The NBA trade market has been quiet since July, but with the season approaching, big moves are on the horizon. Several players are rumored to be on the move, and here are the top three likely trade candidates before the NBA trade deadline.
Anfernee Simons – Portland Trail Blazers
The Trail Blazers are shifting towards a rebuild, and Anfernee Simons seems to be the odd man out. Despite his impressive stats—20.2 points and 4.4 assists over the past three seasons—Portland’s backcourt future lies with Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. Simons’ elite shooting and favorable contract make him an attractive target for teams ready to win now or those seeking to accelerate their rebuild.
Brandon Ingram – New Orleans Pelicans
Brandon Ingram’s relationship with the Pelicans appears to be strained, especially after he skipped a recent team minicamp. Disagreements over his contract extension and the emergence of Trey Murphy III have made Ingram’s future in New Orleans uncertain. While the team explored trade options earlier in the offseason, it’s likely they will pull the trigger before the deadline to get value in return.
Jerami Grant – Portland Trail Blazers
Jerami Grant’s fit with the rebuilding Blazers has been a question mark since Damian Lillard’s trade request. At 30, Grant is a versatile wing with 20.7 points and 40.2% shooting from deep over the past two seasons, making him a valuable asset for a contending team. Given Portland’s focus on the future, Grant is a prime candidate for a mid-season move.
With the NBA landscape poised to shift, these three players are generating significant buzz as potential game-changers for teams looking to make a playoff push.
