Follow the Money
This is sound advice in journalism, particularly relevant when covering a sports league with a complex salary cap, a punitive luxury tax, and restrictive cap aprons. As mentioned before, during NBA trade calls, the league refers to “the contract of Player X” instead of just “Player X.”
That said, while we appreciate the excitement of trading one player for another—something that thrives in fantasy leagues—such trades are quite rare in the NBA. Most trade dealings focus more on aligning contracts to accommodate the salary-cap constraints. If these trades also happen to enhance team performance, that’s a bonus, but not always crucial.
With that introduction, let’s dive into trade season! December 15 marks the unofficial start of in-season trades, as many players who signed contracts in the offseason become eligible. This gives teams approximately ten weeks to make moves before the trade deadline on February 5. As is common, many teams will wait until the last minute to finalize trades.
In the coming days, trade discussions will pick up the pace. After taking a breather during the league’s unofficial “bye week,” teams will be actively assessing their situations. Scouts and executives will have opportunities for face-to-face meetings during the G League Winter Showcase this weekend, and trade discussions are likely to intensify as we move into 2026.
Today, we’ll explore potential trade candidates, highlighting notable names and the reasons for their availability. Some will be familiar, while others emerge due to salary-cap considerations. Remember, while myriad trade scenarios exist, I am focusing on the most plausible options based on cap situations and my experience in front offices.
Key Trade Candidates for 2025-26
Giannis Antetokounmpo, PF, Bucks
Starting with an obvious choice, if Antetokounmpo expresses a desire to leave, he will likely be traded. With one season remaining under team control before hitting unrestricted free agency, the Bucks would need to act quickly to maximize their return. Currently, it mirrors the Damian Lillard situation, with both sides hesitant to make a definitive move.
Jonathan Kuminga, SF/PF, Warriors
Have the Warriors missed their chance with Kuminga? Despite his potential, he hasn’t panned out as hoped, making him a candidate for trade. At $22.5 million, his value remains low among teams. The Warriors must weigh their options as they struggle in the competitive Western Conference.
LaMelo Ball, PG, Hornets
Ball’s massive contract likely deters possible trades until he proves more reliable. However, a fictional “Southeast Shuffle” involving him may be intriguing. A more realistic scenario could see him traded to Sacramento in exchange for Sabonis and Devin Carter.
DeMar DeRozan, SF/PF, Kings
As the Kings face significant challenges, DeRozan emerges as a viable trade option due to his manageable salary. He fits well on a playoff team, making him a hot name to watch as the deadline approaches.
Ousmane Dieng, PF, Thunder; Jeremy Sochan, PF, Spurs
Both players are at risk of being traded as their playoff-bound teams seek better options. Oklahoma City and San Antonio could capitalize on their positions to exchange these players for more valuable assets, utilizing their cap space effectively.
h2>Anthony Davis, C, Mavericks
Davis’s hefty salary poses a challenge, but trading him could alleviate financial strain for the Mavericks. The complexities of matching salaries may lead to a scenario that unfolds more smoothly in the summer.
Final Notes
Keep an eye on a range of players, including those with expiring contracts and those whose current teams may be looking to reshape their rosters. The upcoming weeks promise to be exciting as rosters shift ahead of the trade deadline.
