NBA Trade Buzz Heats Up as Deadline Approaches – Major Moves Expected

UPDATE: The 2025-26 NBA season is heating up as trade discussions intensify with the February 5 trade deadline looming. Major players like Anthony Davis and Chris Paul are at the center of swirling rumors, with franchises scrambling to make critical decisions as the season progresses.

Just announced: The trade season officially expands on December 15, a date that holds significant importance for teams eyeing roster changes. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst highlighted this development in his The Hoop Collective podcast, emphasizing that while immediate trades may not occur, teams will soon assess their rosters’ shortcomings.

Windhorst stated, “I don’t think there’s going to be trades happening next week. But it coincides with the point in the season where teams start to make some decisions about the weaknesses of their rosters.”

As of Monday, 82 players will become eligible for trades, including Chris Paul, who has been in the spotlight following his recent parting with the Los Angeles Clippers. The situation has become tense, with reports indicating he and coach Ty Lue have not been on speaking terms for weeks. Paul, a 12-time All-Star, has averaged just 2.9 points in limited playing time this season.

In Dallas, the Mavericks are reportedly open to discussions surrounding star players, including Davis, who is drawing interest from multiple teams such as the Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors. With the Mavericks struggling at 10-16, they are clinging to the last play-in spot in the Western Conference.

Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors are expected to discuss trades for Jonathan Kuminga starting January 15, as they look to strengthen their roster. Kuminga’s substantial salary could facilitate larger trades, indicating a willingness to shake things up.

The Indiana Pacers are actively seeking a center following the loss of Myles Turner and are exploring various options in the trade market. On the other hand, the Sacramento Kings are open to trade discussions involving veterans like Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan.

As teams prepare for potential trades, the landscape for Giannis Antetokounmpo remains uncertain. Windhorst noted that the appetite for major trades has diminished across the league, with executives hesitant to offer multiple first-round picks for star players. He stated, “The mood in the NBA right now is not to give up four first-round picks for anybody.”

In another significant development, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that discussions regarding Giannis’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks are ongoing. With the Bucks currently at 10-13, the team’s performance will play a crucial role in shaping Giannis’s next steps.

Fans are eagerly anticipating developments as the NBA trade deadline approaches. Expect more news to break in the coming days as teams finalize their strategies and assess their options. Stay tuned for real-time updates on this evolving situation, and share your thoughts on potential trades as the drama unfolds.