The Dallas Mavericks have to hire a new general manager, and that person may opt to completely overhaul the roster and rebuild.
The Memphis Grizzlies are dealing with a frustrated — if not fully disgruntled — star in Ja Morant.
The Sacramento Kings might also be selling off their assets.
The 2025-26 NBA season isn’t even a month in, but there are already plenty of indicators that may point to a potentially busy trade market.
The NBA trade deadline is still a long way off, on Thursday, Feb. 5 at 3 p.m. ET, but we’re already looking at players most likely to be traded and their best possible fits.
NBA trade rumors: Players who might be on the move
Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks forward-center
Why: Davis, 32, is a massive injury risk and has played only 14 games for the Mavericks since being traded in February. He’s pricey and has two more seasons on a contract that averages $58.5 million in annual value, with a player option in 2027-28 worth $62.8 million. The Mavericks need to get younger and Davis doesn’t fit that timeline.
Best fits:Los Angeles Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks
Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies guard
Why:This feels untenable. Morant, the electric 26-year-old guard whose numbers have dipped, grated at direct criticism that his head coach, Tuomas Iisalo, levied at him. Iisalo reportedly challenged Morant to be a better leader, and Morant responded with curt media sessions and reportedly denounced Iisalo’s substitution patterns. The Grizzlies have a young, talented team, and the front office may want to change the vibe in the locker room, though Morant’s value might be the lowest it has ever been.
Best fits: Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors
Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks guard
Why: The easiest deal might be a Morant-Young swap, but the Hawks might actually play more cohesively without Young. The team’s performance with him on the court versus off is similar, but his contract is significant enough where that salary cap space could be used more efficiently. Young is expected to miss at least a month with an MCL sprain, and Atlanta is 6-2 without him, versus 1-3 in games he started and finished.
Best fits: Memphis Grizzlies, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves
Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz forward
Why: It seems like Markkanen, the versatile stretch forward whose numbers have exploded this year, is always the subject of trade rumors. And while it may seem unconventional for a team to trade away a 28-year-old who is averaging 29.3 points per game, his value has never been higher. So, if the Jazz want to continue their youth movement and stash away draft capital, a deal here would make sense.
Best fits: Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, Boston Celtics
Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans forward
Why: It might just be time for a change of scenery. Williamson came into the season in the best shape of his career, but he suffered a hamstring injury that has sidelined him yet again. Availability has been the big issue for Williamson, who is just 25. That means that his trade market has depressed significantly, with teams being wary about shipping assets for a player who is often injured. But the Pelicans are 2-9 and may be looking to completely reset their roster.
Best fits: Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies
Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings center
Why: A recent report suggested the Kings could offload their best players to undertake a full-scale rebuild, and Sabonis could be the most desirable target. He’s best when he anchors an offense from the top of the key, with the ball in his hands. Sacramento is poorly constructed and coach Doug Christie has gone away from Sabonis as a distributor, relying more on his point guards.
Best fits: Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Charlotte Hornets
DeMar DeRozan, Sacramento Kings forward
Why: Ditto to the above on the Kings rebuild and poor roster construction. DeRozan, 36, excels in the midrange and is a fairly consistent scorer, something that could help teams looking for a boost in offensive production. But, because he thrives in the midrange, he might not be a fit for a lot of up-tempo offenses that prioritize perimeter shots.
Best fits: Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Milwaukee Bucks
Zach LaVine, Sacramento Kings forward
Why: Ditto to the above … LaVine is having a solid start to the season, leading the Kings in points per game (23.9) at an excellent 51.9% shooting clip. He also leads Sacramento in made 3-pointers per game (3.3) and is shooting those at 42.3%. His contract is a little unwieldy, but he provides instant offense.
Best fits: Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Golden State Warriors
NBA trade rumors: Players unlikely to be traded
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers forward
Why: Although Los Angeles is essentially treating James as an expiring contract, it’s tough to see the franchise trading him, unless it’s at James’ request. He will turn 41 in late December, and he has a no-trade clause in his contract. James has said, however, that he wants to compete for championships, so if he senses that the Lakers will be unable to do so, he could theoretically ask out. Still, it’s tough to envision that happening.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks forward-center
Why: After an offseason of angst and speculation, one in which trade conversations took place, the thinking was that Antetokounmpo would be in a wait-and-see mode to determine Milwaukee’s direction. The Bucks are 7-5, and the role players around Antetokounmpo have been surprisingly steady, with point guard Ryan Rollins being the bright spot. Antetokounmpo is putting up monster numbers and the Bucks will not move him unless he makes things ugly and asks out.
Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers center
Why: He has played in just six games, and the 76ers are being cautious with his usage. This is by design; they do not want to put undue strain on Embiid’s body. Still, injuries are a constant concern, so teams would be hesitant to part with assets for a player who will be 32 in March. His contract would also be a burden to unload.
