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Five teams to make a splash on 2023 NBA trade deadline day

Vendetta Sports Media / NBA / February 9, 2023

Five teams that are still looking to make a deal on 2023 trade deadline day

On Monday, the first major trade of the 2023 NBA trade deadline was made official, with Kyrie Irving joining Luka Doncic in Dallas.

Official:

Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks.

Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, 2029 first-round pick and two second-round picks in 2027 and 2029 to the Brooklyn Nets.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 6, 2023

Two days later, the Lakers finally freed themselves from Russell Westbrook‘s contract and managed to acquire young role players in a three-team trade. D’Angelo Russell is returning to the team that drafted him second overall in 2015. Mike Conley will be reunited with Rudy Gobert in Minnesota.

Here are the full details:

FULL TRADE DETAILS:

Lakers
– D'Angelo Russell
– Malik Beasley
– Jarred Vanderbilt

Utah
– Russell Westbrook
– Juan Toscano-Anderson
– Damian Jones
– First-Round Pick

Minnesota
– Mike Conley
– Nickeil Alexander-Walker
– 3 Second-Round Picks

(via @wojespn) pic.twitter.com/JjfoXKMiom
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 9, 2023

With the trade deadline looming, here are five more teams that could make a league-altering move on Thursday:

1. Toronto Raptors

The Raptors have been dangling their assets in front of buyers’ faces for weeks. OG Anunoby is one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA and firmly in the running for defensive player of the year. Fred VanVleet‘s and Pascal Siakam‘s names have also been thrown around. Any of the three would bring back a haul of picks for Toronto.

2. Phoenix Suns

*** Editor’s Note: The Suns acquired Kevin Durant from the Nets early Thursday morning in exchange for Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder and a collection of picks. ***

The Suns were one of the teams to make an offer for Irving. They have been looking to dump Jae Crowder since the season began. Chris Paul isn’t getting any younger. Expect them to look for another star to pair with Devin Booker.

BREAKING: Kevin Durant traded to Phoenix Suns

3. Chicago Bulls

Most news coming out of Chicago has been that they are going to keep their veteran stars, but they might try to offload some of their role players for roster construction purposes. These include Alex Caruso, Coby White or Andre Drummond.

4. Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets have told opposing teams that they are willing to part with any players not named LaMelo Ball. This could mean streaky scorers Terry Rozier or Kelly Oubre Jr. finding a new home before the trade deadline tomorrow.

5. Golden State Warriors

The Warriors need to decide whether they’re willing to wait for James Wiseman, Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga to develop, or if they want to compete for another championship this year. Signs have shown they can’t have both.