Although the 2025-26 NBA season has just begun, there are quite a few players that look like early trade candidates. In fact, a few of these players have already had their names in rumors. Others have expiring contracts, a category of players that always draws attention on the trade market.
Let’s take a look at 15 hoopers who could be moved ahead of this season’s trade deadline, which is set for Feb. 6, 2026 at 3 p.m. (EST).
15 Early Season Trade Candidates For 2025-26 Season
LeBron James
Lately, it’s been more difficult than usual to get a read on LeBron James. Does he want to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers this season, let alone retire with them (options that may not be mutually exclusive)? Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves playing out of their minds may make L.A. more comfortable with the idea of James leaving early.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
One could say that Giannis Antetokounmpo is to the Milwaukee Bucks what Nikola Jokic is to the Denver Nuggets. However, Antetokounmpo’s been flirting with the New York Knicks, and could decide to request a trade if he doesn’t like how his current team is looking. He’s under contract through 2026-27, with a player option for 2027-28.
Quentin Grimes
Despite being unable to sign the type of contract he wanted in the offseason, the vibes are good for Quentin Grimes and the Philadelphia 76ers. After all, they’re winning and he’s been a key player. However, he may grow dissatisfied with his role when Jared McCain and Paul George return.
Nikola Vucevic
It’s no secret that the Chicago Bulls are still looking to move on from veteran center Nikola Vucevic. As they’re off to a 4-0 start, the urgency to do so may be diminished considering his on-court value. Nevertheless, getting a top prospect from the heralded 2026 draft class could be franchise-altering.
Collin Sexton
Collin Sexton has already been traded twice, the latest occurrence an offseason deal between the Utah Jazz and Charlotte Hornets. On an expiring contract, and one of the most efficient volume scorers in the NBA, he’s a prime candidate to get moved again. With several starting guards injured, he becomes that much more appealing.
Cam Johnson
When the Denver Nuggets completed their trade for Cam Johnson, many thought they had won the deal. Yet, early in the 2025-26 season, he has been nowhere near the shooting or scoring threat Michael Porter Jr. was for them. He’s also dealing with nerve issues in his shoulder (h/t Denver Post reporter Bennett Durando).
Michael Porter Jr.
Speaking of Porter, though his shot-selection could make Latrell Sprewell swoon, he’s been a dominant offensive threat. The problem he faces is that he’s admitted uncertainty about his playing future while on a team that has yet to firmly establish its core. Keeping that in mind, Porter’s contract is only partially guaranteed in 2025-26, and expiring.
Cam Thomas
Thomas, like Porter, is a high-volume scorer with low levels of inhibition on a basketball court. He also has an expiring contract after he and the Nets failed to come to terms on a long-term contract extension in the offseason. With his popularity and potency, there could be a few teams interested in his services by the trade deadline.
Jarrett Allen
Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen is one of those players who seems too talented for his name to constantly be in trade rumors. However, that won’t change until people stop wondering whether Evan Mobley‘s best position is the 5 in today’s game. Or, until there aren’t any center-needy teams left.
Jerami Grant
Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant has been a trade candidate for months. Even he can’t believe that he’s still on the roster. That being said, his timeline doesn’t really match with that of their young core and he’s being paid a pretty penny for a player that was moved to the bench.
Jalen Green
Jalen Green hadn’t even been traded to the Phoenix Suns yet and they were looking to re-route him after completing the blockbuster Kevin Durant trade. Out with a hamstring injury, Green’s yet to show how he can look alongside franchise star Devin Booker. That’s unlikely to make the Suns more inclined to keep him though.
DeMar DeRozan
Who knows why the Sacramento Kings believed they could accomplish what the Chicago Bulls couldn’t with the Zach LaVine–DeMar DeRozan pairing. Nonetheless, the Kings are currently 1-4. DeRozan not only looks like a major culprit due to their middling defense and subpar 3-point efficiency, he has a much more movable contract than LaVine’s.
Bennedict Mathurin
As the kids say, the Indiana Pacers are down bad right now. Whatever they did to offend the basketball gods, it would be best to make amends as soon as possible. On a serious note, Bennedict Mathurin‘s a star-caliber player, but the Pacers might prefer to trade his expiring contract for a draft pick rather than pay him amid Tyrese Haliburton‘s injury.
RJ Barrett
As the Toronto Raptors attempt to put together another title team, RJ Barrett‘s role has been put under the microscope. At first, he looked like a player the New York Knicks had undervalued. Now, his weaknesses are being magnified due to their trade for Brandon Ingram, another player with an inconsistent jumper and defense.
Jonathan Kuminga
It’s true that Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga has taken the next step in his evolution. He’s been playing so well that even some of his most vocal doubters have admitted to eating crow. Still, though the situation is improving, the walls could come tumbling down at any moment.
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