The NBA trade deadline is set for February 6 AEDT, with various players and teams actively involved in trade discussions.
Player Updates
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
Giannis Antetokounmpo has stated he will not request a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks, affirming his intention to stay with the team for the remainder of his career. However, he qualified his statement by adding, "If they don’t want me," suggesting any potential trade would be initiated by the Bucks. League sources indicate the Bucks are unlikely to trade Antetokounmpo unless he explicitly requests it, and the expectation is he will not be moved before the deadline. The Bucks are reportedly focused on exploring roster improvements to build around Antetokounmpo, who is eligible for a four-year, $275 million extension on October 1.
Ja Morant & Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies)
Ja Morant's trade value has reportedly decreased due to a season of career-low performance, averaging 19.0 points per game with diminished shooting percentages, alongside off-court issues that led to a suspension. The Memphis Grizzlies are reportedly seeking young players and draft capital in exchange for Morant. While his potential landing spot remains uncertain, the Miami Heat have expressed interest. Jaren Jackson Jr. is also a subject of trade inquiries from rival executives. Some reports suggest Jackson could be moved if a Morant trade triggers a rebuild, while others indicate the Grizzlies intend to build around Jackson Jr., raising questions about mutual interest given his five-year, $240 million extension.
LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets)
Rumors regarding a potential LaMelo Ball trade have been explicitly denied by Ball, who labeled them "false info." Sources suggest it is premature to pursue Ball trades, with the Hornets reportedly not yet ready to consider such a move. The team currently faces no pressing financial issues or off-court dramas associated with Ball, unlike some other trade candidates. The Hornets may prefer to observe the current roster's development before re-evaluating options in the off-season.
Anthony Davis (Dallas Mavericks)
Anthony Davis's trade discussions were initially impacted by reports of ligament damage. However, the possibility of a March return without surgery has revitalized trade talks. Significant considerations for interested teams include Davis's injury history and his substantial contract, which includes a $58.5 million salary next season and eligibility for a four-year, $275 million extension in August. The Mavericks are exploring other strategies to convert current assets into future capital.
Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz)
Lauri Markkanen is considered a significant trade asset, but the Utah Jazz's asking price is reportedly very high. The Jazz view Markkanen, 28, as a foundational player for their future and aim to achieve playoff contention next season, making a trade improbable unless an exceptional offer is presented.
Team Considerations
New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans, having traded their first-round pick, are not inclined to tank. Reports indicate that core players, including Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, Derik Queen, and Jeremiah Fears, are expected to remain with the team. While Murphy and Jones are reportedly in demand, the Pelicans have set high asking prices, seeking approximately two first-round picks for Jones and three first-rounders plus young talent for Murphy.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are seeking athletic, defensive-minded wings and improved 3-point shooting. Potential targets include Herb Jones and Sacramento's Keon Ellis. LeBron James's agent has indicated that the current Lakers roster may not be championship-caliber. The team is reportedly monitoring Jonathan Kuminga from the Golden State Warriors.
Golden State Warriors
Steve Kerr has been reluctant to play Jonathan Kuminga with Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green due to roster fit, making a trade likely. The Sacramento Kings are reportedly a leading suitor, but the Warriors are hesitant to take on Malik Monk's salary, potentially requiring a third team for a deal. The Chicago Bulls are also considered a possible destination. The Warriors are reportedly firm against trading Butler or Green, limiting their major trade options. Michael Porter Jr. has been mentioned as a potential target.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves are seeking to upgrade their point guard position. Coby White of the Chicago Bulls has been linked to them, along with Ayo Dosunmu and Tre Jones as potentially more cost-effective alternatives. The Timberwolves are reportedly not targeting high-salaried playmakers like Ja Morant, instead preferring "mid-tier salaried options."
Detroit Pistons
The young Pistons roster requires a secondary ballhandler and improved 3-point shooting. Michael Porter Jr. is a potential target, as are Jaren Jackson Jr. and Malik Monk, with contract and roster fit being key considerations.
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings are reportedly "open for business," with Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Domantas Sabonis, and Malik Monk all potentially available. Keon Ellis is also drawing significant interest. The Kings are reportedly hesitant to take on long-term salaries in trades. They are considered the leading candidate to acquire Jonathan Kuminga.
Boston Celtics
Despite initial pre-season expectations of a salary-shedding period, the Boston Celtics are performing strongly with a 24-15 record. The team aims to reduce their payroll to get under the luxury-tax threshold (currently $12.1 million over) to avoid repeater tax penalties and reset their clock. To achieve this while bolstering their frontcourt, potential trade candidates such as Ivica Zubac and Daniel Gafford have been mentioned.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers have improved their record but remain a play-in team, with their first-round pick owned by the Oklahoma City Thunder. They are expected to explore adding impact players around James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, while maintaining a priority on salary-cap flexibility for 2027. Ivica Zubac and Derrick Jones Jr. are reportedly drawing trade inquiries.