5 Most Coveted Potential Targets Ahead of NBA Trade Deadline ft. Zach LaVine

The NBA trade deadline is less than two months away, and speculations about trade targets are getting more and more fascinating. Contenders and struggling teams alike are already sending feelers to see if they can acquire their coveted players.

Around the league, there's no shortage of competitors with tremendous value at the start of the season. Though a lot of things can happen between now and February 6, these players have already drawn attention from multiple ball clubs.

5 most coveted potential targets ahead of NBA trade deadline

Austin Reaves

Golden State Warriors v Los Angeles Lakers - Source: Getty

For one reason or another, Austin Reaves has been discussed as a trade chip for quite some time now, despite his indispensable contributions to the LA Lakers' offense. From another perspective, his constantly improving numbers (28.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 7.6 apg) are exactly why other teams are following his career with great interest.

Trey Murphy III

NBA: New Orleans Pelicans at San Antonio Spurs - Source: Imagn

According to Forbes' Evan Sidery, Trey Murphy III is "widely viewed as one of the most coveted potential trade deadline targets." The prolific 6-foot-8 wing, who is averaging 19.9 points per game on 46.8% field goal shooting this season, could be shipped by the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for much-needed draft assets.

Jonathan Kuminga

NBA: Golden State Warriors at Milwaukee Bucks - Source: Imagn

The stars have lined up for a Jonathan Kuminga trade to finally push through. An offseason dispute regarding contract terms was followed by an early spurt that saw his scoring and rebounding numbers go up this season. Though Kuminga's surge has since cooled off, his trade value is nevertheless serviceable for the Golden State Warriors.

Lauri Markkanen

NBA: Chicago Bulls at Utah Jazz - Source: Imagn

Sweet-shooting big men are in constant demand these days, and Lauri Markkanen has been the subject of many dream scenarios as the final piece for playoff contention. The 2023 Most Improved Player and one-time All-Star is averaging 30.6 ppg this season, which likely means that team executives have been hounding the Chicago Bulls' phone lines.

Zach LaVine

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

At this point, Zach LaVine isn't just an athletic forward who gets buckets with ease. He's also a 12-year veteran who knows the ins and outs of the league. A team aspiring to go on a deep playoff run would benefit from LaVine's production as well as his intangibles.