With the 2026 NBA trade deadline now less than two weeks away, teams are racing against time to finalize deals. Trade rumors have surrounded the league since the preseason, highlighted recently by the deadline trade involving star Trae Young. However, no new trades have occurred since then. Several notable NBA players, including former All-Stars Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ja Morant, Anthony Davis, Domantas Sabonis, Jonathan Kuminga, and most recently Karl-Anthony Towns, have been linked to potential trades. While it’s possible these players might move to different teams before the deadline, there’s an equally strong chance they’ll stay put despite being available.
One major factor contributing to this uncertainty, beyond salary cap or team chemistry concerns, is injury. Antetokounmpo, Morant, and Davis are currently sidelined and may not return before the deadline. Kuminga was injured just last week, while Sabonis has recently come back after missing significant time due to a knee issue. This only fuels more speculation in the upcoming days.
Here are the latest NBA trade rumors:
Giannis remains highly sought-after despite his injury and possible agent complications. After suffering a calf injury on January 23, which will likely keep him out past February 5, the Bucks’ star has voiced his playoff ambitions once healthy. The Bucks are reportedly intent on improving their roster around Giannis rather than trading him. That said, teams across the league are still preparing as if he might be available, hoping Milwaukee might change course. Additionally, there are reports of possible agent drama—NBA insiders revealed that Giannis’ current agent nearly lost his position due to failed trade negotiations, while LeBron James’ agent Rich Paul is reportedly trying to recruit Giannis with promises of career advancement.
Karl-Anthony Towns has appeared in trade talks, especially amid challenges plaguing the New York Knicks and speculation around acquiring Giannis. However, The Athletic reported the Knicks haven’t engaged in any talks about Towns this season and intend to navigate their struggles without trading.
The market for Ja Morant remains quiet as well. With Morant sidelined for at least three weeks due to an elbow injury, he is unlikely to return by the deadline. Despite social media chatter linking him to the Pelicans, sources confirm no trade discussions between Memphis and New Orleans. Morant reportedly desires to stay in Memphis, and concerns about his health and contract add to the complications.
Domantas Sabonis is drawing interest from multiple squads as the Sacramento Kings look to shake up their roster. The Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards, Chicago Bulls, and Phoenix Suns have all shown interest, particularly the Raptors, who sit near the top of the Eastern Conference. Sabonis has played five of the Kings’ last six games after nearly two months off with a knee injury, averaging 12.6 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in under 23 minutes per game since his return.
The Boston Celtics are considering bolstering their lineup with a “big-time starting center” despite missing star Jayson Tatum. Analysts suggest Boston could try acquiring elite centers like Ivica Zubac or Jaren Jackson Jr. If those deals don’t materialize, alternatives like Onyeka Okongwu, Daniel Gafford, or Robert Williams III might be targeted.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers find themselves in a unique situation: a rising young core featuring Tyrese Maxey and promising rookie VJ Edgecomb, paired with aging, costly veterans Paul George and Joel Embiid. Although the Sixers were top six in the Eastern Conference as of late January, they’re currently $7 million over the luxury tax threshold. Philadelphia may consider trading Andre Drummond and Eric Gordon—both on expiring contracts—to reduce financial penalties, but doing so could require giving up a second-round draft pick.
Fan Take:
This flurry of trade rumors, compounded by significant injuries to star players, makes the 2026 NBA trade deadline one of the most intriguing in recent years. Fans should pay close attention as these moves could reshape team dynamics, impact playoff races, and set the stage for thrilling basketball in the coming seasons.
