ESPN insiders on Jan. 8, 2026 outlined six potential transactions that could determine how the league’s stretch run unfolds. Each proposal targets a specific need for a playoff hopeful while balancing salary-cap rules and long-term draft assets.
Bucks pursue new running mate for Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee receives: Michael Porter Jr.
Brooklyn receives: Kyle Kuzma, Taurean Prince, Milwaukee’s 2031 first-round pick
Detroit receives: Cole Anthony, cash
The Bucks would swap three little-used veterans for Porter, whose two-way scoring mirrors the role Khris Middleton once filled. Because Milwaukee sits well below the tax line, the club could absorb approximately $8 million more salary without penalty. Surrendering the team’s only movable first-rounder is the price for a player viewed as an All-Star candidate.
For Brooklyn, the deal would layer an additional future first on top of the unprotected Denver pick already obtained for Porter. Detroit enters only as a cap-space conduit, able to waive Anthony immediately after pocketing cash considerations.
Lakers seek perimeter defense and shooting
Los Angeles receives: Keon Ellis
Sacramento receives: Dalton Knecht, Lakers’ 2032 second-round pick
Ellis’ on-ball defense fits a Lakers group ranked 23rd in defensive efficiency. His 3-point accuracy has dipped to 35.5 percent this season, but his Bird rights and $2.4 million free-agent cap hold give Los Angeles flexibility this summer. Sacramento would add Knecht, a 2024 first-round selection, plus a future second while avoiding a possible offseason loss of Ellis for nothing.
Warriors add shooting, Pelicans collect picks
Golden State receives: Trey Murphy III, Jordan Hawkins
New Orleans receives: Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Golden State’s 2026 first, 2028 first (top-10 protected), 2030 first (No. 5-20 only)
Utah receives: Kevon Looney, 2031 second (via Raptors), 2032 second (via Pelicans), cash
Murphy’s four-year, $112 million extension carries a cap hit under half of Anthony Davis’ current salary, cutting the Warriors’ projected luxury tax by roughly $25 million. Golden State parts with up to three first-rounders but keeps top-four protection after 2026. New Orleans gains two young wings and the chance at multiple lottery selections; Utah uses a trade exception to absorb Looney and collects two seconds for its trouble.
Timberwolves shore up point guard depth
Minnesota receives: Tre Jones
Chicago receives: Rob Dillingham, Terrence Shannon Jr.
Jones, a Minnesota native, averages 11.9 points and 5.1 assists against only 1.1 turnovers since arriving in Chicago. His controlled style addresses the league’s worst clutch-turnover rate. The Bulls take on 2024 lottery guard Dillingham and fellow rookie Shannon, betting on long-term upside over immediate production.
Spurs reunite French teammates
San Antonio receives: Guerschon Yabusele, 2026 second-round pick (via Suns)
New York receives: Cam Whitmore
Washington receives: Jeremy Sochan
San Antonio uses Jeremy Sochan’s expiring deal to secure Yabusele, who played alongside Victor Wembanyama for France’s national team and can stretch the floor at center. The Spurs also pocket a mid-second-round pick. Washington rolls the dice on Sochan’s two-way potential, while New York trims salary to ease second-apron constraints and adds former lottery wing Whitmore at a lower cap figure.
Raptors look for size, Clippers gain youth
Toronto receives: Brook Lopez
LA Clippers receive: Ochai Agbaji, Jamison Battle, 2026 second-round pick (via Lakers)
With Jakob Poeltl sidelined since Dec. 21 and showing signs of decline, Toronto targets Lopez, who is shooting 36 percent from deep and holding opponents to 55 percent at the rim. The move would push the Raptors farther into the tax, potentially costing a $14.1 million distribution. Los Angeles, the league’s oldest roster, would flip a 37-year-old center for a pair of 25-and-under wings and a mid-second-round pick, clearing minutes for rookie Yanic Konan Niederhauser.
The six scenarios highlight different strategies: Milwaukee and Golden State gamble future picks to maximize current title windows, while Minnesota, San Antonio and Toronto aim to patch obvious roster holes without surrendering unprotected first-rounders.
Source: ESPN.com
