NBA Trade Rumors: 5 Best Players Who Could Be Dealt By Thursday’s Deadline

As Thursday's NBA trade deadline nears, several impactful players are finding themselves in trade rumors. Former All-Stars and players selected near the top of the draft in recent years are being eyed by contenders as they hope to make a championship run this summer.

Here are the five best players that could be moved by Thursday.

Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors

The notion that the Raptors might actually trade Lowry has picked up steam in recent days. Toronto has engaged in trade talks with multiple teams regarding guards Lowry and Normal Powell, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports. Both players are headed for free agency.

The Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers are Lowry’s most likely destinations. Miami is the reigning Eastern Conference champion and Philadelphia owns the best record in the East. Adding Lowry could significantly bolster either team’s chances of reaching the NBA Finals.

Arguably the Raptors' most valued player, Lowry made the All-Star team each year from 2015-20. Set to turn 35 years old on Thursday, Lowry is averaging 17.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game. The veteran might be moved with Toronto sitting nine games under .500 and behind 10 teams in the East standings.

Beyond Lowry, Sixers have shown interest in other guards available in the marketplace -- including Powell, Lonzo Ball and George Hill, sources said.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 24, 2021

Victor Oladipo, Houston Rockets

It will be a surprise if Oladipo is still a member of the Rockets late Thursday afternoon. Headed for free agency this summer, the shooting guard has already turned down a two-year extension. The Rockets are rebuilding with one of the league's worst records.

Houston is confident it can trade Oladipo, Wojnarowski reports, receiving offers that include young players and first-round pick combinations. There is mutual interest between Oladipo and both the Heat and New York Knicks, though both teams are reportedly hesitant to trade top assets when they would have a chance to sign Oladipo in free agency.

Oladipo was an All-Star in 2018 and 2019 before leg injuries forced him to miss considerable time. The 28-year-old hasn’t been the same player over the last two seasons. Splitting time between the Rockets and Indiana Pacers, Oladipo is averaging 20.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.8 assists on 18.4 field goal attempts per game.

ESPN Sources: Heat and Knicks - w/ summer cap space - are reluctant to offer premium packages for Victor Oladipo, but market’s developed of capped-out teams bidding w/ young player/first-round pick combos. One thing’s become clear: Houston’s likely moving Oladipo before deadline.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 23, 2021

Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic

In trade rumors for the last year, Gordon might finally be on his way out of Orlando. The power forward has requested a trade and Wojnarowski said he would be shocked if Gordon isn’t dealt by Thursday’s deadline.

Multiple playoff teams that are not viewed among the top championship contenders have reportedly expressed interest in Gordon. The Boston Celtics are considered the frontrunners to make a trade with the Magic. The Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets have also been linked to Gordon.

Orlando is seemingly out of the postseason race with twice as many losses as victories. Gordon is averaging 14.6 points and 6.6 rebounds with a career-high 4.3 assists and 39.3% shooting from 3-point range.

League sources indicate Orlando would like two first round picks and a young player for Gordon. Magic are ideally looking for a wing, as a potential replacement for pending free agent Evan Fournier.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) March 23, 2021

Lonzo Ball, New Orleans Hornets

Despite his improved play, Ball continues to find himself at the center of trade rumors. Pelicans general manager David Griffin has expressed a willingness to listen to offers for Ball, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. Ball is potentially available at the right price as he heads for restricted free agency, where the 23-year-old could command a lucrative contract

The Nuggets, Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks have shown interest in the point guard. The Los Angeles Clippers have reportedly tried to work out a trade for Ball, though L.A. doesn’t have many valuable assets to give up. New Orleans is seeking a first-round pick and another player in exchange for Ball, according to Windhorst.

As the Pelicans drift further out of the playoff race, Ball has played the best basketball of his NBA career. The former No. 2 overall pick is averaging 14.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game. Ball is shooting a career-best 42.5% from the field, 38.5% from three-point range and 76.7% from the free-throw line.

Malcolm Brogdon, Indiana Pacers

It came as a bit of a surprise when Yahoo Sports’ Vince Goodwill reported Tuesday that the Pacers were listening to offers for Brogdon. The Atlanta Hawks have discussed deals for Brogdon, Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix reports. Brogdon is the least likely player on this list to be moved Thursday.

Still, there is a belief that Indiana feels Brogdon’s minutes at point guard can be adequately replaced by Caris LeVert, according to Goodwill. The Pacers traded for LeVert in January, and the guard has finally started to play for the team after a cancerous mass was found on his kidney.

Brogdon has two years and $44 million left on his contract after this season. The 28-year-old leads Indiana with 21.6 points per game to go along with 6.1 assists. The Pacers are the No. 10 seed in the East.