With just under two weeks to go before the NBA trade deadline, the rumor mill is running-but maybe not at full speed. While this time of year usually brings a flurry of speculation and blockbuster buzz, 2026 might be shaping up to be a bit quieter on the big-name front. Still, there’s plenty going on behind the scenes, and a few situations around the league are worth watching closely.
No Movement on Karl-Anthony Towns - For Now
Despite growing frustration from Knicks fans, especially when it comes to Karl-Anthony Towns’ fit and performance, the front office isn’t looking to hit the eject button just yet. Multiple reports indicate that New York hasn’t entertained trade talks involving Towns this season. In fact, the organization appears committed to riding this out, at least for now.
Team owner James Dolan made it clear in a recent interview that he still believes in this group’s championship potential. That sentiment is reportedly echoed internally, with league and team sources confirming the Knicks haven’t engaged in any Towns-related discussions.
And New York’s not alone in this approach. Around the league, teams like the Grizzlies (with Jaren Jackson Jr.) and Hornets (with LaMelo Ball) are also holding firm, not actively shopping their cornerstone players despite outside interest or internal challenges.
That said, if the Knicks fall short of Dolan’s stated goal-an NBA Finals appearance-there could be significant changes. Head coach Mike Brown could find himself on the hot seat, and Towns might become the scapegoat. His contract would certainly make him a key piece in any potential blockbuster trade, especially if a player like Giannis Antetokounmpo ever hits the market.
Jonathan Kuminga’s Future Still Cloudy
Jonathan Kuminga is back in the Warriors’ rotation, though he left Thursday’s game early after tweaking his ankle-an unfortunate development for both his playing time and Golden State’s flexibility.
This isn’t a sudden change of heart from Steve Kerr, nor is it a strategic move to boost Kuminga’s trade value. It’s more a product of necessity following the season-ending injury to Jimmy Butler.
But regardless of the minutes, Kuminga’s stance hasn’t changed. He wants out. According to Chris Haynes, the young forward “has no desire to remain a member of the Golden State Warriors.”
The feeling appears mutual. Both sides seem ready to move on, but the market just isn’t there right now. Golden State may end up holding onto Kuminga past the deadline, picking up his option for next season, and using his salary as a trade chip in the offseason-possibly in a larger pursuit of a star like Antetokounmpo, should that opportunity arise.
Bottom line: A breakup is coming. It just might not happen before February 5.
Ja Morant’s Market Is Lukewarm
Ja Morant’s name has come up in trade chatter, but don’t expect to see him in a different jersey anytime soon. Sources around the league suggest there’s not much of a market for the Grizzlies’ star guard right now.
Toronto, once thought to be a potential suitor, is reportedly out. And while some executives see Morant as a buy-low opportunity-given his immense talent when healthy-others view him as a risky asset due to his injury history and time away from the court.
The question isn’t whether someone might take a flyer on Morant. It’s whether Memphis is willing to sell low. Right now, that doesn’t seem likely.
Anthony Davis Trade Buzz Cools
Anthony Davis’ hand injury has added a layer of uncertainty to what was already a complicated situation. While he’s not undergoing surgery and is scheduled to be re-evaluated around the All-Star break, the vague timeline leaves the door cracked open for a potential trade.
Davis’ agent, Rich Paul, is reportedly pushing to find a new landing spot sooner rather than later. But the market has cooled, and barring a late surprise, Davis is more likely to be moved this summer than before the deadline.
If a blockbuster is coming, it looks like it’ll have to wait.
Around the League: Trade Tidbits
- Golden State’s Big Game Hunting: The Warriors are keeping tabs on Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James. According to reports, they’d only consider moving Jimmy Butler if it meant landing one of those top-tier stars-or someone on that level.
- Michael Porter Jr. Talks Fizzle: Golden State reportedly reached out to Brooklyn about Michael Porter Jr., but the asking price was too steep, and those discussions are now off the table.
- LaMelo Ball Staying Put, But Miles Bridges Drawing Interest: Charlotte isn’t expected to move LaMelo Ball at the deadline-his market just isn’t there at the price the Hornets would want. Miles Bridges, though, is a different story.
He’s drawing real interest from contenders like Milwaukee, Golden State, and Phoenix. Of those, the Bucks appear to be the most motivated.
- Houston Eyes Jose Alvarado: The Rockets have felt the absence of Fred VanVleet, particularly in terms of floor generalship and perimeter shooting. With limited cap space-just $1.3 million below the first tax apron-Houston is targeting a more affordable option in Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado, who’s on a $4.5 million deal with a matching player option for next season. That’s a move that makes financial and basketball sense.
- Minnesota Looking for a Point Guard Upgrade: The Timberwolves are reportedly exploring options to bolster their backcourt. Tyus Jones (Orlando), Malik Monk (Sacramento), and Collin Sexton (Charlotte) are three names to watch.
- Pacers and Pelicans Discussing Potential Swap: Indiana is in the market for a center, and one possible deal on the table involves New Orleans sending rookie Yves Missi to the Pacers in exchange for wing Bennedict Mathurin. That deal would need to be expanded to meet CBA requirements, but it's one worth keeping an eye on.
As the deadline approaches, we’re seeing more smoke than fire. But in the NBA, things can change fast.
One domino falls, and suddenly the whole board shifts. For now, though, teams are playing it close to the vest, waiting to see if the right deal-or the right desperation-comes along.