The NBA trade deadline is just around the corner, and on Feb. 6, all speculations in the league will end.

Teams look to fine-tune their rosters, and potential trade candidates come in three general flavors: those openly available, the surprise move, and those already out on the trade block.

Jimmy Butler to the Spurs: A Gamble for Playoff Pushes

NBA Trade Rumors: Three Blockbuster Deals That Could Happen Ahead NBA Trade Rumors: Three Blockbuster Deals That Could Happen Ahead
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Trade Proposal: Heat sent Jimmy Butler and Alec Burks to the Spurs for Keldon Johnson, Zach Collins, and Tre Jones.

Miami faces a tough decision. With an unprotected 2026 first-round pick owed to Oklahoma City, the Heat need to make the playoffs this season to mitigate future losses, Yahoo! Sports reports. However, keeping Butler risks him walking away in free agency this summer, potentially leaving Miami empty-handed.

This proposed trade offers Miami a variety of value. Johnson will provide long-term cap-friendly production, Collins will provide frontcourt depth, and Jones will provide flexibility with his contract expiration. This return may not thrill Heat fans, but it allows Miami to remain competitive while it works through its draft pick problem.

For San Antonio, this is a calculated risk. Adding Butler strengthens their roster for a push at the playoffs. If it doesn't fit, they can flip Butler as an expiring deal or let him walk and free up some cap space.

This is highly likely, considering that Butler told Pat Riley in a recent meeting that he just wanted to leave Miami.

Bulls Trade Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu to Spurs

Trade Proposal: The Bulls trade Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu to the Spurs for Zach Collins, Malaki Branham, a 2025 pick from the Bulls, and a 2027 unprotected first-round pick via Atlanta.

White and Dosunmu are challenging to resign because of the Bulls' restrictive contract rules. Both guards have value but may leave in free agency by 2026. This trade helps the Bulls maximize their return while they still can.

In return, the Bulls acquire a combination of young talent and draft capital. Branham brings some upside, and Collins provides depth right away. The extra draft picks provide Chicago the flexibility to either rebuild or use them to make future moves.

The Spurs reinforce their backcourt with White and Dosunmu-two talented guards that can grow up with their young core.

Nikola Vucević to the Knicks: Bolstering Big Man Depth

Trade Proposal: Bulls trade Nikola Vucević to the Knicks for Precious Achiuwa and Mitchell Robinson.

The Knicks have a good starting five, but they lack punch off the bench. Getting Vucević fills this hole. He averages 20.2 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. He is a very efficient scorer and floor-spacer.

For the Bulls, this trade is about money flexibility. Achiuwa's expiring contract and Robinson's declining salary give Chicago future cap space to pursue more significant moves.

The Knicks would likely use Vucević in a rotational role with Karl-Anthony Towns to make sure their starters remain fresh for the playoffs.

Each of these trades offers the respective teams unique opportunities. Miami and Chicago could take care of some long-term needs, while New York and San Antonio could address their short-term prospects.