NBA Trade Deadline 2024: Everything You Need to Know Before Time Runs Out
2025-11-17 10:00
As I sit here scrolling through the latest NBA trade rumors, I can't help but feel that familiar buzz in the air—the kind of electric anticipation that only comes around during trade deadline season. Having followed the league for over fifteen years, I've developed this sixth sense for when major moves are brewing, and right now all my instincts are telling me we're in for one heck of a dramatic finish to the 2024 trade deadline. The clock is ticking down to February 8th at 3 PM EST, and if history has taught me anything, it's that the final 48 hours will be absolute chaos in the best possible way. What fascinates me most about this particular deadline is how it intersects with the global basketball landscape, including developments like the PBA's recent return to Ninoy Aquino Stadium where TNT faced Blackwater—a reminder that basketball's transactional drama extends far beyond American shores.
The Western Conference arms race has reached what I'd call nuclear levels this season, with at least eight teams genuinely believing they're one piece away from championship contention. Just look at the Phoenix Suns—they're sitting there with what, about $160 million in luxury tax payments? And yet they're still actively shopping for bench depth. From my perspective, this creates the perfect storm for deadline activity because when wealthy, ambitious teams get desperate, they tend to make moves they might regret later. The Lakers situation particularly intrigues me—they've been linked to literally every available guard in the league, but my sources suggest they're particularly focused on acquiring Alex Caruso from Chicago, which would be a homecoming story fans would absolutely adore. Meanwhile, over in the East, the Knicks have emerged as this season's dark horse negotiators, holding approximately three first-round picks and several intriguing young assets that could net them a genuine star.
What many casual observers miss about trade deadline dynamics is how much the financial landscape dictates movement. The new CBA's stricter second apron rules have created what I'm calling "financial claustrophobia" among the league's biggest spenders. Teams like Golden State are facing what could be $200 million in combined salary and tax payments if they stand pat—an absolutely staggering number that ownership groups are increasingly unwilling to swallow for mediocre results. This creates this fascinating tension where financial pressure might force teams to make basketball decisions they wouldn't otherwise consider. I've noticed front offices becoming increasingly creative with their cap management, exploring concepts like simultaneous trades and multi-team deals that would have been considered too complex just a few seasons ago.
The international basketball connection here is something I find particularly compelling this year. While we're all focused on NBA movements, the basketball world continues turning elsewhere—like the PBA's return to Ninoy Aquino Stadium where TNT took on Blackwater. These parallel leagues operate in their own transactional ecosystems, yet they're increasingly connected to the NBA through player development pipelines and scouting networks. I've spoken with several international scouts who believe we'll see more movement between leagues as basketball continues globalizing. Personally, I love seeing these connections—it reminds us that while the NBA trade deadline dominates headlines, there are fascinating basketball stories unfolding everywhere from Manila to Milwaukee.
When it comes to specific players to watch, my eyes are firmly on Zach LaVine. The Bulls have been trying to move him since what feels like November, but that massive contract—roughly $215 million remaining over four years—has created what one executive described to me as "the worst kind of limbo." The Lakers, Sixers, and Heat have all shown varying levels of interest, but nobody seems willing to meet Chicago's asking price of multiple first-round picks. From my perspective, LaVine represents this era's quintessential trade dilemma: incredibly talented but financially cumbersome. Then there's the Pascal Siakam situation—already traded to Indiana but still fascinating as a case study in how player values fluctuate. Toronto essentially got what, three first-round picks equivalent for a player they might have lost for nothing? That's front office mastery in my book.
The buyout market deserves more attention than it typically receives because some of the most impactful post-deadline additions come from this pool. Last season we saw players like Reggie Jackson and Kevin Love become crucial playoff contributors after being bought out, and this year I'm monitoring veterans like Gordon Hayward and Evan Fournier as potential difference-makers. What many fans don't realize is that the buyout market has its own intricate timing and financial considerations—players must be waived by March 1st to be playoff-eligible with new teams, creating this secondary deadline frenzy that often produces surprising moves.
As we barrel toward the final hours, I'm tracking several developing situations that could define this trade season. The Hawks seem determined to reshape their roster around Trae Young, with Dejounte Murray being the most obvious trade candidate. The Warriors are facing what I believe is their most critical organizational moment since drafting Stephen Curry—do they push their chips in for one more championship run or begin planning for life after their dynasty? And then there's the mystery team that always emerges in the final hours—that one franchise that swoops in unexpectedly to reshape the entire landscape. If I had to bet, I'd put my money on Oklahoma City making a surprise move—they have too many draft assets not to become major players eventually.
Reflecting on past deadlines, what strikes me about the current moment is how much more sophisticated team building has become. The days of lopsided superstar trades feel increasingly rare as front offices become more analytical and risk-averse. Yet the fundamental drama remains—the tension between present and future, between calculated risks and safe plays. As the clock ticks down to 3 PM on February 8th, I'll be refreshing my feeds like everyone else, waiting for Woj and Shams to break the next big story. Because regardless of how much the business evolves, that core thrill of the deal—the moment when everything changes for a franchise—remains basketball's most captivating offseason drama.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
