NBA · 1 month ago

2026 NBA Trade Deadline: 25 Blockbuster Targets Ranked Right Now

Paul Connor

Host · Writer

Trade Tracker
Feb 1: Atlanta Ships Vit Krejci to Portland

Portland Trail Blazers receive
- Vit Krejci
Atlanta Hawks receive
- Duop Reath
- 2027 second-round pick (via Hawks)
- 2030 second-round pick (via Knicks)
Krejci has shot at least 41% from downtown in three straight seasons and provides immediate spacing for a Blazers team that does not boast many sharpshooters. For Atlanta, this is primarily a move to gather assets and clear a lane for other potential deals, as Reath is currently out for the season with a foot injury.

Jan 31: Cavaliers, Kings, Bulls Complete Three-Team Trade

Cleveland Cavaliers receive
- Keon Ellis (from Kings)
- Dennis Schroder (from Kings)
- Emanuel Miller (from Bulls)
Sacramento Kings receive
- De'Andre Hunter (from Cavaliers)
Chicago Bulls receive
- Dario Saric (from Kings)
- 2027 second-round pick (via Nuggets)
- 2029 second-round pick (via Kings)
For the Cavs, this is largely a financial and depth move. By moving Hunter's contract, Cleveland saves an estimated $50 million in salary and luxury tax while adding veteran ball-handling in Schroder and a defensive specialist in Ellis to round out its backcourt rotation.

The Kings, meanwhile, consolidate three players into one established wing. Hunter provides the size and 3-and-D capability they have been searching for.

Finally, Chicago merely acts as a facilitator, absorbing Saric's expiring contract to collect two future second-round picks.
NBA Trade Deadline 2026 Primer
The time for posturing is over. With the February 5 deadline less than 72 hours away, the NBA market has shifted from quiet conversations to an all-out arms race. Contenders are desperate to find that final championship piece, and for the first time in years, the block is loaded with genuine star power.

These are the 25 names most likely to be dealt come Thursday:
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Why Would the Milwaukee Bucks Trade Giannis Antetokounmpo?
- The Why": Frustration with the Bucks' ongoing struggles and a preference for a winning environment could prompt a trade to maximize his prime years.
- Market Signal: Two-time MVP with an NBA title, but is slated to miss 4-6 weeks with a calf injury.
- Best Fits: New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder
5 Blockbuster Destinations for Giannis: https://www.sportsgrid.com/nba/article/nba-trade-deadline-2026-5-blockbuster-destinations-for-giannis
3. Michael Porter Jr., Brooklyn Nets
Why Would the Brooklyn Nets Trade Michael Porter Jr.?
- The "Why": Brooklyn is incentivized to sell high on a star having a career year to recoup draft capital for its rebuild.
- Market Signal: Averaging 25.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game.
- Best Fits: Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, LA Lakers
4. Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
Why Would the Memphis Grizzlies Trade Ja Morant?
- The "Why": With Morant again sidelined by injury, Memphis appears ready to pivot toward a complete reset by trading its franchise star.
- Market Signal: Morant’s efficiency has declined significantly, posting career-worst shooting percentages of 41.0% from the floor and 23.5% from three-point range.
- Best Fits: Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, Milwaukee Bucks
5. Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz
Why Would the Utah Jazz Trade Lauri Markkanen?
- The "Why": The Jazz's potential tank to protect their draft pick makes Markkanen their most valuable asset for contenders.
- Market Signal: Leading Utah with 27.4 points per game, ranking top-10 league-wide.
- Best Fits: Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers
6. Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings
Why Would the Sacramento Kings Trade Domantas Sabonis?
- The "Why": Defensive shortcomings and poor team performance have the Kings open to deals for the skilled big man.
- Market Signal: Has averaged 19.0 PPG, 13.0 RPG, and 6.0 APG over the last seven seasons.
- Best Fits: Toronto Raptors, Golden State Warriors, Washington Wizards
7. Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors
Why Would the Golden State Warriors Trade Jonathan Kuminga?
- The "Why": The relationship has completely fractured, with Kuminga demanding a trade.
- Market Signal: A highly athletic player who has shown flashes of offensive upside.
- Best Fits: Sacramento Kings, Brooklyn Nets, Dallas Mavericks
8. John Collins, Los Angeles Clippers
Why Would the LA Clippers Trade John Collins?
- The "Why": Collins's $26.5 million expiring contract is the perfect financial ballast for the Clippers to aggregate salary for a star upgrade.
- Market Signal: Collins is shooting a career-best 43.0% from downtown, making him a valuable spacer.
- Best Fits: Sacramento Kings, Washington Wizards
9. Kristaps Porzingis, Atlanta Hawks
Why Would the Atlanta Hawks Trade Kristaps Porzingis?
- The "Why": Following the Trae Young trade, Atlanta is in asset-accumulation mode and does not need an injury-prone veteran center.
- Market Signal: Porzingis is averaging 17.1 PPG and 1.3 BPG but has played in only 17 games due to ongoing health issues.
- Best Fits: Oklahoma City Thunder, Utah Jazz, New Orleans Pelicans
10. Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls
Why Would the Chicago Bulls Trade Nikola Vucevic?
- The "Why": Chicago's youth movement makes retaining a 35-year-old center on an expiring deal counterproductive.
- Market Signal: Vucevic is averaging 16.9 PPG and 9.0 rebounds, proving he can still anchor a rotation for a team needing size.
- Best Fits: Boston Celtics, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans.
11. Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana Pacers
Why Would the Indiana Pacers Trade Bennedict Mathurin?
- The "Why": Upcoming restricted free agency and the Pacers' need for a center push him as a trade piece.
- Market Signal: Averaging a career-high 17.5 PPG in 31.7 minutes per contest.
- Best Fits: Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons
12. Trey Murphy III, New Orleans Pelicans
Why Would the New Orleans Pelicans Trade Trey Murphy III?
- The "Why": Versatile skill set on a team-friendly deal, but the Pelicans are fielding calls amid rebuild talks.
- Market Signal: Averaging a career-high 21.5 PPG.
- Best Fits: New York Knicks, LA Lakers, Boston Celtics
13. Kyle Kuzma, Milwaukee Bucks
Why Would the Milwaukee Bucks Trade Kyle Kuzma?
- The "Why": The on-court fit next to Giannis Antetokounmpo has been clunky, forcing Milwaukee to shop Kuzma for better perimeter defense.
- Market Signal: Kuzma is averaging just 12.8 PPG with a poor 31.8% mark from three-point range, failing to provide the necessary spacing.
- Best Fits: Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls.
14. Klay Thompson, Dallas Mavericks
14. Klay Thompson, Dallas Mavericks

