The 2026 NBA trade deadline was nothing short of a whirlwind - 27 of the league’s 30 teams made moves, and the flurry of activity included a mix of blockbuster trades, strategic reshuffling, and a whole lot of future draft capital changing hands. Big names like Jaren Jackson Jr., James Harden, and Anthony Davis found new homes.
But not every star on the trade block was moved. Some of the league’s biggest names stayed put - for now.
Let’s take a closer look at five marquee players who remained with their teams through the deadline but could be back on the trade radar come summer.
Giannis Antetokounmpo - The Waiting Game in Milwaukee
Giannis Antetokounmpo was the biggest name floating around the rumor mill leading up to the deadline. And while the noise was deafening, the Milwaukee Bucks ultimately decided to hold firm and keep their franchise cornerstone.
Let’s be real - this isn’t the first time we’ve been here. The Bucks and Giannis have been circling each other in a high-stakes dance for a while now.
The two-time MVP has flirted with the idea of a trade before, only to walk it back with statements about loyalty and wanting to retire in Milwaukee. Whether that's genuine sentiment or a strategic move to avoid being cast as the bad guy, the tension is clear: Giannis wants to win, and he’s not convinced the Bucks can get him there.
And honestly, it’s hard to blame him. Milwaukee’s roster isn’t built to contend right now, and their trade deadline additions - Nigel Hayes-Davis and Ousmane Dieng - don’t exactly move the needle. With limited draft capital and a capped-out roster, the Bucks don’t have many levers left to pull.
If (or more likely, when) Giannis hits the trade block again, the league will grind to a halt. He’s still one of the most dominant forces in the NBA - a 6-foot-11 freight train who can control a game on both ends of the floor.
Teams won’t hesitate to go all-in for a player of his caliber. The Bucks might not have gotten their dream offer this time, but the offseason could present a much different market.
Kawhi Leonard - Still Standing in L.A.
The Clippers made it clear at the deadline: they’re moving in a new direction. James Harden was flipped for Darius Garland, Ivica Zubac was shipped out for picks, and the team’s long-standing core was officially dismantled. But one piece remains - Kawhi Leonard.
Leonard’s future is as murky as ever. On the court, when healthy, he’s still elite - a lockdown defender who can take over games offensively.
But staying on the court has been a challenge. Injuries have limited his availability for years, and now there’s an added layer of uncertainty with an ongoing investigation involving Aspiration and potential salary cap violations.
It’s unclear whether the league would’ve even approved a trade involving Leonard at this point. And then there’s his well-known preference to stay in Los Angeles, which further complicates any potential move.
But make no mistake: if Leonard becomes available and teams are comfortable with the risk - both in terms of health and off-court issues - he’ll have suitors. His skill set fits any system, and his playoff pedigree speaks for itself.
For now, he’s still a Clipper. But this story is far from over.
Ja Morant - Memphis’ Franchise Crossroads
The Grizzlies made one of the more surprising moves at the deadline, trading Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz. That came after Desmond Bane was dealt in the offseason. The message is clear: Memphis is hitting the reset button.
And yet, Ja Morant is still in town - for now.
Once seen as a future face of the league, Morant’s trajectory has taken a sharp turn. Off-court issues have led to multiple suspensions, and his on-court performance has dipped, particularly on the defensive end and in terms of efficiency. The Grizzlies have grown frustrated, and while they didn’t pull the trigger at the deadline, it feels like the writing is on the wall.
Memphis is now armed with a war chest of future picks - somewhere between 11 and 13 first-rounders - and clearly looking toward the future. Morant may not be part of that vision. His trade value has taken a hit, but that could actually open the door for a team to take a calculated gamble.
Despite the baggage, Morant is still an explosive athlete who can finish at the rim in ways few others can. If a team believes the off-court issues are behind him, he could be a steal in the right situation. The Grizzlies’ rebuild is underway, and Morant’s days in Memphis may be numbered.
Michael Porter Jr. - Brooklyn’s Rising Star or Trade Chip?
Michael Porter Jr. has quietly been one of the breakout stories of the season. Since landing in Brooklyn, he’s been unleashed offensively - no longer just a catch-and-shoot option like he was in Denver, but a full-fledged scoring machine, averaging 25 points per game.
At 6-foot-10 with a silky shooting stroke, Porter is the kind of offensive weapon who fits in any lineup. And at just 27 years old, he’s entering his prime. The Nets could easily choose to build around him.
But Brooklyn’s front office has made one thing clear: they’re obsessed with draft capital. They’ve already got five rookie first-rounders on the roster and 12 more first-round picks coming their way. That kind of asset stockpile gives them flexibility - and it also makes it tempting to cash in on Porter’s elevated trade value.
The Nets have made big-name offseason trades before, including the recent Mikal Bridges deal. Porter was part of a significant move himself when he arrived in a package that included Cam Johnson. If the right offer comes along, Brooklyn could decide to flip Porter again - not because he isn’t producing, but because they’re playing the long game.
Jarrett Allen - Cleveland’s Cap Crunch Looms
The Cavaliers made one of the most aggressive moves of the deadline, trading for James Harden in a win-now move that sent Darius Garland packing. The idea is clear: Cleveland believes Harden gives them a better shot at making a deep playoff run this year.
But that all-in approach comes at a cost.
The Cavs also moved De’Andre Hunter and Lonzo Ball in separate deals, shedding salary where they could. Still, they’re the only team sitting in the second apron - and that financial pressure is only going to intensify.
Jarrett Allen, already mentioned in trade rumors, has a sizable contract extension kicking in next season. If Cleveland doesn’t win it all, they may have no choice but to move him. The penalties for staying in the second apron are steep, and the front office will have to make tough decisions.
The silver lining? Evan Mobley has looked more ready than ever to take over full-time center duties. That could make Allen expendable - not because he isn’t valuable, but because the Cavs may not be able to afford to keep him.
Final Word
The 2026 trade deadline delivered fireworks, but the real drama might still be ahead. Giannis, Kawhi, Ja, Porter, and Allen all stayed put - for now.
But with the offseason just a few months away, don’t be surprised if these names dominate the headlines once again. In today’s NBA, the action never really stops.