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, during which their differences were "hashed out," it wouldn't be surprising if New York acquired one of the agency's clients. Since acquiring forward OG Anunoby, the Knicks have been one of the top teams in the Association, but their second unit has scored the second-fewest bench points among teams in that span. Clarkson (17.5 points and 4.9 assists per game) fits the mold of what the Knicks need to be a true championship contender and would welcome a trade to New York, per The Athletic's Tony Jones. 

Philadelphia 76ers

The trade: Re-acquire Bulls center Andre Drummond 

During an appearance on Tuesday's "NBA Today," ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Philadelphia is expected to buy at the trade deadline despite reigning MVP Joel Embiid undergoing a meniscus procedure. Wojnarowski noted that the Sixers could scour the market for a backup center to keep themselves afloat. A reunion with Drummond, who had a brief stint with Philadelphia during the 2021-22 season, might be in order, especially considering he's averaging 7.7 points and 8.3 rebounds in only 15.8 minutes per game. 

Brooklyn Nets

The trade: Hold a mini fire sale 

We've already floated the idea that the Nets should trade Finney-Smith, and GM Sean Marks shouldn't stop there. One could argue that Brooklyn — sitting as the 11th seed in the East — should completely overhaul its roster, but the team's reluctance to trade forward Mikal Bridges suggests that won't be an option. Nonetheless, the Nets can position themselves to have success as early as next season by offloading veterans like guard Spencer Dinwiddie and forward Royce O'Neale for draft capital. 

Western Conference

Oklahoma City Thunder

The trade: Acquire Jazz big man Kelly Olynyk

The second-youngest team in the NBA is already a legitimate title contender, and despite having significant draft capital at their disposal, it's difficult to imagine the Thunder drastically shaking things up. However, OKC could use a backup big man who can space the floor and Olynyk is arguably the best available trade candidate to fill that role. The 32-year-old is averaging 8.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and a career-high 4.3 assists per game for Utah this season while shooting 42.9% from beyond the arc, which is also a personal best. 

Minnesota Timberwolves

The trade: Re-acquire Wizards guard Tyus Jones

Even though Matt Moore of the Action Network recently reported that the Wizards turned down an offer from the Timberwolves for Jones, Minnesota should revisit discussions regarding a potential deal. Jones, an impending free agent who spent his first four seasons with Minnesota, is averaging 12.2 points and 6.3 assists as Washington's starting point guard. While Jones probably wouldn't start for the Timberwolves this season, he could be his former team's point guard of the future, depending on how Mike Conley's contract situation plays out. 

Dallas Mavericks

The trade: Acquire Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma 

Last offseason's acquisition of forward Grant Williams hasn't panned out, and the Mavericks would be wise to cut ties with him to bring in a reliable No. 3 scoring option. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Kuzma — who is amidst a career scoring year (21.8 ppg) — remains a "preferred" target for Dallas and would provide much-needed versatility in addition to championship experience for Luka Doncic and Co. It's unclear what Washington's asking price for Kuzma is, but The Athletic reports that it's less than two first-round picks. 

Los Angeles Lakers

The trade: Acquire Raptors forward Bruce Brown 

Los Angeles' front office is under pressure from 20-time All-Star LeBron James to make a move, but there's no realistic candidate on the market capable of propelling the team up the Western Conference standings. Even so, Brown is a popular name linked to the Lakers, and it's easy to see why. Aside from his playoff experience, Brown's gritty style of play makes him someone who can immediately step in and wear many hats for the Lakers. In 42 games with Indiana and Toronto this season, Brown is averaging 11.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists. 

Golden State Warriors 

The trade: Flip forward Andrew Wiggins for Bulls guard DeMar DeRozan

The Warriors could be one of the more desperate teams at the deadline, as they're sitting on the outside looking in at the play-in tournament and are facing a future riddled with uncertainty. Trading Wiggins for DeRozan and getting off the $85M left on the one-time All-Star's current deal could be Golden State's best chance to finish with a top-10 seed this season, as well as ensuring a brighter future. Golden State would also likely have to include a couple of draft picks to acquire the impending free-agent guard, which could be enough of an incentive for Chicago to start rebuilding.