Updated NBA Trade Block Big Board with Realistic Landing Spots
The 2026 NBA trade deadline is upon us, and it's already earned its stripes as a wild stretch of transactions!
Of course, the big news today is that Giannis Antetokounmpo is officially off of our big board. He held the No. 1 spot as long as he was in rumors, but the Milwaukee Bucks have indicated to teams that they're not dealing their star.
Wednesday saw its share of activity with the Dallas Mavericks pulling the plug on Anthony Davis, agreeing to send him to a surprise suitor in the Washington Wizards. Jared McCain is reportedly on his way to the Oklahoma City Thunder; Coby White and Collin Sexton are swapping teams (Chicago Bulls/Charlotte Hornets). The Golden State Warriors finally resolved the Jonathan Kuminga saga.
Other moves over the past few days include James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Darius Garland heading to the LA Clippers, Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz, Jaden Ivey to the Chicago Bulls, and Nikola Vučević to the Boston Celtics. While the 2026-27 trade deadline may not be able to eclipse the singular drama of last year's Luka to the Los Angeles Lakers blockbuster, topping off the year with a Giannis Antetokounmpo deal might make that case.
The Milwaukee Bucks continue to entertain offers, but the possibility remains that his fate will be decided closer to the NBA Draft (with prospective suitors holding onto their ammunition).
On Tuesday, Antetokounmpo said, per Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Jim Owczarski, "Deep down in my heart is I want to be a Milwaukee Buck for the rest of my career and win here."
The verdict will be clear by midday on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference remains wide open; out West, even the first-place Oklahoma City Thunder have shown vulnerability, giving Western Conference buyers motivation to give chase. The NCAA season has given the bottom NBA teams much to think about, with prospects such as Darryn Peterson (Kansas), AJ Dybantsa (BYU), and Cameron Boozer (Duke). The trade deadline will have its share of sellers prioritizing draft position over winning.
The following is a list of the top players who could be moved before the deadline, reordered by best player (potentially) available, while taking into account the names that have already come off the board:
11. Jeremy Sochan
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Team: San Antonio Spurs
2025-26 Salary: $7.1 million
Total Contract: $7.1 million
Team Tax/Apron Status: Under tax by $5.7 million
San Antonio has evolved significantly since choosing Sochan at No. 9 in the 2022 NBA Draft. Unfortunately, Sochan doesn't seem a fit for the Victor Wembanyama-led Spurs. He'll be a restricted free agent this summer, but the team may not have the appetite to bring him back.
With that in mind, the Spurs are said to be open to dealing the defensive-minded forward. Provided the cost isn't severe, Sochan is a low-risk acquisition for teams. If he fits, they'll have leverage with his restricted rights; otherwise, he's an expiring contract in a few months.
Don't discount the New York Knicks for Sochan, though that likely requires a third team willing to take on Guerschon Yabusele.
Realistic Landing Spots: Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, LA Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans
10. Daniel Gafford
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Team: Dallas Mavericks
2025-26 Salary: $14.4 million
Total Contract: $68.8 million through 2028-29
Team Tax/Apron Status: Under second-apron hard cap by $1.2 million
The Mavericks have been far worse this year than the franchise had hoped, leading to the Anthony Davis trade to the Washington Wizards. Still, the franchise doesn't own its first-round pick in 2027 and will need center depth in Dereck Lively II and Gafford.
The likelihood of a Gafford deal before the deadline seems slim, but several teams would have interest if the Mavericks want to go further in shedding payroll.
Realistic Landing Spots: Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers
9. Herb Jones
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Team: New Orleans Pelicans
2025-26 Salary: $13.9 million
Total Contract: $96.4 million through 2029-30 (player option)
Team Tax/Apron Status: Under tax
What team couldn't use a 27-year-old, 6'7" defensive wing earning roughly the league average this season? Jones, who extended with the Pelicans in July, can't be traded until January 14 and has one of the longer contracts in the league, jumping to $20.9 million before the 2027-28 season.
If Jones were still shooting 41.8 percent from three as he did through 76 games in 2023-24, the Pelicans would have a long list of suitors as the team rebuilds around younger players such as Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears.
Unfortunately, Jones has struggled to stay consistently healthy the last two seasons, and his jump shot has faltered.
Interested parties may believe his efficiency will improve on a better team, but with the length of his contract, durability might diminish the Pelicans' expected return, which could prompt the franchise to hold on to the deal until the offseason.
