The 2025-26 NBA campaign has reached the quarter pole, and front offices are already positioning themselves for what could be a busy stretch before the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
Dec. 12 – Focus shifts to Dec. 15 trade-eligibility date
On the latest episode of The Hoop Collective, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted that 82 players become trade-eligible on Dec. 15. “I don’t think there’s going to be trades happening next week,” he said, but added that teams will soon start addressing roster weaknesses. Front-office insider Bobby Marks estimated that roughly 90 percent of the league will be eligible to be moved once Monday arrives. Marks pointed to last season’s same-day deal that sent Dennis Schroder from Brooklyn to Golden State as proof that early action is possible and said executives are monitoring Chris Paul’s situation in Los Angeles.
Dec. 10 – Injury in Dallas, Davis suitors emerge
Rookie center Dereck Lively II will miss the rest of the season after opting for surgery on his right foot, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. Lively, who had bone spurs removed in July, appeared in only seven games.
Charania also reported that Detroit, Atlanta and Toronto are among teams expected to pursue Anthony Davis. Dallas is open to discussing deals involving Davis as well as veteran guards Klay Thompson and D’Angelo Russell. The Mavericks are 10-16, clinging to the final Western Conference play-in spot.
Golden State intends to listen to offers for forward Jonathan Kuminga once he becomes trade-eligible on Jan. 15. His $22.5 million salary could facilitate a larger package, according to Charania.
Indiana is shopping for a center after losing Myles Turner to Milwaukee in the offseason, while Sacramento’s first-year general manager Scott Perry is open to discussions across the roster. Rival teams are monitoring veterans Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, along with 25-year-old guard Keon Ellis.
Dec. 5 – Market for Giannis cools
Windhorst described a restrained environment for superstar trades, saying executives are reluctant to surrender four first-round picks in the current collective-bargaining climate. “There ain’t going to be no five first-round pick trades,” he said, citing concerns about the new salary-cap aprons.
Dec. 3 – Antetokounmpo evaluates future
Giannis Antetokounmpo and agent Alex Saratsis are weighing whether the two-time MVP’s best fit remains in Milwaukee, Charania reported. Windhorst told ESPN Cleveland that many around the league doubt Antetokounmpo will stay beyond this season. The Bucks are 10-13, and the forward is averaging 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists on 64 percent shooting.
Paul sent home by Clippers
Chris Paul, 40, said the Clippers told him to stay away from the team before a game in Atlanta. The 12-time All-Star, who signed a one-year deal in the offseason, had not spoken with coach Ty Lue for weeks, according to Charania. Paul averaged 14.3 minutes and 2.9 points after starting all 82 games last season for San Antonio. He cannot be traded until Dec. 15.
All-Star guards under scrutiny
League figures expressed concerns to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon about Trae Young, LaMelo Ball and Ja Morant. One Eastern Conference scout questioned Young’s defensive impact, another executive doubted Ball’s late-season reliability, and a separate evaluator cited Morant’s off-court issues, injuries and sizable contract as red flags.
Dec. 1 – Bulls eye Davis but protect youth
Chicago’s front office has discussed pursuing Anthony Davis after a 9-11 start that leaves the team 10th in the East, Jamal Collier reported. The Bulls remain determined to keep young core pieces Josh Giddey, Coby White and Matas Buzelis out of any potential deal.
More movement is expected as Dec. 15 opens most of the league to trades and clubs refine their strategies ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline.
Source: ESPN
