Which NBA Team Should Trade?
We analyze which NBA teams need to be active on the trade market.
For NBA superstars at a certain level, trade rumors often don’t stop once they start. That wasn’t the case in previous generations of the league, and certainly not in the current climate, where what comes out of the NBA trade machine often resonates more than what comes out of NBA games.
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has felt the effects of that through his own actions and lack of clarity this season. Twice he had to respond to reports about his uncertain future with the team. The first time was during the preseason and the second time was earlier this week while he was recovering from a calf injury. That’s why the two-time former NBA MVP is at the top of the list of players most likely to be traded before the league’s Feb. 5 deadline, as well as the hottest players.
But Antetokounmpo isn’t the only big name that could be traded in the coming weeks and months. This is because his contract is about to expire and the disappointing team is looking to rebuild. Here’s a breakdown of the notable NBA players most likely to be traded before the deadline, as well as some notable trade rumors.
NBA players most likely to be traded before the deadline
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
Trade rumors surrounding Antetokounmpo didn’t stop while he was on the shelf. The Bucks were struggling even before his injury, and things didn’t get any better without him. Antetokounmpo has maintained that he has not spoken with team officials about wanting to be traded since the start of this season, but did not rule out the possibility that his agent did so. If Antetokounmpo returns and the Bucks are not in contention for a top-six spot in the Eastern Conference standings around the trade deadline, both teams could decide now is the right time to make a move.
Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks have a dilemma with Davis if they aim to rebuild around Cooper Flagg after former GM Nico Harrison was fired. Davis remains one of the best big men in the NBA during his playing days, and the Mavericks’ recent form coincides with his season debut. But durability concerns remain for the 32-year-old, who is scheduled to make more than $58 million next season and has a player option worth more than $62 million in 2027-28. Davis’ situation at the trade deadline is complicated by his declining value since being traded by the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Luka Doncic last February. Are the Mavericks willing to sell low?
Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks
Young recently returned after missing 22 games due to injury, while the Hawks have blossomed with rising star Jaylen Johnson. If the team loses momentum with Young’s return to the lineup, speculation about his future will increase as the trade deadline approaches. Young has a player option on his contract for next season and could become a free agent. The more complicated question for Atlanta (and potential suitors) is whether he’s still worth paying like a No. 1 option long-term.
DeMar DeRozan (Sacramento Kings)
The Kings are in disarray as their expensive roster doesn’t mesh well. Nearly the entire lineup could be in place by this year’s trade deadline, with other options prominently mentioned in rumors including Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, Malik Monk and Keon Ellis. But DeRozan may be the easiest to trade because his contract is only partially guaranteed next year and, unlike LaVine and Sabonis, he will make less than $25 million this season. The 36-year-old is averaging more than 18 points per game and tied his season high with 33 points in the Kings’ 134-133 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Dec. 18.
Jonathan Cousin, Golden Start Warriors
It’s probably best for everyone involved if Kuminga and the Warriors find a way to resolve their increasingly uneasy relationship before the NBA trade deadline. Kuminga has been in and out of Golden State’s rotation this season due to manager Steve Kerr’s decisions and mysterious injuries, and speculation continues about Kuminga’s desire to remain with the team. The 23-year-old agreed to a two-year deal with the Warriors as a restricted free agent, ending an offseason stalemate, but it appears he never really wanted to return to Golden State.
Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers
Paul is technically still with the Clippers, although he was sent home by the team earlier this month. Paul previously announced that this season would be his last, but it appears he would like to continue playing elsewhere this season, possibly even outside of Los Angeles if needed. He signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Clippers this offseason, and could easily be released if the team opts for a major trade following a poor start to the 2025-26 season. NBA commissioner Adam Silver said at the NBA Cup that he “would love to see” Paul find a new team and finish out his final season.
NBA trade rumors: Players to watch
Jay Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
Morant’s name comes up frequently in NBA trade gossip, but his injury issues and significant contract make a deal more difficult in the short term. Even if the Grizzlies were considering trading Morant (though the team claims they aren’t, they’re doing better without Morant than with him until Dec. 18), Morant would need to be healthy for a deal to happen by the trade deadline, which isn’t a given based on recent history. With Morant’s stock so low and Memphis still having two years left on his maximum rookie extension, it will be difficult to get much in return for Morant over the next two months. If Morant is traded, it will likely happen after this season.
LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets
Morant’s situation in Memphis has some similarities to Ball’s, as rookie Con Knuppel has emerged as an interesting new option for the Hornets. Unless Ball is part of a trade for Young or Morant, his rookie max extension and the possibility that he still blossoms in Charlotte alongside Knuppel and Brandon Miller will likely outweigh the return the team could get for now, given Ball’s max contract, recent injury history, and reputation for lackluster play at times.
Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz
Markkanen was quietly one of the NBA’s best players during the opening two months of the 2025-26 season, even though the Jazz appear destined to hit the draft lottery once again. Settlement with the right candidate could change the face of the postseason race, and it comes at a high price. Utah general manager Danny Ainge has never been trade-friendly and is in no rush to sign Markkanen for the first season of a new four-year deal worth about $196 million.
