The NBA franchises' annual scramble to reshape rosters has entered the home straight, with the trade deadline set for Thursday, February 6.
A year ago, the lead-up to the trade deadline was dominated by speculations surrounding Anthony Davis' future, but the first overall pick of the 2012 draft ultimately had to wait until July before leaving New Orleans for the Los Angeles Lakers.
There isn't a player of similar profile looking to be on the move before Thursday, but a number of intriguing trades could still unfold.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of tomorrow.
When is the NBA trade deadline?
The 2020 trade deadline is set for 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 6. The deadline used to be set after the NBA All-Star weekend but has been brought forward since 2018.
Players can't be traded after 3 p.m., but can be announced afterward as long as the documentation was submitted before the deadline.
After 3 p.m., players can only change teams if they are bought out, released and then claimed off the waiver wire by another franchise within 48 hours.
Why has the NBA set the deadline before the All-Star break?
The main reason is so the NBA can avoid having its annual extravaganza overshadowed by trade rumors.
Last season, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also explained having a cut-off point in the first week of February would allow players who have been traded to use the All-Star break to relocate in their new surroundings.
"It was more unsettling to have a player traded right after the All-Star break," Silver told CBS. "The All-Star break would have been an opportunity for the player to move himself [...] and get readjusted to the new team when they have that four- or five-day period to do that."
Any chance of a blockbuster trade?
Yes, although the word "blockbuster" has to be used loosely here. A number of high-profile players could be on the move, but don't expect any trades that go through to reshape the NBA season.
Clint Capela—Houston Rockets
On Monday, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Houston Rockets are looking to trade Clint Capela.
The center is averaging 13.9 points, 13.8 points and 1.2 assists per game but the Rockets are open to flip him for a wing player, with a number of teams—including the Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks said to be interested.
D'Angelo Russell—Golden State Warriors
Marc Stein of The New York Times and Shams Charania of The Athletic have both suggested Russell's first season in the Bay Area may come to an abrupt end, with the Warriors looking to trade the guard.
The New York Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves are both reported to be interested in the former Brooklyn Nets star, who is currently averaging 23.8 points, 3.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists for the Warriors.
The caveat for any team wanting to acquire Russell is that the Warriors reportedly want a "significant draft compensation".
Kevin Love—Cleveland Cavaliers
Love has featured prominently in trade talks since the Cavs waved goodbye to LeBron James for the second time in the summer of 2018. According to ESPN, the Cavaliers would be happy to entertain offers in exchange for draft capital or young players.
The main stumbling block remains Love's contract, which still carries approximately $90 million over the next three seasons.
Tristan Thompson—Cleveland Cavaliers
While Love may still remain in Ohio, Thompson, who is averaging 11.9 points and 10.4 rebounds this season, is on the market.
The Cavs are joint-bottom of the Eastern Conference and are firmly in rebuild mode, with Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reporting on Monday that they are looking to accumulate draft picks.
Andre Drummond—Detroit Pistons
Last month, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported there was an "increasing belief" Drummond would be traded before February 6, but despite plenty of interest a move is yet to materialize.
The Charlotte Hornets, Boston Celtics and New York Knicks have shown the most interest in Drummond, who averages 17.5 points and 15.8 rebounds per game this season.
What could complicate matters is the fact the Pistons center has a player option worth $28.75 million next summer.
Derrick Rose—Detroit Pistons
Rose has rediscovered himself in Detroit and has attracted interest from a host of teams, with Yahoo Sports reporting last month that the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers were among the most serious contenders.
The Los Angeles Clippers have also held checked in on the 31-year-old, who averages 18.5 points, 5.8 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game, but their interest does not appear as serious.
Detroit is five games behind the eighth-seeded Orlando Magic for the final playoff berth and could be a seller ahead of Thursday.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Dan Cancian is currently a reporter for Newsweek based in London, England. Prior to joining Newsweek in January 2018, he was a news and business reporter at International Business Times UK. Dan has also written for The Guardian and The Observer.
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