The 2025-26 NBA season is now one quarter complete, and the anticipation surrounding potential trades is escalating. As teams assess their rosters, the upcoming February 5 trade deadline looms large, promising a flurry of activity as players and franchises weigh their options. Notable players, including 12-time All-Star Anthony Davis, are drawing interest as trade discussions heat up.
The trade season is set to expand significantly on December 15, a date highlighted by Brian Windhorst on his podcast, The Hoop Collective. Windhorst indicated that while immediate trades may not occur, this period marks a turning point for teams to evaluate their performance and consider adjustments. ESPN’s Bobby Marks echoed this sentiment, noting that as of Monday, 82 players will be eligible for trades, allowing for increased speculation and potential moves.
In a significant development, Dereck Lively II, the starting center for the Dallas Mavericks, has been reported to undergo season-ending foot surgery due to ongoing discomfort. This decision follows a previous surgery in July to address similar issues. Lively’s absence may prompt the Mavericks to explore trades for players like Davis, as they currently hold a 10-16 record and are fighting to maintain their position in the Western Conference play-in spots.
The Mavericks are not alone in exploring trade options. Various teams are positioning themselves for potential acquisitions, with sources indicating interest in Davis from the Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, and Toronto Raptors. Additionally, the Golden State Warriors are reportedly open to discussing trades for Jonathan Kuminga once he becomes eligible on January 15. Kuminga’s contract, valued at $22.5 million, could be pivotal in any potential deal aimed at enhancing the Warriors’ roster.
The Indiana Pacers are also actively seeking a center following the offseason departure of Myles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks. Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings are open to trade discussions involving several veterans, including Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan, as they seek to reshape their lineup.
The landscape surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks remains complex. Windhorst discussed the challenges of trading for the two-time MVP, noting that teams are hesitant to part with multiple first-round picks in the current climate. He cited a shift in attitude among executives, stating, “The mood in the NBA right now is not to give up four first-round picks for anybody.”
Amid this backdrop of uncertainty, discussions regarding Antetokounmpo’s future with the Bucks continue. Sources have indicated that he and his agent, Alex Saratsis, are evaluating whether Milwaukee remains the best fit for him. Antetokounmpo, currently averaging 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game, is a central figure as the Bucks navigate the season with a 10-13 record.
In a noteworthy move, the Los Angeles Clippers have parted ways with Chris Paul, a decision that came ahead of their matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. Paul, who signed a one-year deal with the Clippers in the offseason, had reportedly not been on speaking terms with head coach Ty Lue for several weeks. This separation comes after a season where Paul averaged just 14.3 minutes and 2.9 points per game, raising questions about his future in the league.
As discussions about the trade deadline continue, the futures of other star guards, including Trae Young, LaMelo Ball, and Ja Morant, are also under scrutiny. League sources indicate that these players might be viewed as having “negative value” in trade discussions, a concerning development that could impact their respective teams as the deadline approaches.
The Chicago Bulls are reportedly considering the acquisition of Davis to address their early season struggles, currently standing at 9-11 and in 10th place in the Eastern Conference. Despite the potential interest in Davis, the Bulls remain committed to their young core players and are unlikely to part with them for a trade.
As the season progresses, the landscape of the NBA is poised for significant changes. The next several weeks will be crucial as teams finalize their strategies leading into the trade deadline. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring developments as the drama unfolds across the league.
