Trade season unofficially kicks off on December 15, with most recently signed free agents available for deals.

The wide-open standings in the Western Conference should encourage more buyers. A few teams in the East may take steps to challenge the Boston Celtics or Milwaukee Bucks, but the conference may have more sellers.

Some players are a near-lock to be traded, like Jae Crowder, who has spent all season away from the Phoenix Suns staying in shape for the opportunity to play elsewhere. Others have been long available, like Russell Westbrook of the Lakers, but the odds that he finishes his contract in Los Angeles may be closer to 50/50.

Who are the most interesting players to watch closely through the February 9 trade deadline?

Detroit Cashing out Bojan Bogdanovic?

The Detroit Pistons are in a great position relative to the Victor Wembanyama 2023 draft lottery. The team has the worst record (7-22) in the NBA. Cade Cunningham is out for the season with a shin injury. And a trade or two to add future pieces while making sure it keeps losing makes sense.

Detroit acquired veteran shooter Bojan Bogdanovic from the Utah Jazz over the summer for a relatively low price (Kelly Olynyk and Saben Lee). After giving him a franchise-friendly extension (two years, $39 million with $22 million guaranteed) and a successful showcase, the Pistons should be able to cash out on Bogdanovic for a profit.

While the team’s front office has been downplaying that it will move Bogdanovic, well-placed sources say the Pistons will patiently wait for an offer with a suitable first-round pick.

Teams believed to be interested include the Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers, among others.

Detroit is willing to part with veterans like Alec Burks and Nerlens Noel. Per James Edwards III of The Athletic, Saddiq Bey may also be attainable.

Lakers Thinning Guard Duplication?

The Lakers feel like they’re not far from fielding a contender. Coach Darvin Ham getting Russell Westbrook to accept a role off the bench has increased his value to the team, especially as a playmaker for a resurgent Anthony Davis.

But concerns persist internally that Westbrook doesn’t complement LeBron James and that the mix of stars may not work in the postseason when rotations shorten. The Lakers also have guards Patrick Beverley and Kendrick Nunn (all three expiring contracts) as trade pieces for a smaller deal—or with Westbrook in a potential blockbuster.

The answer will depend on what other teams offer. The Lakers will give more if the return provides the team with a credible chance to flourish in the playoffs. Potential trade partners wouldn’t necessarily desire Westbrook, Beverley or Nunn for what they bring to the court. Rather, they would be the necessary salaries needed to take on in order to nab the Lakers’ distant firsts (2027 and 2029), which have value in part because they’re long after James and Davis are projected to be with the franchise.

NBA sources have listed the Miami Heat as a potential destination for Westbrook as a post-trade buyout candidate.