With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching-set for 3 p.m. ET on February 5-front offices around the league are quietly ramping up.
This is the time of year when GMs live in the gray area: running the math on risk, checking in on availability, and figuring out just how bold contenders are willing to be. Most deadlines come and go with a few modest upgrades.
But every now and then, the league gets a shake-up. And with some big names floating around in the rumor mill, this year could be one of those times.
Here’s a look at six key trade situations to keep an eye on-and the three teams that make the most sense as potential landing spots for each player.
Giannis Antetokounmpo - Milwaukee Bucks
Best fits: Knicks, Heat, Warriors
Let’s be clear: Milwaukee has done everything in its power to show Giannis Antetokounmpo that it’s committed to winning with him. But in the NBA, smoke usually means fire-and there’s been more than a little smoke around Giannis’ long-term future in Milwaukee. If the Bucks come up short in the playoffs again, don’t be surprised if the noise grows louder.
The Knicks have been lurking for a while now. Pairing Giannis with Jalen Brunson would give New York a true one-two punch, but pulling it off would mean breaking up their core-and they’re not exactly flush with assets.
Miami, always in the mix when stars become available, has the culture and the front office boldness to make a real push. And then there’s Golden State, a team that never shies away from chasing greatness.
If an MVP-caliber player hits the market, the Warriors are going to pick up the phone.
Darius Garland - Cleveland Cavaliers
Best fits: Wizards, Magic, Raptors
Cleveland’s backcourt has been a topic of discussion for a while now. The pairing of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell is electric offensively, but questions about size, defense, and long-term chemistry have kept Garland’s name in trade talks.
Washington could be a clean reset opportunity-Garland would get the keys to the offense and grow with a young, rebuilding roster. Orlando is another intriguing option.
The Magic have built a strong defensive identity, but they still need a guard who can create and shoot consistently. Garland checks those boxes.
Toronto, always willing to pivot on the fly, could see Garland as a foundational piece to build around, especially if they’re looking to retool rather than rebuild.
Trae Young - Atlanta Hawks
Best fits: Lakers, Kings, Heat
Atlanta is walking the line between reshuffling and starting fresh. And while Trae Young remains the face of the franchise, his name continues to surface in trade chatter.
The Lakers are an obvious suitor. They’re still searching for a long-term offensive engine to pair with Austin Reaves and help carry the load.
Trae’s shot creation and playmaking could be the answer. Sacramento is another team worth watching.
The Kings play fast, and Young’s ability to push pace and stretch defenses could elevate their ceiling. And once again, Miami shows up.
The Heat have the structure and front office vision to make a run at a player like Young if they believe he can take them to the next level.
Zion Williamson - New Orleans Pelicans
Best fits: Heat, Suns, Thunder
Zion Williamson is still one of the most uniquely talented players in the league. But his availability-or lack thereof-continues to cloud his long-term value. The Pelicans are weighing whether to stay patient or pivot toward a future without him.
Miami makes sense here, too. The Heat have the infrastructure and discipline to help Zion stay on track, and they’re never afraid to take a swing.
Phoenix would be betting on upside-pairing Zion with Devin Booker in hopes that a healthy version of the former No. 1 pick could power a deep playoff run. Oklahoma City is a fascinating wild card.
The Thunder are ahead of schedule, with a young core that could give Zion the space and time he needs to find consistency. The fit would be about long-term potential, not immediate pressure.
Domantas Sabonis - Sacramento Kings
Best fits: Cavaliers, Raptors, Suns
Sabonis has been a central figure in Sacramento’s rise, but the Western Conference is a gauntlet. And if the Kings feel like they’ve hit a ceiling, they may explore ways to shake things up.
Cleveland could be a strong partner. Sabonis would give the Cavs a high-level playmaking big who could complement Evan Mobley and help unlock more of his offensive game.
Toronto, always open to creative roster construction, could use Sabonis as a hub to build around-a big who can pass, rebound, and score efficiently. Phoenix, meanwhile, is in full win-now mode.
Adding Sabonis would give them interior scoring and another facilitator to ease the burden on Booker.
Coby White - Chicago Bulls
Best fits: Magic, Rockets, Mavericks
Coby White’s development has flown under the radar, but he’s quietly become a valuable piece for Chicago. As the Bulls evaluate their direction, White’s name is starting to pop up in trade talks.
Orlando is a natural fit. The Magic are still searching for consistent perimeter scoring and someone who can take pressure off Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
White brings shooting, speed, and secondary playmaking. Houston could also be in the market for a lead guard.
If they decide to move off some of their depth-think Tari Eason-White could slide in as a two-way floor general. And then there’s Dallas, where White’s scoring punch would be a welcome addition alongside Cooper Flagg, giving the Mavs another weapon in their backcourt rotation.
With the deadline inching closer, these names-and these fits-are worth watching. Whether it’s a blockbuster or a series of smaller moves, this is the time of year when the balance of power can shift in a single afternoon.