Trade Deadline Tease: Jazz's Nurkić, Blazers' Williams, Magic's Isaac

A trio of big men — Jusuf Nurkić, Robert Williams III and Jonathan Isaac — could be on the move, per Jake Fischer. Merlin sees Nurkić “has performed well enough in Utah that he's also expected to generate some interest” as he plays out a $19.3M expiring deal (7.5 pts, 9.6 rebs). Portland is said to be “more willing to move Robert Williams III” after lowering its ask, despite a long injury history. Fischer also notes that “rival cap strategists are thus increasingly pinpointing Isaac as a potential salary casualty” in Orlando. Merlin senses motive: Utah can flip an expiring contract for assets, Portland may trade Williams while his defensive upside still intrigues contenders, and Orlando might shop salary to protect future payroll around Paolo Banchero. Each move carries risk — health for Williams, fit for Nurkić, and matching salary headaches for Isaac — so expect careful, market-driven deals ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline.