A trade in the NBA, perhaps more so than the trades in any other major professional sports league based in North America, can only be examined through the prism of what each organization wanted to accomplish in the transaction. The goals of a contender trying to add another piece for its postseason run are different than a struggling team in the midst of a rebuild. Those opposing missions will define the 2026 NBA trade deadline.
The names of the players and their stats often take a backseat to salary cap ramifications, with contracts that have gone sour and draft assets discussed as much by front offices as the potential stars that could be changing teams. But the rumors leading into the Feb. 5 deadline have fueled conversation throughout the league during the first half of the 2025-26 season, and now we’re approaching their end point.
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The Atlanta Hawks already traded Trae Young to the Washington Wizards. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been the subject of trade speculation since before the Milwaukee Bucks season even began. Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies also could be headed for divorce after multiple reports suggested the team is listening to offers for the point guard for the first time.
They may be the biggest stars on the move, but they aren’t alone. A bevy of well-known players have been mentioned as possible trade candidates in recent weeks. Where they wind up after Feb. 5, if they stay put or get dealt elsewhere, is likely to shake up the NBA playoff race.
Here’s a breakdown of the top candidates potentially available at the 2026 NBA trade deadline and how they rank:
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Giannis, Curry, Doncic highlight 2026 NBA All-Star Game starters
The NBA has announced its starters for the 2026 All-Star Game. Starters were selected through a fan vote (50% weight), and a survey of NBA players (25%) and a media panel (25%). Players were selected without regard for position. See the five starters from each conference.
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Giannis, Curry, Doncic highlight 2026 NBA All-Star Game starters
The NBA has announced its starters for the 2026 All-Star Game. Starters were selected through a fan vote (50% weight), and a…
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Publish date : 2026-01-22 22:05:00
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