by With the lights finally turned off in Las Vegas for this year’s NBA Cup, which concluded Tuesday night, teams and fans are now shifting into vacation mode as a much-needed break for the next big event that is sure to draw plenty of interest .
That event, of course, is the February 6th trade deadline, when struggling teams try to bottom out in hopes of getting a better draft pick, and when good teams try to get one with an eye on the NBA Finals in June to take step.
Let’s wrap up the Eastern Conference with a look at the Southeast Division.
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Atlanta Hawks
Status: Competitive
Approach: Flexible
Bottoming out is not in sight for the Hawks as San Antonio owns their 2025 first-round pick. This has allowed Atlanta to focus on winning and building a cohesive team moving forward.
While this is NBA romance at its best, the Hawks have some issues to work out, starting with players who may not play a big role in their future plans, like Bogdan Bogdanović and Clint Capela.
The 32-year-old Bogdanović is still hugely talented and a really strong starter when healthy. He’s on a declining contract, meaning he makes less money the longer his contract lasts, which should also make him a trade asset, especially for teams looking to break through.
Capela is an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Hawks could opt to re-sign him assuming both sides agree on a number that makes sense, so the 30-year-old seems more inclined to stick around.
The Hawks are generally in no hurry to do anything, nor should they be. De’Andre Hunter has improved and Trae Young has embraced the role of leader, which should give Atlanta all the more reason to just sit out this season and do business in the summer.
Trade Probability: Small
Charlotte Hornets
Status: reconstruction
Approach: purchase
Even though the Hornets have struggled with injuries all year, they appear to be on the right track. LaMelo Ball has increased his production, as has Brandon Miller, and if Mark Williams can prove healthy for a long period of time, that’s a pretty good core to move forward with.
In theory, they could make better use of the salary space of Miles Bridges, who is making $27.1 million this year, but he likely won’t have a strong market. Would the Hornets be interested in adding picks to a Bridges package and see if they can get a star? It shouldn’t be dismissed, but it would be a roll of the dice.
Charlotte may not be known as a free agent destination, but it needs to do something. The Hornets won’t be big players in the summer, and unless they secure a big lottery pick, there’s a good chance they’ll have a hard time adding significant talent to the squad.
Does this mean they should hurry up and trade Zion Williamson? No. That would be unwise unless they can do so without giving up their pick this season. Because make no mistake, this choice is the most important asset you have and you should not miss it under any circumstances.
You can find the answer to this in the margin. What can they get for Cody Martin? What about Vasilije Micić? Could they package both for a bad contract but demand additional compensation in return?
These are the conditions they should aggressively look for.
Trade Probability: Respectable
Miami Heat
Status: Competitive
Approach: Should be sellers
As usual, Miami has no intention of bottoming out, and that’s fair. The Heat view themselves as constantly relevant, and a trip to the NBA Finals in 2023 makes that a fair prospect.
However, it’s time to take a closer look at this roster and conclude that something needs to change. Jimmy Butler, 35, is the big name as he is currently in trade rumors, and having him in trade talks for Miami would allow them to get younger and add assets for the future.
They could also consider parting ways with Terry Rozier or Duncan Robinson – both 30 – in the hopes of getting something in return that fits well with their current youth roster.
The latter would have been the most obvious route, but with Butler holding a player option for next season and therefore holding the key to his own future, Miami simply cannot ignore this situation.
At this point, every player over 30 should be at the table.
Trade Probability: Already did one (Thomas Bryant to Indiana)
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Orlando magic
Status: Competitive
Approach: Buyer
Despite the odd injuries to Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, both of whom will be out for an extended period of time, the Magic should push hard for a trade that will make them better.
Since Wagner and Suggs both signed contract extensions before the season, each contract takes effect on July 1, meaning Orlando will have very little financial flexibility beyond that trade deadline period.
(Keep in mind that Banchero will likely sign a maximum contract extension himself later this summer, when he’s eligible, adding to the financial complexity.)
Cole Anthony has fallen out of the rotation, so that’s $12.9 million that can be used in a trade. Gary Harris is seemingly expiring, as his $7.5 million next year is a team option that can be easily declined. Even Jonathan Isaac is an interesting option as he is making $25 million this season but is expected to make $15 million next year.
Orlando should be willing to move any contracts for a player who can help them now and this year. Since they still lack a true point guard, this should be their priority.
Trade Probability: Large
Washington Wizards
Status: reconstruction
Approach: Salesperson
The situation in Washington is pretty dry. The Wizards are still in the early stages of their rebuild, and they have several veteran contracts they’re willing to shed, such as Kyle Kuzma, Malcolm Brogdon, and perhaps even Jordan Poole.
While the Wizards would certainly like to cash in on all three, it’s doubtful that any of them have significant trade value. Overall, they should get at least a first-rounder and a few seconds, but the Wizards can improve their haul on those players if they’re willing to accept bad money in return.
It doesn’t matter if Washington adds long-term money, as the team is still years away from accomplishing anything. Therefore, renting out the cap space is not a bad approach.
However, the organization must be aware of the need for balance. Since there are many young players, adults in the room are necessary.
Jonas Valančiūnas, for example, provides much-needed guidance for Alexandre Sarr. So unless the Wizards are disappointed by an incoming offer for the Lithuanian center, they should keep him as a mentor.
Trade Probability: Significant
