The Big Lead

These 18 NBA players just became trade eligible

By Joe Lago

Jan 10, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) lines up a shot in the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Jan 10, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) lines up a shot in the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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The Feb. 6 NBA trading deadline is still over three weeks away, but the rumor mill figures to intensify with Wednesday's removal of a certain trade restriction.

Eighteen players whose free-agent contracts signed last offseason prevented them from being dealt are now eligible to be traded.

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The list is led by Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton, who figures to be one of the more sought-after bigs for teams seeking a frontcourt upgrade for a lengthy postseason run. Parting with Claxton — and potentially Cam Johnson — would allow Brooklyn to improve their lottery chances to draft presumptive No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg.

Other potential deadline targets include Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges, Los Angeles Lakers guard Max Christie, Phoenix Suns guard Josh Okogie, Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin and Oklahoma City reserves Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins.

Christie and Okogie are valuable trade chips for Western Conference teams looking to boost the supporting casts of their aging superstars.

The 21-year-old Christie is enjoying a breakout season with the Lakers, averaging a career-best 8.2 points per game, while the 26-year-old Okogie is the type of high-energy player who could solidify a title contender's second unit. He's also shooting a career-high 38.1% on 3-pointers.

Here's the list of 18 players who are eligible to be traded:

Precious Achiuwa (New York Knicks)
OG Anunoby (New York Knicks)
Goga Bitadze (Orlando Magic)
Miles Bridges (Charlotte Hornets)
Max Christie (Los Angeles Lakers)
Nicolas Claxton (Brooklyn Nets)
Haywood Highsmith (Miami Heat)
Isaiah Joe (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Johnny Juzang (Utah Jazz)
KJ Martin (Philadelphia 76ers)
Malik Monk (Sacramento Kings)
Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers)
Josh Okogie (Phoenix Suns)
Scotty Pippen Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies)
Immanuel Quickley (Toronto Raptors)
Obi Toppin (Indiana Pacers)
Aaron Wiggins (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Patrick Williams (Chicago Bulls)

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