It’s only a matter of time until the real NBA season kicks off.
The 2021 trading deadline has been moved to the end of March due to the unusual start of December for the 2020-21 campaign. Now that the league is back on a typical schedule, the deadline goes back to early February.
Front offices still have time to evaluate their listings, but commercial rumors may start to surface with more frequency this month. A significant portion of the NBA players signed pre-season this season will be eligible to be traded on December 15, giving teams much more flexibility when it comes to construction deals.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 2022 NBA deals deadline.
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When is the NBA deal in 2022?
- Day: February 10, 2022
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
The NBA trade deadline is Thursday, February 10. The closing point is 3 p.m. ET, though news of some deals could emerge shortly after that deadline.
Who is the top potential target at the NBA deal term?
Ben Simmons, 76ers: He’s been in the midst of commercial negotiations since the 76ers were knocked out of the 2021 NBA knockouts, and he will remain at the center of those conversations until Philadelphia triggers. This story has gone through a lot of twists and turns and it is unpredictable how it will end.
Kyrie Irving, Nets: Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer reported that Brooklyn “was open to discussing transactions for Irving,” but none of the Nets chats generated “significant traction.” This situation will be worth watching, especially if Irving remains ineligible as the deadline approaches.
Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner, Pacers: Indiana is open to discussing deals involving some of its veteran players, including Sabonis and Turner, by The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Bob Kravitz. The Pacers have managed to make the pair of strikers work for a few seasons, but it seems they are ready to part ways with their duo if a suitor makes a strong offer.
Dennis Schroder, Celtics: Boston signed Schroder on a one-year, $5.9 million deal last season, and that deal has proven to be one of the biggest bargains in the league. If he maintains current production levels, it is unlikely the Celtics will be able to afford to re-sign him. That means they can explore the commercial market.
Jerami Grant, Piston: Multiple teams have called the Pistons over to Grant, who is averaging more than 20 points per game for the second straight season. Detroit may be looking to capitalize on the 27-year-old’s value with the team in rebuilding mode. Grant has just one more season under contract after 2021-22.
Buddy Hield and Marvin Bagley III, Kings: Hield was almost traded to the Lakers during the offseason before Los Angeles finally decided to buy Russell Westbrook. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him on the move. Bagley, meanwhile, desperately needed a fresh start after a disappointing time in Sacramento.
Goran Dragic, Raptors: Raptors general manager Bobby Webster said before the season that Toronto wanted to keep Dragic after adding him to the roster as part of a deal to sign Kyle Lowry. However, Dragic received a “DNP – coach decision” treatment, so it is difficult to imagine a scenario where he overstayed in Canada.
Terrence Ross, Magic: One of the oldest players on Orlando’s roster, Ross isn’t a great fit for this team. Many candidates will likely call up Magic in the hope of getting a solid goalscorer.
NBA commercial news and rumors
