NBA
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The journey to the 2027 NBA Championship is going to begin very soon. In a couple of weeks, training camps will open around the country, and clubs will start what they hope is a trek to a date with destiny. To get in position to hold the Larry O’Brien Trophy, you need star talent, and some big names will likely be up for grabs from now until the February NBA trade deadline.
With that in mind, we take a look at 10 big-name players who will be on trade watch in the weeks and months ahead.
Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings
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Jan 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) celebrates after hitting a three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
The Sacramento Kings have been looking to move Domantas Sabonis for the last six months but have been unable to find a taker. This is because he has over $93 million left on his contract, and the Kings reportedly have a high draft pick asking price. Sacramento will either drop their asking price eventually or the two-time All-Star will show he is worth the haul, but either way he is unlikely to stay in California’s capital for the entire season.
Brandon Ingram, Los Angeles Clippers
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Apr 26, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) reacts after making a three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Brandon Ingram was just officially added to the Los Angeles Clippers roster this week. But many don’t believe he will finish the year in Lala Land. The talented scorer has a $41 million player option for next season that he is expected to pass on to hit free agency.
After the Clippers lost five first-round picks following the Kawhi Leonard investigation, trading Ingram to get a pick or two back before they lose him next summer is very likely in the new season.
Michael Porter Jr., Brooklyn Nets
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Mar 10, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. (17) warms up prior to the game against the Detroit Pistons at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Despite having a breakout season at Barclays Center last season, the Brooklyn Nets have had Michael Porter Jr. on the trade block for months. However, his long injury history has made teams hesitant to trade for him despite averaging 24 points a game last season.
If he can have another good season and stay healthy, a playoff contender is sure to take a chance on the forward and his expiring contract before the NBA trade deadline.
Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks
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Mar 1, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) drives to the basket as Milwaukee Bucks forward Taurean Prince (12) defends during the first half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
After tearing his ACL in the second half of the 2024-25 season, future Hall of Famer Kyrie Irving has not played a minute in the NBA since. However, his rehab is over, and he will be back in action this season for the Dallas Mavericks. The big question is: how long does he stay with the team?
The 34-year-old nine-time All-Star doesn’t fit Dallas’ plan to rebuild around teenage star Cooper Flagg. So, he is a near lock to be traded soon. But the Mavs are hoping he can rebuild his value during the first half so they can get a better return in a deal.
Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
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Apr 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) against the Phoenix Suns during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
This season is sure to be the end of an era for the Golden State Warriors with Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, and Stephen Curry all on expiring contracts. Of the three, Green seems like the most likely to be moved because he is only owed $27 million this season. Plus, a contending team could believe the four-time All-Star is the missing grit and defense piece for a title run.
Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets
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May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) handles the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
Alperen Sengun is a talented, young two-time All-Star who should be built around. However, the Houston Rockets want to be in title contention. If they are underperforming in the first half, they will look to make a bold move.
However, a new report suggested Kevin Durant would be hard to trade, and Amen Thompson is seen by many in the organization as their top player. It means the 24-year-old would be the sacrificial lamb for a blockbuster deal.
Jrue Holiday, Portland Trail Blazers
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Apr 26, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (5) drives to the basket during the first half against San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
After making a stunning trade for Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant, the Portland Trail Blazers have an overcrowded and expensive backcourt. Something has to give, and one of their pricey veterans needs to be moved.
It surely won’t be team great Damian Lillard. That is why it is just a matter of time before Portland finds a taker for difference-making veteran guard Jrue Holiday at some point in the next few months.
Anthony Davis, Washington Wizards
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Dec 18, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) looks on during the game between the Pistons and Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
From the start, reports suggested Anthony Davis was not thrilled about being traded to the Washington Wizards. The team didn’t make him change his opinion when they pushed off contract extension talks until during the season.
If the 10-time All-Star isn’t a key part of a Wizards resurgence in 2026-27, it is a lock he will be moved to his fourth team in three years.
Trey Murphy III, New Orleans Pelicans
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Apr 3, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III (25) during the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
There have been rumors about the New Orleans Pelicans trading Trey Murphy III since last season. Yet, he heads into the new campaign still in NOLA. The word around the league is that the asking price remains too high. Nevertheless, he will likely be moved during the season.
The big question is whether it will be after the Pels lower the asking price or a desperate team gives in to the high demand.
Darius Garland, Los Angeles Clippers
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Apr 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Darius Garland (10) reacts on the bench after a basket in the first half against the Golden State Warriors during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Similar to Brandon Ingram, Clippers guard Darius Garland also needs to be on trade watch. While he has a pricey contract that runs until the 2027-28 season, he is a two-time All-Star and will turn 27 in January. So he is right in the middle of his prime.
For a team desperate to get back their lost first-round draft picks, the guard might be able to get a couple of firsts with another good season before the deadline.