NBA Intel: Jimmy Butler, Trae Young, LaMelo Ball, Mark Williams, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Raptors, Wizards, 76ers, Mavericks

With a quarter of the NBA regular season remaining, teams are already looking towards the future and an offseason with as much potential for movement as the trade deadline.

Heading into the home stretch of the season, HoopsHype has gathered the latest intel on trade talks before the deadline involving the Dallas Mavericks and what’s next for PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford this summer, Trae Young’s future in Atlanta, what’s next for LaMelo Ball, Mark Williams and Miles Bridges with the Hornets, updates on the Raptors and Wizards, and interviews with Quentin Grimes, Guerschon Yabusele and Jusuf Nurkic.

Mavericks trade talks and what’s next

DALLAS, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 08: Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts with his teammates Daniel Gafford #21, P.J. Washington #25 and Klay Thompson #31 in the game against the Houston Rockets at American Airlines Center on February 08, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)

Before the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic in a blockbuster deal to acquire Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round draft pick, the team also expressed interest in Jimmy Butler and Kyle Kuzma, league sources told HoopsHype.

It marked the second straight trade deadline the Mavericks expressed interest in Kuzma, who was nearly traded to Dallas last season before eventually landing with the Milwaukee Bucks this past month.

PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford briefly came up in trade talks for Butler, but exploratory discussions didn’t go far, league sources told HoopsHype. At the time, Miami sought starting-caliber players on short-term deals who could help the Heat compete this season while giving them financial flexibility for the future as part of a trade package for the disgruntled Butler.

Washington ($14.15 million) and Gafford ($14.39 million) will be in the final season of their current contracts during the 2025-26 campaign.

This offseason, representatives for Gafford (Klutch Sports Group) and Washington (LIFT Sports Management) are expected to engage in extension talks with Mavericks management, league sources told HoopsHype.

Which direction will the Hawks go with Trae Young?

Feb 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) drives to the basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the third quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Hawks remain in the thick of Play-In Tournament contention ahead of an important offseason for the long-term direction of the franchise as All-Star point guard Trae Young – who’s owed $46 million for the 2025-26 season and has a $48.97 million player option for the 2026-27 season – is eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension this summer.

With the four-time All-Star as the face of the franchise, Atlanta has reached one Eastern Conference Finals, lost twice in the first round, and missed the playoffs three times.

Thus, the question on the mind of executives around the league is whether or not Atlanta will commit a long-term extension to Young this summer or look to move him before having to pay him more money.

Conversely, Young has talked about winning a championship with coach Quin Snyder in Atlanta. With Atlanta four years removed from the Conference Finals and declining in the playoffs since, will Young continue to believe that’s possible in Atlanta as he enters the prime of his career, or would a change of scenery be necessary to chase a title?

Atlanta attempted to improve the roster with a big splash by trying to acquire 27-year-old forward Brandon Ingram ahead of the trade deadline, which would’ve aligned well with Young (26).

Sources told HoopsHype that the Hawks and Pelicans had several three-team trade conversations, which included two of the following four players leaving Atlanta in different trade scenarios for Ingram that ultimately fell through: Clint Capela, Onyeka Okongwu, De’Andre Hunter, and Bogdan Bogdanovic. Hunter and Bogdanovic were traded to the Cavaliers and Clippers in separate deals.

The 24-year-old Okongwu has proven to be a starting-caliber center and a potential part of Atlanta’s young core since, averaging 14.4 points on 60.9 percent shooting from the field and 9.2 rebounds as a starter.

Hawks 23-year-old rising star forward Jalen Johnson was in the conversation for an All-Star bid before his season was cut short due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder.

Guard Dyson Daniels, who turns 22 on March 17, has also emerged as a part of the young core moving forward as an All-Defensive Team candidate, leading the league in steals (3.0) while rounding out the rest of his game by averaging career-highs in points (13.9), rebounds (5.6), and assists (4.0).

Top overall pick Zaccharie Risacher’s development will also be an x-factor to monitor for Atlanta’s long-term ceiling.

Meanwhile, Capela and other veterans like Caris LeVert and Larry Nance Jr. will enter unrestricted free agency this summer, leaving their futures uncertain.

Atlanta is ideally not looking to go over the luxury tax threshold next season, HoopsHype has learned, which will play a role in the team’s roster construction this summer and the futures of those veterans.

How this all affects Young’s future remains to be seen, but it’s a situation that executives will continue to monitor in the coming months.

What’s next for LaMelo Ball, Mark Williams and Miles Bridges with the Hornets?

Mar 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) and center Mark Williams (5) during a time out during the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Following the Luka Doncic trade, NBA executives around the league have expanded their horizons on which potential stars could be next to change teams.

