NBA Front Offices Accelerate Talks as Thursday’s Trade Deadline Approaches
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With slightly more than 48 hours remaining before the NBA trade window closes at 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, executives across the league are scrambling to revive a market that has produced only three deals since early January.
Market has been largely silent
The Atlanta Hawks set the tone by moving All-Star guard Trae Young a month ago. Activity since then has been limited to Saturday’s swap that sent De’Andre Hunter and Keon Ellis from Sacramento to Cleveland and a follow-up move that shipped Vit Krejci from Atlanta to Portland. The pace is a sharp contrast to the flurry of transactions completed during the same period last year.
James Harden negotiating exit from Los Angeles
Shams Charania reported Monday night that the LA Clippers and 11-time All-Star James Harden are working on a trade that would send the veteran guard to a new team. League sources identify the Cleveland Cavaliers as the most aggressive suitor, with discussions centered on a potential exchange involving Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland. Cleveland is the league’s lone team above the second tax apron, narrowing realistic frameworks to a Harden-for-Garland structure.
Harden missed his second straight game Monday for what the Clippers labeled “personal reasons.” Players from both the Clippers and the visiting Philadelphia 76ers quietly discussed the possibility of Harden landing in Cleveland before tip-off at Intuit Dome. The 34-year-old holds de facto veto power because his $42 million player option for next season is guaranteed for only $13 million, allowing him to influence any destination.
Any drop-off in Los Angeles’ form would benefit the Oklahoma City Thunder, who own the Clippers’ unprotected 2027 first-round pick from the Paul George trade.
Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes appear headed for summer
The Milwaukee Bucks continue to weigh offers for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Rival executives believe general manager Jon Horst is more likely to revisit proposals after the season, when draft slots are set and additional picks become available. Golden State has floated a package featuring up to four first-round selections, and other clubs such as Miami and New York are monitoring the situation while preserving future flexibility.
Anthony Davis expected to stay in Dallas, but Mavs still active
League insiders do not anticipate the Dallas Mavericks will part with Anthony Davis before Thursday, largely because the forward is sidelined by a hand injury and has signaled a desire to remain with the franchise. Dallas initially sought multiple first-rounders or a marquee player for Davis, sources said, but could revisit talks late Wednesday if it pivots to expiring contracts and a single premium asset. In the meantime, the Mavericks are exploring smaller transactions involving veterans Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford and D’Angelo Russell to trim salary and reset next season’s payroll.
Warriors, Heat, Knicks and Wolves weigh next steps
If Antetokounmpo stays put this week, the Golden State Warriors face a decision on whether to press for an immediate blockbuster during the final stretch of Stephen Curry’s prime or wait until June. Miami continues to preserve 2027 cap space but would deviate for Antetokounmpo. New York’s limited draft capital restricts its options to minor roster tweaks. Minnesota, meanwhile, is searching for a long-term point guard and has inquired about becoming involved in Antetokounmpo talks.
Clubs to watch before the buzzer
Cleveland Cavaliers: Front-office officials remain aggressive in hopes of strengthening the roster around Donovan Mitchell, who can reach free agency in 2027.
Minnesota Timberwolves: The Wolves are surveying the backcourt market and weighing ways to climb the Western standings despite limited draft assets.
Memphis Grizzlies: Ja Morant has been available for weeks, but executives are tracking whether interest shifts toward Jaren Jackson Jr., whose price tag is considered steep.
Boston Celtics: Sitting tied for second in the East, Boston is evaluating frontcourt upgrades that could include moving guard Anfernee Simons while managing tax implications.
Toronto Raptors: Multiple sources link Toronto to Kings center Domantas Sabonis, as Sacramento edges toward the luxury tax and the Raptors look to stay below it.
Indiana Pacers: With Tyrese Haliburton out and a high lottery pick likely, Indiana is exploring “pre-agency” moves, potentially packaging Bennedict Mathurin for a long-term solution at center.
The next two days will reveal whether headline names move now or if major negotiations roll into what could be a tumultuous offseason.
Source: ESPN
