NBA · 1 hour ago

2026 NBA Trade Deadline: 22 Blockbuster Targets Ranked Right Now

Paul Connor

Host · Writer

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!
NBA Trade Deadline 2026 Primer
With the February 5 trade deadline looming, the NBA trade market has reached a fever pitch as contenders scramble to secure the few remaining difference-makers.

Here are 22 notable players most likely to be dealt -->
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Why Would the Milwaukee Bucks Trade Giannis Antetokounmpo?
- The "Why": Antetokounmpo's 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
2. Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks
Why Would the Dallas Mavericks Trade Anthony Davis?
- The "Why": Persistent injuries and a poor fit in Dallas following the Luka Dončić trade have led to renewed trade talks.
- Market Signal: Serious rim protector with mobility, but sidelined by hand injury through the deadline.
- Best Fits: Golden State Warriors, Toronto Raptors, Atlanta Hawks
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 24.9 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 27.9 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 Los Angeles 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 42.6% 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 16.8 PPG and 9.1 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 17.8 PPG in 32.2 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 22.2 PPG while shooting a solid .378 from downtown.
- Best Fits: New York Knicks, LA Lakers, Boston Celtics
13. Kyle Kuzma, Milwaukee Bucks
Why Would the 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 12.5 PPG with a poor 31.4% mark from three-point range, failing to provide the necessary spacing.
Best Fits: Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls.
14. Klay Thompson, Dallas Mavericks
Why Would the 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 11.7 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 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 39.8% 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 has been more consistent since the calendar flipped to January, averaging 16.1 PPG in nine games.
- Best Fits: Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets, Orlando Magic
17. Keon Ellis, Sacramento Kings
Why Would the Kings Trade Keon Ellis?
- The "Why": Set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
- Market Signal: Ellis is shooting 36% 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.
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 (19.2 PPG ) who can space the floor (37.8 3PT%).
- Best Fits: Milwaukee Bucks, New Orleans Pelicans, Indiana Pacers
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 14.8 points on 49.3% shooting, including 38.7% 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: 13.5 MPG in January, 30.9% FG (career-worst).
- Best Fits: LA Lakers, Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls
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!
NBA Trade Deadline 2026 Primer
With the February 5 trade deadline looming, the NBA trade market has reached a fever pitch as contenders scramble to secure the few remaining difference-makers.

Here are 22 notable players most likely to be dealt -->