The availability of Hornets guard LaMelo Ball is one of the stars several executives who spoke with HoopsHype will be monitoring on the trade market this summer.

Ball was one of several notable All-Star snubs despite leading East guards in fan voting for the starter ballot and was fourth in scoring when the All-Star reserves were announced. Due to games missed, Ball won’t be eligible for an All-NBA selection either.

At the same time, Charlotte will extend its playoff drought, which started during the 2016-17 season. Meanwhile, all five years of Ball’s career will result in lottery finishes during that span.

Ball led the Hornets to two Play-In Tournament games during his first two seasons, the farthest the franchise has gone in the past nine seasons.

Looking ahead, Ball wants to start winning. Thus, is Ball willing to endure more losing and lessen his chances of individual accolades as the Hornets continue rebuilding under the new regime of executive Jeff Peterson and coach Charles Lee?

Will the Hornets equally want to pay Ball, who’s in the first year of a five-year, $204 million contract, while the team has yet to win with him as the face of the franchise and is in the early stages of a rebuild?

If Charlotte puts Ball on the trade market, the Hornets could kick start a complete tear-down rebuild by trading him and clearing his maximum salary off the books long-term while adding cheaper young talent and several future first-round draft picks.

The future of rising center Mark Williams could play a role in answering the questions above.

Williams was traded to the Lakers for Dalton Knecht, a 2030 pick swap, an unprotected 2031 pick, and Cam Reddish, but Los Angeles rescinded the deal due to Williams’ physical evaluation.

After the Lakers rescinded the trade, the Hornets released a statement. “We are excited to welcome Mark back to our Hornets organization. After the other team aggressively pursued Mark, we made the difficult decision to move him. We have always held great respect for Mark's talent, work ethic, and character. We are thrilled to see him rejoin our roster as a dynamic presence at the starting center position. His return strengthens our team, and we look forward to the impact he will make on and off the court.”

Despite putting out that press release, the Hornets reportedly spoke to the league to dispute the Lakers' failed physical assessment of Williams, but it was to no avail.

Williams' agent, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management, followed by releasing the following statement on Williams’ health: "The overwhelming sentiment, after conferring with multiple, nationally recognized doctors, is that the Los Angeles Lakers should not have failed Mark Williams on his physical. Mark was ready and able to play for them and should have been given that opportunity."

Therefore, Williams will be another name to watch this summer on the trade market. The 23-year-old big man will be eligible for a contract extension in the summer of 2025 or enter restricted free agency in the summer of 2026 if no extension gets done.

While it took a haul on paper for the Lakers to pry Williams from the Hornets before the trade was rescinded, the door was publicly opened that Charlotte is willing to move a current young core player for the right price.

Lastly, forward Miles Bridges will also be a name to watch on the trade market this offseason.

When Bridges originally signed his three-year, $75 million contract, it was structured to descend and be used as a trade chip, league sources told HoopsHype.

Bridges will be owed $25 million for the 2025-26 season and $22.83 million in the 2026-27 season.

What does the acquisition of Brandon Ingram mean for RJ Barrett?

Feb 23, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (9) brings the ball up court against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

With the Toronto Raptors envisioning a frontcourt of Scottie Barnes and newly extended Brandon Ingram along with former lottery pick Gradey Dick at shooting guard, where does that leave current leading scorer RJ Barrett’s future?

Based on conversations before the deadline, Barrett could be a trade candidate to monitor this summer.

Barrett was discussed in trade talks for Ingram with New Orleans, but the Pelicans preferred the expiring contract of Bruce Brown and stretch-five center Kelly Olynyk, who’s owed $13.45 million next season, league sources told HoopsHype. With Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones already on the wing, the Pelicans didn’t view Barrett as a suitable fit for their roster as talks would have necessitated finding a third team, sources said.

Barrett, a Toronto native, is having the best season of his career, averaging career-highs in points (21.7), rebounds (6.4) and assists (5.6). He’s owed $27.7 million next season and $29.62 million for the 2026-27 season.

Wizards veterans to monitor this summer

Mar 1, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Washington Wizards forward Khris Middleton (32) shoots against the Charlotte Hornets during the third quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

After drafting center Alex Sarr with the second overall pick, the Washington Wizards have the league’s worst record and have given themselves the best chance to land the top pick, depending on how the lottery shakes out.

To help hasten the development of Sarr, fellow rookies Bub Carrington and Kyshawn George, and second-year swingman Bilal Coulibaly for the rest of this season, the Wizards acquired veteran leaders Khris Middleton and Marcus Smart at the trade deadline.

Looking ahead, NBA executives widely expect Middleton to exercise his $33.35 million player option for the 2025-26 season. Smart, meanwhile, has an expiring $21.59 million deal for the 2025-26 season.

