As the 2026 NBA trade deadline approaches, speculation is rampant about which players might be on the move. From disgruntled stars to valuable role players on rebuilding teams, numerous individuals could find themselves in new uniforms. As a general manager, my focus is always on maximizing value, whether that means acquiring assets for the future or adding the final piece to a championship puzzle. This analysis ranks 25 players who are realistically “available” based on team situations and rumors, evaluating their potential impact on both contending and rebuilding teams.
Ranking Methodology
This ranking considers several factors:
- Talent and Skillset: A player’s overall ability and how well their skills translate to different team contexts.
- Contract Situation: The length and value of a player’s contract, as this significantly impacts their trade value.
- Team Fit: How well a player would fit with potential acquiring teams, considering their existing roster and playing style.
- Availability: The likelihood of a player actually being traded, based on team needs and reported interest.
- Potential Return: The assets a team could realistically expect to receive in a trade for the player.
Without further ado, here’s my assessment of the top 25 potential trade targets, ranked from worst to first in terms of potential impact and trade value:
25. Marcus Thornton, SG, Orlando Magic
Thornton is a decent scorer off the bench, but his defensive limitations and expiring contract make him a low-impact trade target. He’s primarily a salary filler in a larger deal. Orlando likely won’t get much more than a heavily protected second-round pick for him.
24. Jamal Crawford Jr., PG, Detroit Pistons
Crawford Jr. shows flashes of potential as a floor general, but he’s still raw and inconsistent. A rebuilding team might take a flier on him, but his value is limited. The Pistons are likely showcasing him to see if anyone bites, but expect a minimal return.
23. DeAndre Jordan III, C, Houston Rockets
Jordan III is a veteran presence with rebounding skills, but his athleticism has declined. Contending teams seeking a backup center might be interested, but his impact would be limited to short bursts. The Rockets likely want to free up minutes for younger players.
22. Kevin Knox, SF, Portland Trail Blazers
Knox has never lived up to his draft potential. While he possesses size and shooting ability, he lacks consistency. A change of scenery could benefit him, but expectations should be tempered. Portland likely hopes to recoup some value for a player who hasn’t cracked their rotation.
21. Zeke Nnaji, PF/C, Denver Nuggets
Nnaji is a promising young big man with a developing offensive game, but he’s stuck behind Nikola Jokic and other veterans in Denver. A team needing frontcourt depth could see him as a long-term project. The Nuggets might be hesitant to trade him, but a good offer could change their minds.
20. Daniel Gafford, C, Washington Wizards
Gafford is an athletic rim protector and lob threat. He is a solid backup center. His value is limited by his offensive limitations, but he could be a valuable addition to a contending team’s bench. The Wizards might be looking to clear up their frontcourt logjam.
19. Quentin Grimes, SG, New York Knicks
Grimes is a solid 3-and-D wing who can contribute on both ends of the floor. He has fallen out of favor in New York. A team looking for perimeter defense and shooting could find him useful. The Knicks might be willing to move him for the right price.
18. Saddiq Bey, SF/PF, Atlanta Hawks
Bey is a streaky shooter and solid defender, but his inconsistency has hampered his development. He could thrive in a different system. The Hawks might be willing to part ways with him for a player who better fits their timeline.
17. Jalen Hood-Schifino, PG, Los Angeles Lakers
Hood-Schifino is a rookie point guard with good size and playmaking potential, but he’s raw and needs time to develop. The Lakers might be willing to include him in a package for a more established player. His value is tied to his potential.
16. Onyeka Okongwu, C, Atlanta Hawks
Okongwu is an athletic rim protector and rebounder with untapped offensive potential. He’s stuck behind Clint Capela in Atlanta. A team looking for a starting center could see him as a valuable acquisition. The Hawks might be hesitant to trade him, but he could be available for the right price.
15. Bruce Brown, SG/SF, Toronto Raptors
Brown is a versatile defender and playmaker who can contribute in multiple ways. He is a valuable role player on any team. The Raptors might be willing to move him for assets as they rebuild. He could be a key addition to a contending team’s bench.
14. Gary Trent Jr., SG, Toronto Raptors
Trent Jr. is a sharpshooting guard who can provide instant offense off the bench. He is inconsistent at times. The Raptors might be willing to move him for assets as they rebuild. He could be a valuable addition to a contending team’s backcourt.
13. Harrison Barnes, SF/PF, Sacramento Kings
Barnes is a reliable scorer and veteran presence who can contribute on both ends of the floor. He is a solid role player. The Kings might be willing to move him for assets or a player who better fits their timeline. He could be a valuable addition to a contending team’s rotation.
12. Kyle Kuzma, PF, Washington Wizards
Kuzma is a versatile scorer who can create his own shot. He can be inconsistent at times. The Wizards might be willing to move him for assets as they rebuild. He could be a valuable addition to a contending team’s frontcourt.
