NBA Trade Deadline Rumors: These NBA All-Stars Could All Get Traded

It’s been less than a year since a blockbuster trade shook the NBA to its core — Luka Dončić’s move to the Lakers — but it’s never too early to start forecasting the next wave of seismic deals ahead of February’s trade deadline.

Two months into the season, needs are clear, contenders are separating, and potential sellers are beginning to emerge.

Giannis Antetokounmpo: The Biggest Domino

A Giannis Antetokounmpo trade would match the star power of last season’s Dončić deal. Unlike Dončić — whose availability was a complete shock — Giannis’ situation has been simmering for months. He is already known to be exploring his long-term future with his agent.

Antetokounmpo is currently sidelined with a right calf strain, but that wouldn’t stop a blockbuster from happening. Dončić, after all, was also out with a calf strain when he was moved.

The New York Knicks reportedly held talks with Milwaukee over the summer and could be even more motivated now as they sit second in the East. Adding Giannis instantly elevates them into legitimate title-contender territory alongside the champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

Other potential suitors include:

• Miami Heat
• San Antonio Spurs
• Houston Rockets
• Golden State Warriors (who have pulled off super-team moves before)

Anthony Davis: Plan B for Giannis Losers

Anthony Davis could be part of a second major blockbuster in under a year after being the centerpiece of Dallas’ return for Dončić. When healthy, Davis remains elite — but his long injury history makes him a secondary, less costly option for teams missing out on Giannis.

Davis played only nine games for the Mavericks after last season’s trade and just five of the first 19 this year.

Teams linked to AD include:

• Detroit Pistons
• Toronto Raptors
• Atlanta Hawks
• Miami Heat (again, always lurking)

Ja Morant: Is Memphis Ready to Move On?

Under .500 with a strained relationship between star and franchise, the Grizzlies may be nearing the point of no return with Ja Morant. The Heat — aggressive as they retool from the messy Jimmy Butler exit — are prominent in these talks as well.

But would Miami really part with Tyler Herro to get a deal done?

Lauri Markkanen: Jazz at a Crossroads

Lauri Markkanen continues to perform at an All-Star level, but Utah’s patience is wearing thin as they try to break through. The franchise appears less inclined to trade him than they were early in the season, but the clock is ticking.

The East-leading Pistons have the assets to explore a Markkanen deal. He’s in Year 1 of a four-year, $195.9 million contract. Utah has less than two months to decide if they’re pushing for the playoffs or pivoting to a new direction.

LaMelo Ball: A Flashy Fit for the Right Team

LaMelo Ball still has major defensive issues, but his energy, creativity, and scoring make him a premium trade target. A return to the Los Angeles area could be exactly what the Clippers need to shake off the stagnation of their current core.

However:

Their lack of first-round picks

Their desire to avoid a second straight year in the luxury tax

…could make the Mavericks, Rockets, or Magic better trade partners.

Trae Young, James Harden & More Wildcards

Trae Young — due back soon from a knee injury — once swapped places with Dončić on draft night. Could he be part of another major shakeup? A Young-for-Harden swap with the Clippers has been floated.

As for Harden: the Clippers have no incentive to tank, since their 2026 unprotected first belongs to OKC, but if a team becomes desperate for elite scoring and willing to take on the salary, L.A. will listen.