5 bold predictions leading up to the NBA trade deadline ft. Jimmy Butler to West contender

The rumor mill is spinning in the NBA right now, with trade talks intensifying for some superstars around the league. The Feb. 8 trade deadline is rapidly approaching, with just over a month left for contending teams to bolster their rosters.

Teams like the Golden State Warriors, LA Lakers, Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks could be among the most active teams to monitor in the trade market over the next several weeks. As the trade market heats up, it will be interesting to see how some of the league's biggest storylines unfold in the coming month.

Here are five bold predictions as the trade deadline approaches.

5 bold predictions leading up to the NBA trade deadline

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1. Dallas pursues Jimmy Butler following Luka injury

NBA: Dallas Mavericks at Miami Heat - Source: Imagn

Kyrie Irving can only keep Dallas afloat for so long in the extended absence of Luka Doncic following his calf strain. Jimmy Butler has been the most-talked-about trade candidate so far this season, generating interest from numerous teams out west. With Doncic set to miss a minimum of 15 games, a trade for Butler becomes more realistic, especially when considering Klay Thompson's play in Dallas.

Thompson has been fine in his first 27 games in a Mavericks uniform but could have an expanded role in Miami for a squad shooting the 10th-most 3-pointers in the league.

Pairing Butler alongside Irving and Doncic would improve Dallas' title hopes as they look to maximize their championship window with their two stars.

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2. Warriors bring East big man out West

NBA: Chicago Bulls at Golden State Warriors - Source: Imagn

The Chicago Bulls are open for business as they look to kickstart their rebuild and move Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic for future assets. Golden State is a team with those assets. The Warriors have been linked to Jimmy Butler, but they are in dire need of frontcourt production, something that could be bolstered by a move for Vucevic.

At 34 years old, Vucevic is showing he has plenty left in the tank in Chicago, building his market value with his play on the floor. The two-time All-Star would have an immediate impact on Golden State's frontcourt floor spacing, shooting 45.6% from 3-point range on 4.5 attempts per night.

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3. Spurs pair De'Aaron Fox with Wemby

NBA: Sacramento Kings at San Antonio Spurs - Source: Imagn

The Kings are less likely to move De'Aaron Fox after parting ways with Mike Brown, but the All-Star point guard is set to hit free agency at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.

Fox has stressed the importance of team success when discussing his plans to return to Sacramento, and the Kings are trending in the wrong direction.

San Antonio feels like a bold landing spot for Fox, given the flashes rookie Stephon Castle has shown, but one could argue that Castle is still years away from having the same impact as a De'Aaron Fox-caliber player.

Plus, Castle's game still has time to mold around a player like Fox. Fox would give San Antonio a star in their backcourt alongside their superstar, Victor Wembanyama.

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4. Lakers bring in East All-Star guard

NBA: Chicago Bulls at Los Angeles Lakers - Source: Imagn

The LA Lakers have been linked to Trae Young since last season, but Atlanta is unlikely to part with their superstar guard for any of the Lakers' assets. Instead, the Lakers could pivot and go for the cheaper option in Zach LaVine.

Trading for LaVine is a much more achievable feat for Rob Pelinka than sacrificing all his depth and draft capital for Young.

Chicago is begging teams to call for LaVine, and the Lakers are in the market for a third star. He’s not a point guard, but the Lakers could grab LaVine while holding onto valuable assets who will play crucial roles in a postseason run.

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5. Houston opens wallet for superstar

NBA: Houston Rockets at New Orleans Pelicans - Source: Imagn

Sure, this is nothing more than speculation, but if there’s one star in the NBA in need of a change of scenery, it’s Zion Williamson. The Pelicans are shopping everyone, and the Rockets are in need of a superstar.

Houston has plenty of depth and quality pieces, but a lack of top-end talent will hinder the Rockets as the season progresses.

Jalen Green is a name that’s been thrown around in trade rumors over the last few seasons and is one of many pieces that Houston could use to build a trade for Williamson. Zion presents a stronger option in the post alongside Alperen Sengun and could allow Jabari Smith to move into a more natural position on the wing., a