Most free agents can be traded on Dec. 15. However, a small group has to wait an extra month. Those are the free agents who re-signed with their original team using Bird or Early Bird Rights, make more than the minimum and who got a raise greater than 20% over their salary from last season. That list includes 11 players:

Christmas is on Dec. 25, but it comes 10 days early for NBA fans every year. That's because Dec. 15 marks the unofficial start of trade season.

Although many expected the Lakers to trade for a defensive spearhead, the team does not have the assets to sign a major player. Los Angeles has one future first-round pick to trade (2031 or 2032) while Gabe Vincent and Dalton Knecht remain the only viable trade options.

The Lakers probably have no hope of making a splashy deal before the NBA trade deadline, but a role player would be welcome.

From ex-top picks to veterans stuck in losing situations, these prime NBA trade candidates might not have the market to actually facilitate a high-profile move.

The New York Knicks could have their eyes on the struggling New Orleans Pelicans, who have Jose Alvarado on board.

One superstar trade away from NBA title contention? You better be right. If not, the consequences have never been harsher.

The Nets absorbed Terance Mann, Michael Porter Jr. and Haywood Highsmith's contracts in trades with the Atlanta Hawks, Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat. They received the No. 22 pick in the draft, which they used to select Drake Powell, as well as an unprotected 2032 first-round pick from Denver and a 2032 second-round pick from Miami.

The Minnesota Timberwolves could be considering making a push to bring in Chicago Bulls guard Coby White ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.