Why Would the Dallas Mavericks Trade Klay Thompson?
- The "Why": Dallas is looking to get younger and faster, and Thompson's contract is a movable piece to facilitate a retooling.
- Market Signal: Thompson is averaging 11.8 PPG and shooting 38.0% from three, sparking rumors of a potential reunion with his former team.
- Best Fits: Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Detroit Pistons
15. Zach LaVine, Sacramento Kings
Why Would the Sacramento Kings Trade Zach LaVine?
- The "Why": The Kings sit 14th in the Western Conference and may look to move LaVine's salary to rebalance a roster that hasn't clicked.
- Market Signal: LaVine is averaging 19.8 PPG while shooting 39.5% from deep, remaining an elite scorer for teams willing to absorb his contract.
- Best Fits: Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, Detroit Pistons
16. Anfernee Simons, Boston Celtics
Why Would the Boston Celtics Trade Anfernee Simons?
- The "Why": Boston is deep in the luxury tax, and Simons is a high-salary luxury they likely cannot afford to retain long-term.
- Market Signal: Simons is averaging 16.3 PPG in his last six contests.
- Best Fits: Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets, Orlando Magic
17. Keon Ellis, Sacramento Kings
Why Would the Sacramento Kings Trade Keon Ellis?
- The "Why": Set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
- Market Signal: Ellis is shooting 36.8% from deep on a tiny $2.3 million contract, making him the market's most efficient "dirty work" defender.
- Best Fits: Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks
Update: Ellis has been traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
18. Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers
18. Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers

Why Would the Portland Trail Blazers Trade Jerami Grant?
- The Why": High remaining salary prompts cap flexibility for extensions like Deni Avdija's.
- Market Signal: Consistent scorer (18.6 PPG ) who can space the floor (36.6 3PT%).
- Best Fits: Milwaukee Bucks, New Orleans Pelicans, Indiana Pacers
19. Collin Sexton, Charlotte Hornets
19. Collin Sexton, Charlotte Hornets

