The NBA trade deadline is quickly approaching, but there could be little action with a market light on sellers.
At the halfway point in the season, 11 teams in the East battling for eight playoff spots, and just about every West team — apologies to Suns fans — is pushing for postseason play. That means the moves on the fringes by contenders could make a greater impact than usual.
TRADE RUMORS: Which teams are willing to give up first-round picks?
A blockbuster trade can always come together in the blink of an eye, but NBA fans should expect stars like Anthony Davis and Jimmy Butler to stay put. However, there are still useful contributors available for the right price, and all it takes is one deal to open the floodgates.
Here's everything you need to know ahead of the 2019 NBA trade deadline.
When is the NBA trade deadline?
The NBA trade deadline is Thursday, Feb. 7. The cutoff point is 3 p.m. ET, though the news of some trades may emerge shortly after that deadline.
Who are the top targets at the NBA trade deadline?
Dennis Smith Jr., Mavericks: The former first-round pick could be on his way out of Dallas. The Mavs are reportedly "escalating discussions" to find a trade for Smith. A rebuilding team could see him as a worthy gamble, as Smith is just 21 years old.
JR Smith, Cavs: The Rockets and Pelicans have previously expressed interest in Smith, who has been floating in basketball purgatory after accusing the Cavs of tanking. In the right environment, Smith could at least provide a spot-up shooting, but his past couple years in Cleveland have been rough.
Robin Lopez and Jabari Parker, Bulls: Chicago won't back down in buyout negotiations with Lopez, leaving the big man stuck on a bad squad with limited opportunities. Parker's predicament isn't much better with the former Duke star removed from head coach Jim Boylen's rotation.
Wayne Ellington, Heat: Sporting News' Sean Deveney reported back in December that the Lakers could be targeting Ellington to add some much-needed shooting to their roster. They won't be the only team asking about Ellington's status. (Important note: Ellington can veto any trade because he signed a one-year deal this past offseason and has full Bird Rights next summer.)
Enes Kanter, Knicks: Multiple teams have already inquired about Kanter, who is averaging a double-double for the lowly Knicks. His play isn't what makes him attractive, though — Kanter would be helpful for salary-cap reasons, as he is on an expiring contract ($18.6 million).
A few Hawks players: Atlanta isn't concerned with its record. The Hawks should be focused on acquiring assets. Kent Bazemore and Dewayne Dedmon could be available, but the most intriguing trade piece might be Jeremy Lin. The Pelicans, Sixers and Trail Blazers have all asked about the backup point guard, according to Sporting News' Sean Deveney.
A few Magic players: This situation is slightly different. Orlando is just outside of the East playoff bracket, so the Magic's front office could put a fire sale on hold. Terrence Ross and Jonathon Simmons will likely be part of multiple trade discussions before the deadline passes. Even leading scorers Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon don't feel completely safe at the moment.
Latest NBA trade rumors and news
— Mavericks face three big challenges in dealing Dennis Smith Jr.
— Kings searching for veteran point guard, small forward
— Suns, Magic interested in Dennis Smith Jr.?
— Deadline strategies for Pelicans, Celtics
— Knicks, Bulls have discussed deal involving Enes Kanter, Jabari Parker
— Kevin Love's trade market is "very small," league exec says
— Hornets ready to move Frank Kaminsky, SN sources say