With the NBA trade deadline just hours away, the league is buzzing. Big names like Anthony Davis, James Harden, Darius Garland, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Nikola Vučević have already found new homes in a flurry of early-week deals.
But the action is far from over. Here’s a deep dive into 10 players who could still be on the move before the clock strikes 3 p.m.
ET on Thursday - and why their situations could shape the rest of the season.
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo - Milwaukee Bucks
Let’s start with the biggest name on the board - and arguably the biggest name in basketball. The Bucks have opened the door to listening on Giannis Antetokounmpo, and that alone has sent shockwaves across the league. This isn’t just about a trade; this is about a potential seismic shift in the NBA landscape.
Milwaukee’s asking price is expectedly sky-high. We’re talking about a two-time MVP, a Finals MVP, and a generational talent who can anchor a franchise on both ends of the floor. Whether a team can meet that price in the next 24 hours is a massive question - but the fact that he’s even in play changes everything.
2. Michael Porter Jr. - Brooklyn Nets
Porter has been thriving in Brooklyn, and it’s hard to ignore how much his game has grown since his Denver days. He’s still shooting with elite efficiency, but now he’s doing it as the No. 1 option - and making it look easy.
Despite his All-Star snub, Porter’s value is sky-high. He’s already proven he can contribute to a title team, and his offensive versatility makes him a dream fit for contenders looking to add scoring punch on the wing. If Brooklyn decides to flip him, expect a bidding war.
3. Ja Morant - Memphis Grizzlies
With Jaren Jackson Jr. already out the door, Memphis is clearly pivoting toward a rebuild - and Ja Morant no longer fits that timeline. At 26, Morant is in his prime, but the Grizzlies are looking toward the future, and that means finding a new home for their explosive point guard.
Morant’s athleticism and playmaking are elite, and while injuries and off-court issues have clouded the past year, his upside remains undeniable. Several teams could view him as a franchise cornerstone worth building around.
4. Domantas Sabonis - Sacramento Kings
The Kings made an early move to clear future cap space, sending out Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis to bring in De’Andre Hunter. But that might just be the appetizer. Domantas Sabonis is now firmly on the radar as a potential trade piece.
Sabonis brings elite rebounding, passing, and interior scoring - a rare combination in today’s game. One team to watch?
Toronto. If the Raptors can move Jakob Poeltl, Sabonis could slide in as a centerpiece to help them retool on the fly.
5. Ayo Dosunmu - Chicago Bulls
The Bulls are clearly in teardown mode, and Dosunmu might be the next domino to fall. With veterans like Kevin Huerter, Mike Conley, and Vučević already moved, Chicago is shifting toward a younger core - and Dosunmu, despite his age, might be more valuable as a trade chip than a long-term piece.
He’s an unrestricted free agent this summer, and with a sub-$8 million salary this season, he’s an easy fit for a lot of teams. Expect plenty of interest from contenders looking for a defensive-minded guard who can handle multiple roles.
6. Daniel Gafford - Dallas Mavericks
Gafford is the kind of player who doesn’t make headlines but quietly helps teams win. He’s a rim protector who stays within himself offensively - setting hard screens, rolling to the rim, and finishing plays.
With a fresh extension locking him in at $54 million over the next three years, Gafford is a cost-controlled big man who could be a perfect fit for a playoff team in need of interior defense and energy. Dallas may not be actively shopping him, but calls are definitely coming in.
7. Bennedict Mathurin - Indiana Pacers
It’s not often you see a young player on a lottery-bound team show up on a list like this, but Mathurin’s situation is unique. He’s a restricted free agent this summer, and the Pacers are already planning for a quick turnaround once Tyrese Haliburton returns.
Rather than committing long-term money to Mathurin, Indiana might look to move him now and avoid a tricky contract negotiation. He’s a talented scorer who could thrive in a more defined role on a deeper team - and there’s no shortage of teams looking for that kind of upside.
8. Jonathan Kuminga - Golden State Warriors
Kuminga has been one of the most talked-about names on the trade market all season, and with good reason. His combination of age, athleticism, and two-way potential makes him a tantalizing asset - especially for teams thinking long-term.
The Warriors are in a complicated spot. Jimmy Butler’s injury has shifted their priorities, and they’re still reportedly chasing a bigger fish in Giannis. But Kuminga remains a key piece they could move - either as an expiring contract or a long-term bet, thanks to his team option.
9. Nic Claxton - Brooklyn Nets
Claxton has been a fixture in Brooklyn’s starting lineup, but the emergence of Day’Ron Sharpe has changed the equation. Claxton’s contract isn’t the easiest to move, but his blend of size, mobility, and rim protection still holds real value.
For teams looking to shore up their frontcourt with a defensive anchor who can switch and protect the paint, Claxton is a name to watch. Brooklyn could use the opportunity to retool with younger pieces or draft capital.
10. Quentin Grimes - Philadelphia 76ers
Grimes is in a bit of a unique spot. The Sixers already made a move to duck the luxury tax by moving Jared McCain, but Grimes’ situation remains unresolved. He’s an unrestricted free agent at season’s end and has the power to reject any trade after accepting the qualifying offer.
That said, he’s had a strong season, and Philly may not be willing to pay him this summer. If that’s the case, they could look to move him now and recoup some value - likely in the form of draft picks or a younger player on a rookie deal.
Final Word
The trade deadline is often about fireworks - but this year, it feels like we’re sitting on a powder keg. With names like Giannis and Morant in play, this could be one of the most impactful deadlines in recent memory.
Whether teams go all-in or hold their cards close, the ripple effects of these moves will be felt deep into the postseason and beyond. Buckle up.