In addition, center Richaun Holmes only has $250,000 guaranteed of his $13.28 million salary for the 2025-26 season in the final year of his contract.

All three veterans will be trade candidates to monitor this summer in Washington.

Quentin Grimes: 'I may even have a bigger role here in Philadelphia'

Feb 22, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (5) reacts after scoring against the Brooklyn Nets during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Before Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes exploded for a career-high 44 points, the 24-year-old shooting guard recently sat down with HoopsHype to discuss his growth this season, his reaction to being traded by the Dallas Mavericks, Luka Doncic, his upcoming free agency, and more.

What growth do you feel you’ve been able to show this season? 

Quentin Grimes: I feel like being an overall ball handler and making plays for myself and my teammates, shooting off the dribble on the ball and off the catch off the ball. In Dallas, whatever coach Kidd needed me to do, I think I did a pretty good job in that role.

What was different in his game in Dallas versus other stops? 

Grimes: I feel like I was more attentive to rebounding. With coach Kidd, whoever gets it can bring it up. I feel like that made it more conscious for me to get the rebound, bring the ball up, and make plays like lobs when Luka or Kyrie was out as an overall playmaker.

What was your reaction when Dallas traded you? 

Grimes: I was kind of shocked a little bit, knowing how well I had been playing for that team and contributing. We had a really good group of guys, and we had a really good bond with each other, so it was initially a shock. Here, there is a really good group of guys as well.

What do you think your role will be here? 

Grimes: I feel like my role will be similar to Dallas. Coach Nurse has talked to me a lot. Any shot I have, shoot it. Be in attack mode and be aggressive. Make plays and do the same things I was doing in Dallas. I may even have a bigger role here.

What are your thoughts on being traded in a contract year? 

Grimes: It’s still basketball at the end of the day. I’m trying to go out there and be where my feet are when I wake up every morning. I’m trying to do everything I can to help this team win games.

What goes through your mind when a team trades for you before your free agency? 

Grimes: They know my situation contractually, coming here as a restricted free agent. Knowing the team wants me definitely holds some weight with me.

Dec 1, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates with teammates Dallas Mavericks guard Quentin Grimes (5) and Mavericks’ forward P.J. Washington (25) as Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) walks away after the Mavericks defeated Trail Blazers 137-131 at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images

What was your reaction to the Luka Doncic talk and reports of him being 270 pounds? 

Grimes: It was crazy. He was obviously dealing with his injury the past month. It was one of the biggest shocking trades in NBA history when that happened. You feel for the Dallas fans because Luka is a mega star worldwide. It was crazy seeing him getting traded. I felt for Mavericks fans, knowing that he was such a big part of not only the organization but the Dallas community as a whole.

How does it feel to have some control of your future as a restricted free agent after being traded a few times? 

Grimes: It’s different. It’s something I’ve never been through before. That’ll take care of itself at the end of the season. Right now, I’m trying to do my best to go out there and win games for this team right now.

What are you looking for in free agency? 

Grimes: Just growing as a player. I feel like every year in my career, I’ve grown and shown a little bit more of what I can do. As long as I keep growing as a player, I know everything else will take care of itself.

Do you still keep tabs on the Knicks? 

Grimes: I keep tabs on Jalen (Brunson) and see how they’re doing, but for the most part, that chapter has kind of closed on my journey so far. I definitely keep tabs on guys like Deuce (McBride) and JB.

Guerschon Yabusele: I'm going to take my time and see what the options are in free agency

Feb 4, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) reacts against the Dallas Mavericks in the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Two-time France silver medalist and Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele recently sat down with HoopsHype to discuss how his Olympics run helped him return to the NBA after a six-year hiatus, what’s different about him from his Celtics stint, what went through his mind overseas while chasing a return to the United States, his upcoming free agency, and more.

How much did the 2024 Olympics help you return to the NBA? 

Guerschon Yabusele: It was definitely important because I came back right after that. It was also like a build-up over the years of progressing and understanding the game a little bit more. I tried to make fewer mistakes and bring more energy while figuring out how to be my best on the court. I think that helped. The Olympics are what really set the major comeback for sure.

What’s the biggest difference between you now and when you last played in the NBA with the Celtics? 

Yabusele: Everything. Even the man I am now is completely different from the one I was in Boston. In the game, I understand the game more, the pace of the game, and how fast it’s played. The game is completely different than when I was in Boston. Being able to be in different situations and learn what it’s like to lose and win, get some championships (one EuroLeague and two Liga ACB championships with Real Madrid in Spain). That experience made me a better player there than I was back in the day.

What was going through your mind overseas while chasing a return to the NBA? 

