Ja Morant Zach LaVine Trae Young Ignite Trade Deadline Drama

Merlin sees a quiet trade season that feels like fog before a storm. Eric Pincus lists the top 10 players likely to move before the February 5 deadline — names like Ja Morant, Zach LaVine, Trae Young and Jonathan Kuminga — and notes why teams might sell or buy: injuries, contract size, playoff pushes and the lure of college prospects like AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer. Merlin notes the Eastern Conference is wide open and even the West has wobble, so patient contenders could pounce. Sellers will juggle draft positioning and cap math, while buyers chase shooting, star power or salary relief. The market is quiet now, but roster dominoes love cold December nights.