The NBA trade deadline is 3 p.m. ET on Thursday. After Trae Young was sent from the Atlanta Hawks to the Washington Wizards on Jan. 7, trade season accelerated: the Memphis Grizzlies shipped Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz in an eight-player deal; James Harden moved to Cleveland in a deal that brought Darius Garland elsewhere; and the Dallas Mavericks moved Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards after 29 games. With the deadline hours away, questions swirl: will Memphis move on from Ja Morant? Will Giannis Antetokounmpo be traded after signaling he’s ready to part ways with the Bucks? Below is condensed trade-week news and rumors, latest-first.
Feb. 1
– Blazers acquire Vit Krejci from Hawks for Duop Reath and two future second-round picks. Atlanta now holds multiple future second-rounders and roster flexibility if it waives Reath.
– Kings could make more moves after a recent three-team deal that added De’Andre Hunter’s $24.9M salary; Sacramento is projected to be near luxury tax aprons for next season and has roster spots and salary questions. Sacramento has explored trades involving Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, Malik Monk and DeMar DeRozan.
Jan. 31
– Cleveland acquires Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis from Sacramento in a three-team deal that sent De’Andre Hunter to the Kings; Chicago received Dario Saric and two future second-round picks.
– Paul George’s 25-game suspension under the league’s anti-drug policy creates a $5.8M salary credit against luxury tax for the 76ers and allows Philadelphia roster flexibility; Joel Embiid urged stability rather than tax-driven roster cuts.
Jan. 30
– Most teams say they’re “waiting on Milwaukee.” With the Bucks taking calls on Giannis, the market has largely stalled: only one trade had occurred before Feb. 1 this season, versus a busier pace in prior years.
– Keep an eye on Sacramento’s Keon Ellis, valued for defense and extension potential (up to three years, $52M from Feb. 9).
– Cleveland can’t take back too much salary due to the second apron but has De’Andre Hunter’s $24M contract to use in matching deals.
– Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy is making calls on Giannis while preparing alternate plans and possibly using a 2026 draft pick. Golden State is viewed by some as the front-runner to make a Giannis offer.
– Nets forward Michael Porter Jr.: reports suggest Porter is not actively available, despite trade speculation; he’s having a strong season in Brooklyn.
– Nikola Jokic will return for Denver, which secures the Nuggets’ standing in the West and restores championship-level upside. His on/off impact remains huge; his availability affects MVP and All-NBA eligibility.
Jan. 29–28
– Warriors Stock Report and other coverage explored Golden State’s options, with Jonathan Kuminga and possible fits discussed if Giannis talks fail.
– Spurs aren’t expected to pursue Giannis; San Antonio has draft assets but limited tradable picks now and prefers to add periphery pieces rather than move young guards Stephon Castle or Dylan Harper.
– Rockets face a center problem after Steven Adams underwent season-ending ankle surgery; they’re capped at the first apron and would likely have to trade valued players to add frontcourt help.
Jan. 27
– Doc Rivers called Milwaukee “rumor central” amid ongoing Giannis chatter; the saga continues to distract the club.
– Nikola Jokic to be reevaluated in a week as he ramps up return-to-play.
– Bulls could be an intriguing trade partner or seller depending on results; they possess several upcoming UFAs and rotation pieces of interest.
Jan. 26–24
– ESPN intel: teams continually monitor Giannis; multiple sources expect trade drama could extend into summer as Milwaukee might wait to reassess draft-lottery position and options.
– Cavs would welcome a LeBron reunion if circumstances align, per reporting on LeBron’s uncertain future in LA and Cleveland’s openness.
– A large primer outlined trade-deadline priorities for all 30 teams — aprons, trade exceptions and which clubs might add or subtract salary.
Jan. 23–22
– Jonathan Kuminga’s trade demand from Golden State became public; he will be trade-eligible Jan. 15 for teams wanting his $22.5M salary as a movable asset. The Warriors are canvassing the market but prefer not to take on multiyear negative-value contracts in return.
– Trae Young expressed openness to a move; Hawks and Young were collaborating on trade talks. Atlanta’s eventual switch to CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert (deal later completed) aims to reset the roster and create financial runway.