Why Would the Charlotte Hornets Trade Collin Sexton?
- The "Why": Expiring contract and strong bench production make him a top reserve target for contenders.
- Market Signal: Averaging 14.4 points on 48.8% shooting, including 39.4% from three-point range.
- Best Fits: LA Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons
20. Jeremy Sochan, San Antonio Spurs
Why Would the San Antonio Spurs Trade Jeremy Sochan?
- The "Why": Reduced role around Victor Wembanyama and an expiring deal open the door for upgrades.
- Market Signal: A former top-ten pick, but seeing a career-low in minutes per game (13.1).
- Best Fits: Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, Portland Trail Blazers
21. Khris Middleton, Washington Wizards
Why Would the Washington Wizards Trade Khris Middleton?
- The "Why": Expiring contract on a tanking team positions him for a contender or buyout.
- Market Signal: Not the All-Star player he once was, but still a solid veteran who can give you scoring in stretches.
- Best Fits: Boston Celtics, LA Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers
22. Lonzo Ball, Cleveland Cavaliers
Why Would the Cleveland Cavaliers Trade Lonzo Ball?
- The "Why": Drop in production and minutes allows tax savings without future liability.
- Market Signal: Shooting a career-worst 30.9% from the field, but still a solid playmaker.
- Best Fits: LA Lakers, Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls
23. Coby White, Chicago Bulls
Why Would the Chicago Bulls Trade Coby White?
- The "Why": Expiring bargain and backcourt overlap with Josh Giddey force a decision.
- Market Signal: Averaging 18.5 points and 4.8 assists.
- Best Fits: Dallas Mavericks, LA Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves.
24. DeMar DeRozan, Sacramento Kings
Why Would the Sacramento Kings Trade DeMar DeRozan?
- The "Why": Sacramento's struggles and DeRozan's partial guarantee make him movable for flexibility.
- Market Signal: Still a capable scorer at 19.2 PPG.
- Best Fits: LA Lakers, Miami Heat, New York Knicks.
25. Guerschon Yabusele, New York Knicks
Why Would the New York Knicks Trade Guerschon Yabusele?
- The "Why": Limited role prompts a move for apron space and re-sign options.
- Market Signal: Averaging just 2.7 points and 2.1 rebounds in 8.9 minutes per contest.
- Best Fits: Boston Celtics, LA Clippers, Toronto Raptors
Which Trade Would "Shake Up the League" Most?
Undoubtedly, a blockbuster deal sending Giannis Antetokounmpo to a team like the Knicks would dramatically reshape the NBA landscape. While he's now 31, the Greek Freak remains a force of nature, averaging 28.0 PPG, 10.0 RPG, and 5.6 APG this season. However, his health has become the ultimate 'X-factor.' With a calf strain expected to sideline Antetokounmpo for multiple weeks, any suitor would be gambling on his recovery for a deep playoff run. If healthy, he isn't just a boost; he’s a championship-defining acquisition that shifts the balance of power overnight.

Sound Off: Which of these 22 players do you want on your team? Let us know in the comments!
Trade Tracker
Feb 1: Atlanta Ships Vit Krejci to Portland

Portland Trail Blazers receive
- Vit Krejci
Atlanta Hawks receive
- Duop Reath
- 2027 second-round pick (via Hawks)
- 2030 second-round pick (via Knicks)
Krejci has shot at least 41% from downtown in three straight seasons and provides immediate spacing for a Blazers team that does not boast many sharpshooters. For Atlanta, this is primarily a move to gather assets and clear a lane for other potential deals, as Reath is currently out for the season with a foot injury.

Jan 31: Cavaliers, Kings, Bulls Complete Three-Team Trade

Cleveland Cavaliers receive
- Keon Ellis (from Kings)
- Dennis Schroder (from Kings)
- Emanuel Miller (from Bulls)
Sacramento Kings receive
- De'Andre Hunter (from Cavaliers)
Chicago Bulls receive
- Dario Saric (from Kings)
- 2027 second-round pick (via Nuggets)
- 2029 second-round pick (via Kings)
For the Cavs, this is largely a financial and depth move. By moving Hunter's contract, Cleveland saves an estimated $50 million in salary and luxury tax while adding veteran ball-handling in Schroder and a defensive specialist in Ellis to round out its backcourt rotation.

The Kings, meanwhile, consolidate three players into one established wing. Hunter provides the size and 3-and-D capability they have been searching for.

Finally, Chicago merely acts as a facilitator, absorbing Saric's expiring contract to collect two future second-round picks.
NBA Trade Deadline 2026 Primer
The time for posturing is over. With the February 5 deadline less than 72 hours away, the NBA market has shifted from quiet conversations to an all-out arms race. Contenders are desperate to find that final championship piece, and for the first time in years, the block is loaded with genuine star power.

These are the 25 names most likely to be dealt come Thursday: