Sun Jan 12 05:50:00 UTC 2025: ## NBA Trade Deadline: Beyond the Big Names, Under-the-Radar Players Set to Move
**New York, NY** – With the NBA trade deadline looming on February 6th, attention is focused not only on the usual star-studded names like Jimmy Butler and Brandon Ingram, but also on a number of lesser-known players likely to change teams before the buzzer. Veteran NBA analyst John Hollinger highlights several key players whose contracts or team salary cap situations make them prime candidates for trades.
Hollinger’s “Low-Key All-Trade Deadline Team” includes several players facing salary cap constraints within their respective teams. The Boston Celtics, for example, are expected to offload Grant Williams to save approximately $20 million, likely accepting a second-round pick in return. The New Orleans Pelicans, over the luxury tax line, are almost certain to trade someone, with CJ McCollum, Josh Hawkins, or even some combination of minimum-salary players (Javonte Green, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, and Daniel Theis) potentially on the move.
The New York Knicks, also facing cap issues, are expected to trade Obi Toppin, whose $12 million contract could be attractive to teams needing frontcourt depth. Similarly, the Sacramento Kings, slightly over the luxury tax, might trade either Harrison Barnes or Trey Lyles to accommodate a potential trade for a higher-profile player. The Los Angeles Clippers could move on from Robert Covington or Bones Hyland to get under the tax threshold.
The Philadelphia 76ers, while unlikely to engage in a major salary dump, could trade Jaden Springer to upgrade their roster. The Memphis Grizzlies, meanwhile, could use Dillon Brooks and Danny Green as salary fillers to acquire better players, while the Houston Rockets, potentially including Jeff Green and Jock Landale in trade packages to improve their roster.
Finally, Hollinger points out the Portland Trail Blazers’ questionable situation. While in a rebuilding phase, their roster is filled with veterans like Jerami Grant, Deandre Ayton, and Anfernee Simons, whose contracts hinder their trade options and flexibility. The Denver Nuggets, meanwhile, are expected to move on from Michael Porter Jr. possibly including Zeke Nnaji to create more cap space.
The article emphasizes that while big-name trades are always exciting, these under-the-radar moves are likely to significantly shape the landscape of the NBA Playoffs. The final days before the deadline promise a flurry of activity as teams scramble to optimize their rosters for a championship run.
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