All-Conference to All-Available: College Basketball Stars on the NBA Trade Block

As the February 5 NBA trade deadline approaches, some of college basketball's most decorated players find themselves in unfamiliar territory: available for trade. These aren't role players or development projects—they're former conference Players of the Year, All-Americans, and March Madness heroes who dominated on college campuses just a few years ago.

For fans who followed these athletes through their collegiate careers, watching them potentially change NBA uniforms brings a mix of nostalgia and concern. Will a fresh start revive the magic that made them campus legends? Let's examine the former college stars generating the most trade buzz.

From Murray State Legend to Memphis Question Mark

When Ja Morant suited up for Murray State, he wasn't just good—he was historic. The South Carolina native became the first NCAA player ever to average at least 20 points and 10 assists per game in a single season, posting 24.5 points and 10 assists as a sophomore in 2018-19.

Morant's college resume reads like a basketball fairy tale. The lightly-recruited guard was discovered almost by accident when Murray State assistant coach James Kane stumbled upon him at a three-on-three camp while looking for snacks. From there, Morant transformed into a consensus All-American, OVC Player of the Year, and Bob Cousy Award winner. His 16-assist triple-double against Marquette in the 2019 NCAA Tournament remains one of March Madness's most memorable performances.

Now, the Memphis Grizzlies have reportedly made him available, though his recent elbow injury complicates matters. The challenge remains finding a team willing to meet Memphis's asking price while Morant works to rediscover the dominant form that made him an NBA All-Star.

The Tar Heel Sharpshooter Seeking Stability

Coby White's lone season at North Carolina in 2018-19 was nothing short of spectacular. The Goldsboro native broke Michael Jordan's freshman scoring record at UNC, surpassing His Airness with 469 points. White also shattered the school's freshman three-point record with 82 makes, showcasing the long-range shooting that would become his NBA calling card.

Named to the All-ACC Second Team and All-Freshman squad, White averaged 16.1 points and 4.1 assists while helping the Tar Heels to a Sweet 16 appearance. His 34-point explosion against Syracuse and consistency throughout ACC play made him a lottery pick—the seventh overall selection by the Chicago Bulls.

After a breakout 2023-24 season where he averaged career-highs in points (19.1) and assists (5.1), White finds himself on an expiring contract with a Bulls team looking to retool. His ability to score in bunches and create for others makes him an attractive piece for contending teams needing backcourt depth.

Xavier's All-Big East Star Draws Interest

Naji Marshall spent three seasons building his legacy at Xavier, culminating in a junior year that earned him First Team All-Big East honors. The Atlantic City native averaged 16.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 2019-20, becoming the only Big East player ranked top-10 in both scoring and rebounding.

Marshall's college career arc exemplifies steady improvement. After earning All-Big East Freshman honors as a rookie, he progressed to Second Team All-Big East as a sophomore before his breakout junior campaign. He scored 1,277 points across three seasons and was named a Julius Erving Small Forward Award finalist.

Now with the Dallas Mavericks, Marshall has developed into a reliable rotation player averaging 14.7 points on excellent efficiency this season. While Dallas would need an "extraordinary" offer to move him, his team-friendly contract and two remaining playoff runs make him a valued trade chip as the Mavericks consider their future around Cooper Flagg.

Arkansas's Two-Way Force Available in Dallas

Daniel Gafford dominated the SEC during his time at Arkansas, earning First Team All-SEC and SEC All-Defensive Team honors as a sophomore in 2019. The El Dorado, Arkansas native averaged 16.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks while shooting an efficient 66.0% from the field.

Gafford's freshman season showed flashes of brilliance—he averaged 11.8 points and 6.2 rebounds while earning SEC All-Freshman honors. But his sophomore leap elevated him into the conversation as one of the conference's premier big men. His 21-point, 10-rebound, 7-block performance against Auburn showcased the two-way dominance that made him a second-round steal for the Bulls.

The Mavericks reportedly view Gafford as their most likely player to be moved before the deadline. With Dallas focusing on building around their young core and already having Dereck Lively II at center, Gafford's value to a contending team needing rim protection and vertical spacing could net the Mavs valuable future assets.

