We are still several months away from the NBA trade deadline, but some early trends are already taking shape. And it looks like we might be headed toward a bidding war at the center position. This NBA trade season, the hottest names on the market are big men. Teams looking to upgrade their center spot will have plenty of opportunities to do so. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the available names.
5 Available Centers That Could Shift the Playoff Picture Overnight
Here is the good news for fans: if your team needs a center, this is the year to get one. Per the latest reports, there is a surprisingly strong group of big men who are expected to be available during this year’s NBA trade season. Looking at the names, we can expect an intriguing, center-heavy deadline market—something we haven’t seen in recent years. Here are five names to watch.
Nic Claxton
The Brooklyn Nets are in full rebuild mode, and there is little reason for them to keep Nic Claxton. He has two more years left on his contract after this one, and the good news for interested teams is that his salary declines annually. Claxton will make $25 million this year, $23 million next season, and $20 million in the 2027–28 season. He has also been reliable, playing 70+ games in each of the last three seasons.
He won’t stretch the floor, but he is a highly serviceable big who can score inside. Four years ago, he led the league in field goal percentage. That number has dipped since, largely because the Nets lack talent around him. On a more competitive roster, Claxton can be an efficient and impactful center.
Jonathan Isaac
Teams looking for a serviceable backup big man might take a look at Jonathan Isaac. The challenge, however, is his salary. For someone averaging just 10 minutes per game, his $15 million annual paycheck is quite steep. The Orlando Magic have an abundance of frontcourt players, making Isaac the odd man out. Orlando might be willing to move him for a second-round pick and some expiring salary.
Robert Williams III
Gone are the days when Robert Williams III was considered one of the best defensive bigs in the NBA. Over the past few seasons, “Big Rob” has settled into a bench role in Portland. With the Blazers committing to their young players, Williams is no longer part of the long-term plan. He would be an excellent fit for a contender that needs a defensive-minded center off the bench. Because he is on an expiring contract, Portland cannot expect a big return—a second-round pick is likely enough.
Jusuf Nurkic
Last season, the Phoenix Suns couldn’t find a team willing to take on Jusuf Nurkic. However, his early-season play in Utah has helped restore some of his trade value. The Utah Jazz are always looking to gather future assets, so it wouldn’t be surprising if they dangle Nurkic during this year’s trade season. He remains a reliable contributor who can help a contender for 15–20 minutes per game.
Nick Richards
The Phoenix Suns have been actively trying to trade Nick Richards since the summer. Right now, he’s been riding the bench, averaging just over 10 minutes per game. The market for Richards isn’t strong, and among the available centers, he might be the least talented. He is serviceable in the paint but doesn’t offer much beyond that.
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