NBA Trade Eligibility (Jan. 15): LA Lakers rising ace, Memphis Grizzlies breakout, among players no longer untouchable

We've reached Jan. 15, one of the key dates of the NBA season. The trade deadline keeps getting nearer and more players cam now be in the trade block.

As reported by ESPN's salary cap expert, Bobby Marks, 18 more players can now be traded:

"Trade restrictions have been lifted for the below 18 players," Marks wrote on X. "96% of the league is now trade eligible."

Then, he shared the list of players, which goes as follows:

• Brooklyn Nets: Nicolas Claxton
• Charlotte Hornets: Miles Bridges
• Chicago Bulls: Patrick Williams
• Indiana Pacers: Obi Toppin
• LA Lakers: Max Christie
• Memphis Grizzlies: Scotty Pippen Jr.
• Miami Heat: Haywood Highsmith
• New York Knicks: OG Anunoby and Precious Achiuwa
• Orlando Magic: Goga Bitadze
• OKC Thunder: Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe
• Philadelphia 76ers: KJ Martin and Tyrese Maxey
• Phoenix Suns: Josh Okogie
• Sacramento Kings: Malik Monk
• Toronto Raptors: Immanuel Quickley
• Utah Jazz: Johnny Juzang

Needless to say, stars such as Tyrese Maxey or OG Anunoby are most likely safe from being traded, but the rest of the league could be on the move.

Why some NBA players can't be traded before January 15

The NBA season has several key dates, and Jan. 15 is usually one of the most important. It marks the end of the trade restrictions.

Most free agents signed in the offseason can be traded by Dec. 15. However, some players who were re-signed in the offseason can only be moved after Jan. 15.

Those players re-signed using Early Bird or Bird rights to a contract that exceeds their previous contract by 20% and whose team is over the salary cap aren't eligible to be traded until this date.

That's because the contracts are tied to Base Year Compensation rules, and that has a direct impact on how the said player's contract can be used in a trade. That's done to prevent teams from re-signing their players and immediately trading them.

Usually, NBA trade talks pick up after this date. With rumors surrounding Bradley Beal and Jimmy Butler, perhaps this will clear the way or make it easier for teams to finally get a deal done.