The in-season trade landscape remains quiet with only one deal completed through late January, a stark contrast to the five swaps finalized at the same point last year. League executives told ESPN’s Bobby Marks that four factors are driving the slowdown.
Waiting on Antetokounmpo
The primary holdup is uncertainty surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo. Rival front offices want clarity on whether the two-time MVP will request a move or if Milwaukee will listen to offers before the February 5 deadline.
Expected Sellers Turned Contenders
Boston, Philadelphia and Phoenix—clubs once viewed as potential sellers—are instead chasing home-court advantage. Marks notes that the 76ers dipped below the luxury tax last season via multiple trades, a scenario deemed unlikely in 2025-26.
Low Trade Value for Injured Stars
Dallas and Memphis are bracing for modest offers on Anthony Davis and Ja Morant, respectively. Davis is sidelined several weeks with ligament damage in his left hand, while Morant is dealing with a UCL sprain in his left elbow after earlier calf issues.
Protecting Summer Cap Space
Several clubs—including the Lakers, Bulls and Jazz—prefer to keep expiring contracts instead of adding multiyear money that could limit offseason flexibility.
Suns Interested in Miles Bridges
Confirming earlier reports, Arizona Sports 98.7’s John Gambadoro says Phoenix likes Charlotte forward Miles Bridges. The Hornets want at least one first-round pick, but the Suns lack movable firsts and are hesitant to disrupt strong locker-room chemistry. A minor deal is viewed as more realistic.
Mavericks, Lakers and the Luka Aftermath
Ahead of Luka Dončić’s second return to Dallas since last February’s surprise trade to Los Angeles, sources told The Athletic that former Mavericks basketball operations chief Nico Harrison shipped the guard partly due to concerns about conditioning and a December 2024 calf strain. One team insider compared Dončić’s transformation to “skinny Elvis.”
People close to Dončić dispute that narrative and contend he was already improving diet and fitness regardless of a trade. Both player and camp are said to be focused on the future.
In Los Angeles, team sources believe major roster upgrades—particularly in athleticism, defense and shooting—will likely wait until the offseason.
Dallas Begins Front-Office Search
The Mavericks have started vetting candidates to replace Harrison but are not expected to hire a permanent head of basketball operations until the spring. Unlike Harrison, a longtime Nike executive with no prior front-office experience when hired in 2021, the club plans to prioritize seasoned NBA decision-makers.
Source: HoopsRumors
