Suns
The Suns have one available first-round pick and three second-round picks. But the most significant asset could be Jusuf Nurkic, whose $18 million salary makes him a potential piece for any deal.
However, any big move involving a star would require trading Bradley Beal, who is currently earning $50 million, and there’s the complication of his no-trade clause.
The Suns made it clear that both Beal and Nurkic are no longer starting, signaling their intention to potentially move one or both players as trade options develop. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has pointed out that Phoenix’s trade avenues may be limited, but their focus on a “stretch big man” remains clear.
Basically, the Suns have the most stringent trade restrictions of any team in the modern era, but their pursuit of a deal isn’t off the table. They are said to have quietly shopped Beal, with whispers about potentially landing Jimmy Butler in a larger trade.
The looming question for Phoenix is whether they can truly build around Kevin Durant, given that his contract expires after next season. Without a major shift, their window to contend could start closing fast.
Lakers
The Lakers have three tradable first-round picks and two second-round picks, giving them a decent arsenal for making a deal.
They also have several midsize contracts that could be aggregated in a trade, including Gabe Vincent ($11 million), Rui Hachimura ($17 million), and the injured Jarred Vanderbilt ($12 million).
But Windhorst points out that the Lakers’ flexibility on the trade market hinges on how willing they are to move key players like Austin Reaves, who’s having a career-best season. So far, the Lakers have shown no inclination to part with him, making their next trade more complex.
Los Angeles did make a significant trade earlier this season, acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith, but the jury is still out on whether they’ll make another.
Their primary need remains perimeter defense, but the question will be whether they can find a deal that improves that area without sacrificing their prized assets.
Bucks
Milwaukee is operating with a limited set of trade assets. They have one tradable first-round pick and one second-round pick, and their main salary assets include Brook Lopez ($23 million) on an expiring contract, Khris Middleton ($32 million), and Bobby Portis ($12.5 million), both of whom have player options next summer.
As Windhorst highlights, the Bucks are well aware that they are up against second apron restrictions, meaning they’ll have to navigate the financial landscape carefully if they intend to swing a deal before the deadline.
At any rate, Bucks GM Jon Horst has a long history of being aggressive at the trade deadline, and his efforts have made Milwaukee a more formidable contender in the past. This year, however, the Bucks’ financial restrictions complicate their ability to go after big names.
Still, as Windhorst notes, the front office is actively looking for ways to upgrade, particularly in terms of perimeter defense.
With Giannis Antetokounmpo entering the latter half of his prime, Milwaukee is in “win-now” mode, making a trade likely if it significantly enhances their championship chances.
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