5 NBA players likely to be traded in 2026

In recent years, star players in the NBA (Except for Luka Dončić) have had more autonomy than in any other sport. Players have largely dictated their futures through trade requests or even agents demanding that their clients be traded publicly.

This season, the league has seen multiple stars employ some form of the tactic, whether it be spouting morale issues in the media or discussing the issue privately with their teams — which eventually get leaked to the media.

These are the players who have been involved in rumors so far this season and have a good chance of changing teams in the next year:

– Giannis Antetokounmpo

The biggest name on this list, and arguably the most expensive. The Greek Freak has further ignited trade talks this season after reportedly discussing his future with the Milwaukee Bucks’ front office after a dismal start. It didn’t help matters when Gianni suddenly went down at the start of a game against the Detroit Pistons with a mysterious injury just days after reports of him being disgruntled broke. It will be interesting to see how the saga unfolds, yet one thing is for certain: whoever does get the privilege of getting the former Finals MVP will have to exchange a package the likes of the NBA has never seen before.

Potential suitors: New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Atlanta Hawks

Just in: Giannis Antetokounmpo and his agent Alex Saratsis have started conversations with the Milwaukee Bucks about the two-time NBA MVP’s future – and discussing whether his best fit is staying or elsewhere, sources tell ESPN. A resolution is expected in the coming weeks. pic.twitter.com/NfrpL2Ffvr

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 3, 2025

– Kawhi Leonard/James Harden

For the Los Angeles Clippers, it’s either trade one of Leonard or Harden to save their season, or trade neither. Reports emerged that the Clippers are unwilling to deal center Ivica Zubac, while teams are gauging interest in two of their stars. It’s not like the two stars have been as equally bad as the team; they have proved that there is plenty left in their tanks and still possess game-changing abilities on the court. Team owner Steve Ballmer and GM Lawrence Frank will have to make a decision soon, as the Clippers are falling deeper and deeper into a hole.

Potential suitors: Miami Heat (Leonard), Houston Rockets (Harden), Minnesota Timberwolves

– Jonathan Kuminga

Like Giannis, Kuminga has been linked to trade rumors since last season. A contract stalemate in the offseason further hampered any future trust developing between Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors. It’s no secret either that the Warriors are shopping Kuminga around, and with a record lingering at .500, they will have to make a decision fast.

Potential suitors: New Orleans Pelicans, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Clippers

– Michael Porter Jr.

One of the big surprises this season has been the stellar play of Porter Jr., who was traded from the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Cam Johnson. The trade went well for either team. Johnson has turned out to be a great two-way forward that the Nuggets expected Porter Jr. to be, and the Nets acquired a valuable trade piece that could accelerate their rebuild. Though there is a chance the Nets keep him this season, they will still want to capitalize on Porter Jr.’s value so far before it possibly goes down next season.

Potential suitors: Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers

– CJ McCollum

At 34 years old, McCollum has proved doubters wrong. He has shown his clinical scoring skills daily for the Washington Wizards, making the otherwise graveyard for NBA players a playground to exact revenge on those who doubted him. Granted, he is still on a very expensive contract, but his performances so far have made it enticing for contenders to take the risk.

Potential suitors: Los Angeles Clippers, Detroit Pistons

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