NBA Trade Deadline Bets to Make: Odds, Picks For Top Trade Candidates

The NBA trade deadline is a chance for teams to add that missing piece for a playoff push or better position themselves for long-term success. Will there be any moves made before Thursday, Feb. 9? Read on for our NBA picks and predictions.

With the NBA trade deadline looming, we have already seen two massive moves. The Brooklyn Nets got things started by sending guard Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks. The Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Utah Jazz then reportedly swung a three-way deal involving guards Russell Westbrook, Mike Conley Jr., and D'Angelo Russell Wednesday evening. Could these be a sign of things to come before Thursday’s much-anticipated deadline?

DraftKings Sportsbook must believe it will be an active deadline, as it released betting odds for which player will be traded.

Fourteen different players have minus-odds in this market, headlined by Cam Reddish (-900), OG Anunoby (-600), and Fred VanVleet (-400) at the top of the board.

We tried to sift through this chalk and find a few interesting options in this market.

Here is our look at the best odds for the 2023 NBA Trade Deadline, along with some potential picks.

NBA trade deadline odds to be moved

NBA trade deadline best bets 2023

• John Collins (-150 via DraftKings) - Feb. 8, 2023
• Mo Bamba (-110 via DraftKings) - Feb. 8, 2023
• Jordan Clarkson (+150 via DraftKings) - Feb. 8, 2023

NBA trade deadline top picks to be moved

John Collins (-150 via DraftKings)

Let’s start with the chalkiest pick in this column. John Collins being on the trade block is honestly evergreen content at this point, as the Atlanta Hawks forward always seems to find himself on these lists. He has yet to be moved in his six seasons with the Hawks, but this might finally be the year.

Collins’ usage rate has dropped down to 17%, which is the lowest clip in his young career. He is averaging 13.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game this season. He is in the second year of a five-year deal, so his trade value probably isn’t as high as it once was. Still, there is always a market for an athletic and rim-running big man. 

Mo Bamba (-110 via DraftKings)

Marc Stein reported in late January that the Orlando Magic will welcome offers for Mo Bamba, and we have seen other similar reports since. This comes as no surprise given Orlando’s crowded frontcourt, especially for a rebuilding team that is showing some promising signs this year.

Bamba, who is 24 years old, is averaging 7.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per contest. He signed a tradeable contract last summer and would boost a contender in the frontcourt (looking at you, Los Angeles Clippers).

At -110 in a chalky market, this feels like a fun wager to make regarding a past first-round draft pick.

Jordan Clarkson (+150 via DraftKings)

Finally, a plus-money pick. There are only 18 players being offered at plus money in this market at DraftKings, and Clarkson’s offering of +150 intrigues me the most.

ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported earlier this week that the Utah Jazz won’t listen to offers for All-Star Lauri Markkanen, as well as young players like Walker Kessler and Ochai Agbaji. 

However, Utah has plenty of veteran players who will certainly garner trade interest this week. Clarkson, who has a $14.3-million player option for next season, is one name to watch. He is averaging 21.1 points and 4.2 assists per game during his age-30 season.

Clarkson certainly makes sense in any potential trade with the Los Angeles Lakers, with whom his career started in 2014.

NBA trade deadline bets made on 2/8/2023 at 10:45 a.m. ET

(21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)

* Bonuses not applicable in Ontario.