Arizona's Pac-12 POY Seeking Expanded Role

Bennedict Mathurin's sophomore season at Arizona in 2021-22 stands among the best in program history. The Montreal native won Pac-12 Player of the Year, Pac-12 Tournament Most Outstanding Player, and earned consensus Second Team All-American honors while averaging 17.3 points and 5.8 rebounds.

Mathurin's rise from Pac-12 All-Freshman selection to conference Player of the Year exemplified his work ethic and talent. He scored 655 points as a sophomore—the ninth-most in a single season in Arizona history—while becoming the go-to scorer for a Wildcats team that earned a No. 1 NCAA Tournament seed.

Now with the Indiana Pacers as a restricted free agent, Mathurin finds himself mentioned in trade discussions despite averaging 14.5 points this season. The Pacers must decide whether he fits their long-term vision or if his value could help them address other roster needs.

The Common Thread: Elite College Pedigree Meets NBA Uncertainty

These five players share more than trade rumors—they all dominated college basketball's highest levels. They won conference Player of the Year awards, earned All-Conference First Team honors, and led their schools to NCAA Tournament appearances. Campus crowds chanted their names. Highlight reels immortalized their biggest moments.

Yet the NBA operates on different timelines and with different demands. Team-building philosophies shift. Front offices pivot. And suddenly, players who seemed untouchable in college find themselves very much available in the pros.

For college basketball fans who followed these players through conference tournaments and March Madness runs, the trade deadline represents a peculiar crossroads. Will a change of scenery unlock the potential that made them stars? Can they recapture the confidence that carried their college teams?

What Comes Next

As February 5 approaches, several factors will determine these players' futures:

Team Needs vs. Market Value: The gap between what selling teams want and buying teams offer often determines whether deals happen. Memphis reportedly wants significant compensation for Morant, while Dallas seeks future assets for Gafford and Marshall.

Contract Situations: White's expiring deal and Mathurin's restricted free agency create different urgency levels. Teams acquiring White must be prepared to pay him in the summer, while Mathurin's restricted status offers more control.

Competitive Windows: Contending teams like the Lakers, Celtics, and Pistons may view these former college stars as missing pieces. Their college success demonstrates they can perform on big stages—exactly what playoff teams need.

The College-to-NBA Journey Continues

Whether these players get traded or stay put, their college accomplishments remain part of basketball history. Murray State fans will always remember Morant's triple-double magic. Tar Heel faithful treasure White's record-breaking freshman season. Xavier alumni celebrate Marshall's game-winners. Razorbacks recall Gafford's dominance. Wildcats fans cherish Mathurin's Pac-12 title run.

The NBA trade deadline may change jerseys and cities, but it can't erase the memories these athletes created on college courts. For the schools and fans who watched them develop from recruits to conference stars, the next chapter—wherever it unfolds—will be followed with the same passion that carried them through those unforgettable college basketball moments.

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Sources:

1. ESPN - NBA Trade Deadline Coverage: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47191162/nba-buzz-latest-live-updates-trades-intel-league
2. NBC Sports - NBA Trade Rumors: https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/nba-trade-rumors-2025-26-ja-morant-latest-plus-what-boston-detroit-philadelphia-are-thinking
3. Yahoo Sports - NBA Trade Deadline Guide: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nba-trade-deadline-30-most-130000112.html
4. Ja Morant College Stats: https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/temetrius-morant-1.html
5. Murray State Athletics - Ja Morant Bio: https://goracers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/ja-morant/7643
6. Coby White College Stats: https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/coby-white-1.html
7. North Carolina Athletics - Coby White Bio: https://goheels.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=14663
8. Naji Marshall College Stats: https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/naji-marshall-1.html
9. Xavier Athletics - Naji Marshall Bio: https://goxavier.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/naji-marshall/7854
10. Daniel Gafford College Stats: https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/daniel-gafford-1.html
11. Arkansas Athletics - Daniel Gafford Bio: https://arkansasrazorbacks.com/roster/daniel-gafford/
12. Bennedict Mathurin College Stats: https://arizonawildcats.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/bennedict-mathurin/12918
13. Arizona Daily Wildcat - Mathurin Ring of Honor: https://wildcat.arizona.edu/152593/sports/s-mbb-bennedict-mathurin-ring-of-honor-24/