– Ja Morant trade interest has been tepid in some quarters; several teams have been linked but few were actively pursuing him when canvassed.
Jan. 21–20
– Jimmy Butler suffered a season-ending ACL tear (reported later). Butler’s injury reshaped Golden State’s calculation on Kuminga and rotation needs: it increases the case for keeping Kuminga or finding a suitable replacement who can provide Butler-like size and two-way impact.
– Knicks held players-only meeting amid struggles; coach Mike Brown’s public interactions became a storyline.
– Mavericks’ Anthony Davis injury and availability continue to define his trade market; Dallas is not under pressure to move him now and is seeking a mix of financial relief, young talent and picks.
Jan. 16–15
– Lists of 10 teams to watch ahead of the deadline included Bucks, Lakers, Warriors, Mavs, Celtics, Grizzlies, and others. Bobby Marks mapped key assets, aprons and exceptions that will influence deals.
– The market for Giannis is complicated: teams are reluctant to part with long-term haul of multiple firsts due to apron rules; the appetite for massive pick packages is diminished.
Jan. 14–13
– Kuminga’s trade eligibility looming and Warriors-Golden State tension over his role continued. Mavericks exploring AD market but feel no deadline pressure; owner and front office are cautious after prior blockbuster moves.
– Grizzlies reportedly entertaining Morant offers; Memphis seeks young players and draft compensation for any potential deal. Morant’s recent injuries and availability reduce market clarity.
Jan. 9–6
– Anthony Davis reported ligament damage in left hand; surgery possible and could sideline him long term. That uncertainty affects Dallas’ deadline calculus and the premium teams might pay.
– The Hawks and Trae Young were working toward a trade; Young listed Washington as preferred destination in reporting that preceded the eventual deal.
– Golden State is willing to discuss Kuminga starting Jan. 15; the Warriors hope to improve the roster without taking on unwanted long-term salary.
Dec. (Selected earlier notes)
– Nikola Jokic suffered a hyperextended knee and was expected to miss several weeks; his absence has large ripple effects on Denver’s offense, MVP conversations and the Western playoff race.
– Bucks and Giannis discussions reemerged in early December, with league sources reporting renewed talks about his future. Teams continue to gauge whether Milwaukee will offer him in trade conversations.
– Chris Paul and the Clippers parted ways in early December; Paul was sent home from the roster and could be moved after Dec. 15.
– Various pods and columns (Hoop Collective, Warriors Stock Report, Howdy Partners) continuously tracked rumor flow, potential fits (Trey Murphy, Jonathan Kuminga, Keon Ellis, De’Andre Hunter), and evolving team strategies.
Why the market has been muted
– Apron rules and new CBA financial structures have curtailed the willingness of teams to sacrifice future draft assets or take on large long-term contracts.
– Teams are waiting on the resolution of the Giannis situation, which would create offshoots and domino effects leaguewide.
– Injuries to marquee players (Giannis’ calf strain, Ja Morant’s elbow sprain, Jokic’s knee, Jimmy Butler’s ACL, Anthony Davis’ hand) have depressed market values for several big-name players, making contenders less willing to overpay now.
– Many contenders are within striking distance of key seeds and prize home-court positioning, so they’re less inclined to make disruptive cost-saving moves right now.
What to watch in the final days
– Bucks’ stance on Giannis and whether any significant offers are made or accepted before the deadline.
– Any late-market moves by Golden State regarding Kuminga after Butler’s injury and the Warriors’ push to remain competitive in the West.
– Dallas’ appetite to trade Anthony Davis before the deadline versus waiting until summer.
– Memphis’ decision on Ja Morant after shipping Jaren Jackson Jr.; whether they double down on a rebuild or continue dissecting the core.
– 48–72 hours historically produce the bulk of deals; expect heightened activity as teams finalize playoff positioning and reassess roster needs.
Quick reference: trades already completed this season include Trae Young to Washington (Hawks–Wizards), Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah (Memphis–Utah multi-player deal), James Harden to Cleveland (team-to-team moves around Harden/Garland), and Anthony Davis to Washington (Mavericks–Wizards). Check official trade tracker and team financials for cap and apron impacts as deadline approaches.