Realistic Landing Spots: Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers
8. DeMar DeRozan
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Team: Sacramento Kings
2025-26 Salary: $24.6 million
Total Contract: $50.3 million through 2026-27
Note: 2026-27 only $10 million guaranteed
Team Tax/Apron Status: Under tax by $1.9 million
The Kings have a bloated payroll with one of the worst records in the NBA. After acquiring De'Andre Hunter from the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team projects to be over the second apron next season. That may change ahead of the deadline.
DeRozan, 36, is still a highly efficient scorer. He's never been a strong three-point shooter, but he demands significant defensive attention.
The Heat, who are believed to have interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo, could look to move Terry Rozier's expiring contract, depending on how the NBA addresses the gambling-related matter.
DeRozan could help a Miami playoff push, with his contract part of an Antetokounmpo package this summer.
Realistic Landing Spots: Golden State Warriors, LA Clippers, Miami Heat
7. Zach LaVine
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Team: Sacramento Kings
2025-26 Salary: $47.5 million
Total Contract: $215.2 million through 2026-27 (player option)
Team Tax/Apron Status: Under tax by $1.9 million
Like Ja Morant, LaVine is a two-time All-Star (2021 and 2022) who isn't quite the same player due to injuries.
Still, LaVine is averaging 19.5 points per game for the Kings, shooting a strong 39.9 percent from three-point range. He's not a strong defender, but for teams looking for scoring punch and floor spacing, he is a viable option.
LaVine's goal, presumably, is to land with a team that is willing to give him a multi-year extension (or agree to a new deal in the July free-agency period) that includes voiding his player option and re-signing at a lower annual figure. Perhaps adding a few years near $30 million could offset the reduction in 2026-27 salary.
The Kings would like younger talent to play with players like Keegan Murray and Nique Clifford long-term. The Bucks may value LaVine to help keep Giannis Antetokounmpo happy in Milwaukee, though a third team may be necessary to compensate the Kings.
Realistic Landing Spots: Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, New Orleans Pelicans
6. Ja Morant
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Team: Memphis Grizzlies
2025-26 Salary: $39.4 million
Total Contract: $126.5 million through 2027-28
Team Tax/Apron Status: Under tax by $16 million
While Morant was a back-to-back All-Star in 2022 and 2023, he has more recently missed time because of injuries and an NBA suspension related to an Instagram Live video in which he was seen holding a firearm.
He has not consistently looked like the same relentless, explosive attacking guard this season, and his outside shot (20.8 percent from three) has not yet developed enough to offset any dip in his athleticism fully.
Interested teams hoping the 26-year-old can get his body right and revive his once-electric career need to weigh the risk against the size and length of his contract.
At this early stage, just under a month from the deadline, the buzz around Morant has been relatively muted. The Grizzlies aren't believed to be open to paying a price to get him off their books, but he is considered available.
The Miami Heat, a franchise with a strong culture, may be willing to take the chance on revitalizing a former All-Star. Still, the franchise may have a real shot at Giannis Antetokounmpo, precluding a run at Morant.
Realistic Landing Spots: Miami Heat, Sacramento Kings
5. Bennedict Mathurin
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Team: Indiana Pacers
2025-26 Salary: $9.2 million
Total Contract: $9.2 million
Team Tax/Apron Status: Under tax by $5.5 million
Mathurin is averaging a career-high 17.7 points per game for the struggling Pacers. In what is a gap year for the franchise with All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton out with an Achilles injury, Indiana aspires to contend next season once healthy.
The team's most significant hole is at center, following Myles Turner's departure to the Milwaukee Bucks via free agency. While Jay Huff has held his own, the Pacers are believed to be seeking a starting-capable center.
While Mathurin has been a bright spot this season, Indiana doesn't pay luxury taxes (historically). Retaining Mathurin, who will be a restricted free agent, may be too expensive given the need at center.
Prospective suitors would prefer to have his restricted rights this summer rather than chase the 23-year-old wing with an offer sheet.
Realistic Landing Spots: Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, LA Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers
4. Domantas Sabonis
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Team: Sacramento Kings
2025-26 Salary: $42.3 million
Total Contract: $136.4 million through 2027-28
Team Tax/Apron Status: Under tax by $1.9 million
Sabonis is one of the best offensive bigs in the NBA. Still, he's made just three postseason appearances over his career (not including brief minutes as a rookie in Oklahoma City with the Thunder)—never advancing out of the first round.
The Kings have seemingly hit a dead end (despite a recent win streak). Sabonis is back after missing significant time with a knee injury.
