Marc Stein reports on the Hornets, Nets, Jazz eie trade in the minor deadlines

As it is The NBA trade deadline is approaching on Thursday, February 5thseveral teams outside the league’s title discussions are lining up for smaller, practical moves.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported on the latest episode of the ALL NBA podcast that Charlotte Hornets, Brooklyn Nets and Utah Jazz are among the teams actively exploring minor trades as the deadline approaches. According to Stein, the focus for these franchises is roster flexibility rather than the pursuit of big names.

“Charlotte, Brooklyn and Utah. Those are three teams that are all very willing to take and make the kinds of trades that you’ve suggested,” Stein said. “The Nuggets have to make a move like that. If the Raptors don’t make a big move, they still have to shed some salary to be under the tax. You have a number of teams looking to create roster room so they can convert two-way players to standard contracts.”

Stein added that he expects activity from the Hornets, Nets and Jazz before the deadline, though neither move is projected to significantly change the broader trade market. With the uncertainty surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks continuing to hold off on potential blockbuster deals, these teams are considered to be working independently of the league’s biggest decisions.

Hornets rise, while Nets, Jazz weigh trade deadline flexibility

Charlotte enters Sunday riding one of the league’s hottest stretches. The The Hornets improved to 23-28 with a 102-95 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. on Monday night, extending their winning streak to seven games. Charlotte is 9-3 in their last 12 contests and is currently 11th in the Eastern Conference standings. The Hornets begin a two-game road trip Thursday night against the Houston Rockets at 8 PM ET.

Brooklyn, meanwhile, is still in the rebuilding phase. The Nets are 13-35 and 13th in the East as they prepare to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday at 7:30 PM ET. Brooklyn has lost 16 of its last 20 games, including a 130-77 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Sunday.

Utah faces similar struggles in the Western Conference. The Jazz are 15-35, have dropped six straight and are 13th in the standings. Utah continues its five-game road trip on Tuesday night against the Indiana Pacers at 7pm ET and is 4-16 in its last 20 games.

While none of the three teams are expected to be in charge at the deadline, Stein’s report suggests they could still shape the market’s margins with calculated, low-risk moves.