NBA Trade Rumors 2026: Biggest Names on the Market and Potential Deals
The NBA trade deadline has passed, but the rumor mill never stops. Several star players could be on the move this offseason, and teams are already positioning themselves for blockbuster deals. Here are the biggest names to watch.
Players who could be traded this offseason
Jimmy Butler (Miami Heat): Butler's relationship with the Heat has been rocky all season. He wants out, and Miami is willing to trade him — for the right price. At 36, Butler is still a top-20 player, but his age and contract (2 years, $96 million remaining) limit the trade market. The Warriors, Rockets, and Mavericks have all been linked.
Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls): LaVine has been on the trade block for two years. His contract ($138 million over 3 years) is the biggest obstacle — no team wants to take on that salary for a player who's been injury-prone. But if the Bulls are willing to attach draft picks, a deal could happen.
Brandon Ingram (New Orleans Pelicans): Ingram is a free agent this summer, and the Pelicans are unlikely to re-sign him. A sign-and-trade is the most likely outcome. Ingram is a talented scorer, but his fit alongside Zion Williamson has never quite worked. A change of scenery could revive his career.
Teams looking to make moves
Golden State Warriors: The Warriors are in win-now mode with Steph Curry at 38. They need another star to pair with Curry, and they have the assets (Jonathan Kuminga, draft picks) to make a deal. Butler or a similar caliber player would make them a contender again.
Houston Rockets: The Rockets have a young core and a war chest of draft picks. They're one star away from being a legitimate contender. A trade for a veteran wing or big man could push them over the top.
LA Lakers: With LeBron likely retiring after this season, the Lakers need to build around Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis. They'll be active in the trade market and free agency this summer.
The offseason timeline
The NBA Draft is June 25. Free agency opens June 30. Most trades happen in the days surrounding the draft, when teams are reshuffling their rosters and using draft picks as trade assets. The biggest moves of the offseason usually happen in a 2-week window around the draft.