Yabusele: I always told myself that I wanted to come back, and I had to do everything in my power to come back. I had to work as hard as possible to come back. Every summer, it was almost, so I was telling myself to keep pushing, and it would definitely come. Hard work always pays off. That was my motto every day. Try and get that second chance.

What was it like going from fighting to get back to the NBA to having teams expressing interest in trading for you at the trade deadline and wanting to acquire you? 

Yabusele: It’s flattering, for sure. It’s telling myself that I’m going in the right direction. At the same time, I didn’t want to leave. I feel like I’m in a good role and situation here. I’ve enjoyed being here, and I’m always thankful to the franchise for giving me my second chance to come back to the NBA. It was really important for me to try to stay here and achieve our goals. This was really important for me.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 25: Guerschon Yabusele #28 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket against Josh Giddey #3 of the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on January 25, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Daryl Morey talked about wanting to re-sign you. What were your thoughts on that? 

Yabusele: I heard a little bit of the rumors about the money that I think they have for the summer. For me, it’s definitely something that I like to hear. I feel comfortable. I’m happy that they like me here and are happy with my work. Every day, when I come in, I try to give my best on the court, fight every possession, and leave a good mark.

In general, what will you look for in free agency? 

Yabusele: I’ve never been in that situation, so I have no idea how this will be, but I’m pretty excited to see the summer coming and see what we’ll have on the table. Of course, it’s going to be a long conversation. It’s not something I’m going to think about overnight. I’m going to take my time and see what the options are. Having that option and chance to be back here is definitely something I love to hear.

How’s Philadelphia been for you as a person living here?  

Yabusele: It’s great. It’s been so much fun. I had a chance to go to a couple of games. I went to the Eagles (NFC Championship) and the baseball games (Phillies) when I got here. I had a chance to go to Broad Street after the win and celebrate with the fans. It’s a different vibe. I love it. The fans are passionate about every sport and every team in the city. They show a lot of love and support. Even though the situation here is a little bit different this season, they still show up, show some love, and make sure we keep fighting. It’s been fun so far.

What’s this season been like overall for this team? 

Yabusele: It’s definitely not been easy. We’ve had some tough times, but we’ve also had times where we’ve been on some winning streaks. I feel like we definitely know how to get there. With the guys injured, it’s been hard. I feel like when everybody is healthy, we’re a tough team to play against. We’ll go to the All-Star break, come back, and try to make sure everyone is on track. We’ll try to go fight, get that Play-In spot to fight, get to the playoffs, and, of course, go all the way.

Jusuf Nurkic: 'I don't think we should move the trade deadline'

Feb 22, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Jusuf Nurkic (11) greets Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1) after a game at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

New Charlotte Hornets center Jusuf Nurkic spoke with HoopsHype to discuss what a fresh start means to him, how he plans on impacting the team in the prime of his career, and a look back at his time with the Phoenix Suns, including dealing with trade rumors along with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.

What did it mean to you to join Charlotte and get the fresh start you were looking for? 

Jusuf Nurkic: A lot. I’ve been in this league long enough. I know what the situation can be and how it’s good for the player to change the situation and have a fresh start. I have an eagerness and excitement for the game again. I can’t wait to play again on the court.

How do you feel you can help impact the Hornets?

Nurkic: I think they have a lot of great talent, starting with LaMelo (Ball) and Brandon (Miller). I think I can do a great job for them and make life easy by setting screens and passing the ball, and we can be dynamic in certain ways. I’m looking forward to that.

What are you going to try and instill in the young guys as a veteran? 

Nurkic: I’m still young. I just turned 30 this past summer. I feel like I’m in my prime, and I can do a lot of things. We’re in a position where we can win some games, and I want to be out there with the players trying to win games.

How do you look back at your time in Phoenix? 

Nurkic: Nothing but the best to Phoenix and my ex-teammates. I made friends for life and look forward to seeing them in a game or the offseason.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 04: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives between Jusuf Nurkic #20 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on November 04, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

There was a lot of talk about trades, including you, Durant, and Beal. What was it like dealing with that? 

Nurkic: I don’t think it’s a new thing since I’ve been in the league for a long time. I think our league benefits from that. When you look at the trade deadline, I don’t think anybody knows the Super Bowl was however many days later. There’s so much mega traction. I think it’s great for our league. I don’t think we should move the deadline like some coaches and other people who want to do it. That’s the sweet spot for everybody. Obviously, it sucks for the players, but I think for the leadership and engagement, it’s a great thing. I feel like so many people talk. The whole world, not just America. Everybody is waking up and checking the alerts.

As far as the locker room, it was filled with great guys. I was enjoying my time in the locker room in Phoenix. It was just the time for me to move.

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: NBA Intel: Jimmy Butler, Trae Young, LaMelo Ball, Mark Williams, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Raptors, Wizards, 76ers, Mavericks