11. Bogdan Bogdanovic, SG/SF, Atlanta Hawks
Bogdanovic is a sharpshooting guard who can create his own shot. He is a valuable offensive weapon. The Hawks might be willing to move him for assets or a player who better fits their timeline. He could be a key addition to a contending team’s backcourt.
10. Jerami Grant, PF, Portland Trail Blazers
Grant is a versatile scorer and defender who can contribute on both ends of the floor. He is a valuable two-way player. The Trail Blazers might be willing to move him for assets as they rebuild. He could be a key addition to a contending team’s frontcourt.
9. Dejounte Murray, PG, Atlanta Hawks
Murray is an all-around point guard who can score, pass, and defend. He is a valuable two-way player. The Hawks might be willing to move him if they decide to rebuild around Trae Young. He could be a key addition to a contending team’s backcourt.
8. Mikal Bridges, SF, Brooklyn Nets
Bridges is a versatile defender and scorer who can contribute on both ends of the floor. He is a valuable two-way player. The Nets might be hesitant to trade him, but a significant offer could change their minds. He could be a key addition to a contending team’s wing rotation.
7. Lauri Markkanen, PF, Utah Jazz
Markkanen is a sharpshooting forward who can score in a variety of ways. He is a valuable offensive weapon. The Jazz might be hesitant to trade him, but a significant offer could change their minds. He could be a key addition to a contending team’s frontcourt.
6. Zach LaVine, SG, Chicago Bulls
LaVine is an explosive scorer who can create his own shot. He is a valuable offensive weapon. The Bulls might be willing to move him if they decide to rebuild. He could be a key addition to a contending team’s backcourt, but his defensive liabilities are a concern.
5. Donovan Mitchell, PG/SG, Cleveland Cavaliers
Mitchell is a dynamic scorer and playmaker who can take over games. He is a valuable offensive weapon. The Cavaliers might be hesitant to trade him, but his future with the team is uncertain. He could be a key addition to a contending team’s backcourt, but his defensive limitations are a concern.
4. Karl-Anthony Towns, C, Minnesota Timberwolves
Towns is a skilled offensive center who can score from anywhere on the court. He is a valuable offensive weapon. The Timberwolves might be willing to move him if they decide to shake up their roster. He could be a key addition to a contending team’s frontcourt, but his defensive liabilities are a concern.
3. Pascal Siakam, PF, Indiana Pacers
Siakam is a versatile two-way player who can score, defend, and create for others. He is a valuable asset on both ends of the floor. The Pacers acquired him recently, but if things don’t click, they might consider moving him again. He could be a key addition to a contending team’s frontcourt.
2. Trae Young, PG, Atlanta Hawks
Young is an elite playmaker and scorer who can transform an offense. He is a valuable offensive weapon. The Hawks might be willing to move him if they decide to rebuild. He could be a key addition to a contending team’s backcourt, but his defensive limitations are a concern.
1. Joel Embiid, C, Philadelphia 76ers
Embiid is a dominant two-way center who can score, rebound, and defend at an elite level. He is the reigning MVP and a franchise cornerstone. The 76ers would be extremely hesitant to trade him, but if he requests a trade, he would be the most valuable player on the market. He would instantly make any team a championship contender.
Final Thoughts
The NBA trade deadline is always an exciting time, and this year promises to be no different. Several factors will influence which players are ultimately traded, including team needs, contract situations, and the willingness of teams to part with valuable assets. As a GM, staying flexible and opportunistic is key to navigating the trade market successfully.
FAQ
What is the NBA trade deadline?
The NBA trade deadline is the date and time each season after which teams are no longer allowed to trade players with each other. This typically occurs in February, close to the All-Star break.
Why do teams make trades?
Teams make trades for a variety of reasons, including improving their roster, acquiring future assets (like draft picks), shedding salary, or changing team chemistry.
What is a rebuilding team?
A rebuilding team is a team that is not currently competitive and is focused on acquiring young players and draft picks to build for the future.
What is a contending team?
A contending team is a team that believes it has a chance to compete for a championship in the current season.
What is a “3-and-D” player?
A “3-and-D” player is a player who excels at shooting three-pointers and playing defense.
What is a “salary filler”?
A “salary filler” is a player whose contract is used to make a trade work under the NBA’s salary cap rules.
What is a “protected draft pick”?
A “protected draft pick” is a draft pick that has conditions attached to it. If the conditions are not met, the pick reverts back to the original team.
What factors influence a player’s trade value?
A player’s trade value is influenced by their talent, contract situation, age, injury history, and the demand for their skillset among other teams.
Why are some teams hesitant to trade young players with potential?
Teams are often hesitant to trade young players with potential because they believe these players could develop into valuable contributors in the future. They represent a long-term investment.
What is the NBA salary cap?
The NBA salary cap is a limit on the total amount of money that a team can spend on player salaries in a given season. It is designed to create a more level playing field among teams.
