The NBA trade deadline is Thursday, Feb. 5 at 3 p.m. ET. After Trae Young’s Jan. 7 move from Atlanta to Washington accelerated deals, several major transactions have followed: Jaren Jackson Jr. was sent from Memphis to Utah in an eight-player swap; James Harden moved to Cleveland in a multi-team transaction that shuffled Darius Garland’s situation; and the Dallas Mavericks shipped Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards after 29 games. With hours left until the deadline, the biggest questions remain: will Memphis move on from Ja Morant? Will Giannis Antetokounmpo be traded after signaling openness to leaving Milwaukee? Below is a condensed, latest-first roundup of trade-week news and rumors.
Feb. 1
– Portland acquired Vit Krejci from Atlanta for Duop Reath and two future second-round picks. The Hawks now hold additional future second-rounders and more roster flexibility if they waive Reath.
– Sacramento could be active after absorbing De’Andre Hunter’s $24.9 million salary in a recent three-team deal. The Kings are projected to sit near luxury-tax aprons next season and still have roster and salary questions; Sacramento has explored trades involving Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, Malik Monk and DeMar DeRozan.
Jan. 31
– Cleveland added Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis from Sacramento in a three-team deal that delivered 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 roughly $5.8 million salary credit against luxury tax for the 76ers and opens roster flexibility. Joel Embiid publicly urged stability rather than tax-driven cuts.
Jan. 30
– Many teams say they are “waiting on Milwaukee.” With the Bucks listening on Giannis, the market has largely stalled; only one trade had occurred before Feb. 1 this season, a quieter pace than in prior years.
– Keon Ellis is drawing attention for his defense and potential extension (up to three years, $52 million starting Feb. 9).
– Cleveland is constrained by the second apron and cannot absorb excessive salary, but has De’Andre Hunter’s $24 million contract to help match deals.
– Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy is making calls on Giannis while preparing contingency plans and potentially using a 2026 draft pick. Some view Golden State as an early front-runner to submit an offer.
– Reports say Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. is not actively available, despite ongoing speculation; he’s having a strong season in Brooklyn.
– Nikola Jokić is set to return for Denver, bolstering the Nuggets’ championship upside and influencing MVP and All-NBA considerations; his availability significantly affects the market.
Jan. 29–28
– Coverage explored Golden State’s options if Giannis talks fail, including Jonathan Kuminga as an asset and potential fits.
– The Spurs are not expected to pursue Giannis; San Antonio prefers adding peripheral pieces and has limited tradable picks now, reluctant to move young guards like Stephon Castle or Dylan Harper.
– The Rockets face a frontcourt problem after Steven Adams’ season-ending ankle surgery; capped at the first apron, Houston would likely need to move valuable players to add center help.
Jan. 27
– Doc Rivers labeled Milwaukee “rumor central” as Giannis chatter continued to distract the club.
– Jokić’s ramp-up will be reevaluated in about a week as he progresses toward full return.
– The Bulls could be potential trade partners or sellers depending on results; they have several upcoming UFAs and rotation pieces that could draw interest.
Jan. 26–24
– League sources say teams continually monitor Giannis; many expect trade drama could extend into the summer as Milwaukee weighs draft-lottery position and other options.
– Cleveland would welcome a LeBron reunion if circumstances allow, per reporting on LeBron’s uncertain future in Los Angeles and Cleveland’s openness.
– A comprehensive primer outlined each team’s deadline priorities — 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 targeting his $22.5 million salary as a movable asset. The Warriors are canvassing the market but prefer not to take on multiyear negative-value contracts in returns.
– Trae Young expressed openness to a move; Atlanta and Young collaborated on trade talks. Atlanta’s roster reset — eventually pivoting to CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert in a later deal — aimed to create financial runway.
– Interest in Ja Morant was tepid in some quarters: several teams were linked, but few were actively pursuing him when contacted.
Jan. 21–20
– Jimmy Butler suffered a season-ending ACL tear, reshaping Golden State’s calculus on Kuminga and rotation needs; Butler’s injury increased the case for keeping Kuminga or finding a replacement who offers two-way impact and size.
– The Knicks held a players-only meeting amid struggles; coach Mike Brown’s public interactions became a storyline.
– Anthony Davis’ injury and availability continued to define his market; Dallas is not under immediate pressure to move him and is looking for a mix of financial relief, young talent and picks.
Jan. 16–15
– Lists of 10 teams to watch ahead of the deadline included the Bucks, Lakers, Warriors, Mavericks, Celtics and Grizzlies. Analysts mapped key assets, aprons and exceptions that will influence deals.
– The market for Giannis is complicated: teams are reluctant to part with long-term packages of first-round picks because apron rules limit appetite for massive pick hauls.
Jan. 14–13
– Kuminga’s looming trade eligibility and tensions over his role continued. The Mavericks explored the Anthony Davis market but felt no deadline pressure; ownership and the front office remained cautious after prior blockbuster moves.
– The Grizzlies reportedly entertained offers for Ja Morant; Memphis is seeking young players and draft compensation if it moves on, though Morant’s injuries and availability reduce clarity for suitors.
Jan. 9–6
– Anthony Davis reportedly suffered ligament damage in his left hand; surgery was possible and could sideline him long term, affecting Dallas’ deadline calculus and the premium teams might pay.
– The Hawks and Trae Young were working toward a trade; Young had listed Washington as a preferred destination prior to the eventual deal.
– Golden State signaled willingness to discuss Kuminga starting Jan. 15, aiming to improve the roster without assuming unwanted long-term salary.
December (selected earlier notes)
– Nikola Jokić suffered a hyperextended knee and was expected to miss weeks; his absence rippled through Denver’s offense, MVP races and the Western playoff picture.
– Bucks–Giannis discussions reemerged in early December, with teams gauging whether Milwaukee would offer him in trade conversations.
– Chris Paul and the Clippers parted ways in early December, with Paul sent home from the roster and potentially movable after Dec. 15.
– Various pods and columns 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 reduced teams’ willingness to surrender future draft assets or absorb large long-term contracts.
– Many teams are waiting on Milwaukee’s stance on Giannis; that single situation could create wide domino effects.
– Injuries to marquee players (Giannis’ calf strain, Ja Morant’s elbow sprain, Jokić’s knee, Jimmy Butler’s ACL, Anthony Davis’ hand) have depressed market values and made contenders less willing to overpay.
– Several contenders are close to key playoff seeds and home-court positioning, so clubs are hesitant to make disruptive, cost-saving moves now.
What to watch in the final days
– Whether the Bucks accept any significant offers for Giannis before the deadline.
– Any late moves by Golden State involving Kuminga after Butler’s injury and the Warriors’ push to remain competitive in the West.
– Dallas’ appetite to trade Anthony Davis now versus waiting until summer.
– Memphis’ direction after shipping Jaren Jackson Jr.: will they trade Ja Morant or double down on a rebuild?
– History suggests 48–72 hours before the deadline produce the bulk of deals; expect heightened activity as teams finalize playoff positioning and reassess needs.
Quick reference: notable 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 (moves around Harden/Garland), and Anthony Davis to Washington (Mavericks–Wizards). Check official trade trackers and team financials for cap and apron impacts as the deadline approaches.