Sacramento, needing a reset, may be able to cash out his contract via trade. The team is carrying too much payroll next year after the De'Andre Hunter deal. The three-time All-Star (who turns 30 in May) has produced about 19 points and over 13 rebounds per game the last couple of years. Perhaps Sabonis needs a new situation, with enough young, athletic wings to support him defensively (given he's not a tremendous rim protector).
The Raptors appear to be the most likely destination for Sabonis. However, finding a way to make contracts work in a deal with Sacramento may be a challenge to get across the finish line (perhaps including players like Malik Monk, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley, along with draft compensation from Toronto).
Realistic Landing Spots: Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors
3. Karl-Anthony Towns
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Team: New York Knicks
2025-26 Salary: $53.1 million
Total Contract: $171.2 million through 2027-28 (player option)
Team Tax/Apron Status: Under second apron hard cap by almost $150,000
The Knicks may be open to moving Towns as the means to an end, landing Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks. The challenge may be finding a home for the 30-year-old five-time All-Star. Towns is a prolific scorer and rebounder, but his three-point efficiency has dipped this year, and he's not especially regarded as a rim protector.
Should New York successfully sway a team like Milwaukee to part with its franchise player, a third team may be required for Towns, unless the Bucks believe they can improve by swapping in Towns for Antetokounmpo.
Realistic Landing Spots: Milwaukee Bucks, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings
2. Michael Porter Jr.
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Team: Brooklyn Nets
2025-26 Salary: $38.3 million
Total Contract: $79.1 million through 2026-27
Team Tax/Apron Status: Under salary cap by $15.3 million ($48.5 million under tax)
Porter is putting up career numbers with the Nets, averaging 24.9 points while shooting 38.9 percent from three-point range on a high volume (9.4 attempts per game). He has a championship ring from his time with the Denver Nuggets, and has proven relatively durable the last couple of seasons (a more serious concern earlier in his career).
Brooklyn is not playing to make a postseason push. The goal is to develop and build for the future. With that in mind, the team should absolutely cash out on Porter at his current peak.
Still, there's a universe in which the Nets chase Giannis Antetokounmpo (with youth, draft picks, etc., to the Bucks), which would presumably take Porter off the market. An alternate reality could see Porter joining the Bucks in an effort to keep Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee.
Realistic Landing Spots: Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks
1. Trey Murphy III
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Team: New Orleans Pelicans
2025-26 Salary: $25 million
Total Contract: $112 million through 2028-29
Team Tax/Apron Status: Under tax by $2 million
The Pelicans have one of the better scoring wings in the league in Murphy, who is averaging 22.2 points a game while shooting 37.8 percent on a bad team. Put him on a better squad, and he could help a franchise make a serious playoff push. He's only 25 and on a reasonably light annual contract.
With all that said, why wouldn't the Pelicans just keep him? The reality is they can, and they have no compelling rush to move him by the deadline. That puts the team in a strong negotiating position. Either overpay (multiple firsts, etc.) for Murphy or don't get him.
That won't stop teams from trying, but since New Orleans doesn't have its own first-round pick in June, the expectation is that Murphy may stick beyond the deadline, more likely to be moved this summer.
Realistic Landing Spots: Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings
Honorable Mention
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Most competing executives believe the New Orleans Pelicans are ready to move on from Zion Williamson, the talented but oft-injured scoring forward. But will Williamson move by the deadline? The consensus, thus far, has been "no."
Instead, look for Williamson to be shopped ahead of the draft in June. Several others who didn't make the top-15 list above could still move before the deadline (if not this offseason). The Sacramento Kings are said to have much of their roster on the block (outside of recently acquired De'Andre Hunter). Meanwhile, LaMelo Ball (previously considered available) and the Charlotte Hornets have found something worth exploring further with Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel.
A few teams may also attempt to navigate below the NBA's luxury-tax threshold ($187.9 million), seeking the end-of-year distribution to non-tax teams (roughly $11-$14 million apiece), including the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns (presumably Nick Richards the casualty).
The following players (among others) could make the next update of the NBA Trade Block Big Board: Draymond Green, Jarrett Allen, Nicolas Claxton, Onyeka Okongwu, Klay Thompson, Quentin Grimes, Cam Thomas, Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier, Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, Bogdan Bogdanović, Malik Monk, Jrue Holiday, Dean Wade and Yves Missi.
Also, interested in a 2026 first-round pick? The Oklahoma City Thunder may have one extra to spare (after agreeing to send one to the Philadelphia 76ers for Jared McCain) for those offering future considerations.
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on X @EricPincus and Bluesky.
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