The NBA Players Most Likely to Be Traded and Why It’s About Contracts, Not Talent
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Every NBA trade deadline creates the same misconception. Fans scan box scores, identify the biggest names, and assume those are the players most likely to move. The league operates differently. The players who get traded are rarely the most talented ones available. They are the safest ones. Deadlines are driven by contracts, timelines, and risk tolerance far more than star power. Understanding that distinction explains why some names circulate every February while others never truly enter the market. Expiring and Flexibility Contracts Drive the Deadline Players on expiring or near-expiring deals move because they do not hurt anyone later. Khris Middleton fits this category perfectly. His large, movable salary and upcoming player option give teams short-term control without long-term risk. His championship résumé adds credibility without inflating price. At this stage, his value is financial rather than upside-driven. He helps contenders solve salary math and helps rebuilding teams extr...