NBA Trade Deadline 2026: Top Trade Candidates Include Harden, Giannis, Davis.

Sources informed Yahoo Sports that as Thursday’s NBA trade cut-off approaches, the Los Angeles Clippers have been involved in conversations regarding seasoned guard James Harden, with the Cleveland Cavaliers leading the group of teams recently showing interest in obtaining the ex-All-Star.

Harden, age 36, has been absent from the last two matchups for personal reasons. The ex-Arizona State guard attended a January 31st home game at his former college against Arizona, the top-ranked team nationally. On the subsequent day, despite the Clippers being in the same city to face the Phoenix Suns—a mere ten-mile distance separating the venues—Harden was declared unavailable.

It’s understood that Giannis desires a trade, reportedly favoring the Knicks. An content Giannis is optimal. Therefore, why not facilitate this (aside from the Knicks’ lack of tradeable draft picks)? Envisioning Giannis at Madison Square Garden would be thrilling. New York appreciates dedication, and Giannis exemplifies it. Teaming him with Jalen Brunson, I believe, would be more successful than his collaboration with Damian Lillard, particularly because Brunson is at the peak of his playing days.

For the Knicks, acquiring him would necessitate parting with a) Karl-Anthony Towns, b) Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, or both, and/or c) sufficient corresponding salary to finalize the agreement, or acquiring enough draft selections from a third party. With Giannis, Brunson, Josh Hart, and the remaining players, I believe they would be competitive. Even if not initially, other players would eventually seek to join them in New York, enhancing their prospects.

My sincere conviction is that Antetokounmpo could propel the Knicks to ultimate success, concluding their fifty-year championship wait, mirroring his achievement in Milwaukee. The energy when New York is performing well is unparalleled in the NBA. Visualize an actual championship victory. Madison Square Garden would erupt in glorious chaos, and Giannis could deservedly establish himself as a legendary figure, having individually guided two distinct organizations to ultimate glory. Such accomplishments evoke comparisons to LeBron.

A year has passed since the Mavericks’ surprising move to send Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in a deal that featured Anthony Davis.

The Lakers hold a 29-19 record, with Dončić averaging 33.6 points, 8.8 assists, and 8 rebounds. For the Mavericks, their fortunes have declined following the trade. Davis

Despite his averages of 20.4 points and 11.1 rebounds, Davis has appeared in just 29 contests since becoming a Maverick. Following their playoff absence last season and a sluggish start this year, the Mavericks dismissed their former president of basketball operations and general manager, Nico Harrison. Harrison had been

A positive aspect for the Mavericks has been the performance of their 2025 first overall pick, Cooper Flagg. In his debut season, Flagg has averaged 19.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. He recently achieved a career-best 49 points in a Thursday game against the Hornets and former Duke colleague Kon Knueppel.

According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, the Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly seeking additional teams to enhance their trade proposals for Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Reports suggest the Timberwolves intend to construct a trade centered on players instead of draft selections. Their previous acquisitions of Rudy Gobert and Rob Dillingham have left them with few future draft assets.

Miami, Golden State, and New York are also mentioned as potential destinations for Antetokounmpo. Should the Timberwolves fail to secure a trade for Antetokounmpo, they are expected to shift their focus to acquiring a guard.

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Tiago Splitter expressed enthusiasm on Sunday after conversing with recent acquisition Vit Krejci, eager to welcome the keen shooter to the team.

Splitter stated that the squad had a strong desire for a marksman such as Krejci, who is converting 42 percent of his long-range attempts this season.

Jordan Poole’s tenure in New Orleans seems to be drawing to a close. Poole has been absent from the starting lineup for the team’s past eight contests and may be traded by the deadline.

Poole, 26, is experiencing an underperforming season, currently averaging 14.5 points per game. His contract has one year left, and he is due approximately $34 million in the upcoming season.

The NBA’s transaction period commenced on December 15th, marking the moment to prepare for potential upheaval. Whether it involves a high-profile player demanding a departure or a supporting talent finding an ideal team, these individuals could significantly impact your fantasy basketball league.

I have categorized my top fantasy teams for the deadline into two groups: players frequently mentioned in trade rumors, and those whose fantasy worth might sharply increase or decrease in the coming weeks.

Player agreements are crucial. Team chemistry is vital. Chances for play are significant. Let’s discuss!

🥇Elite Trade Deadline Fantasy Unit

Giannis Antetokounmpo – Power Forward/Center, Milwaukee Bucks

It’s Giannis; his reputation precedes him. While he hasn’t formally sought a trade (as of now), if the Bucks fail to improve, several teams will undoubtedly aim to acquire the “Greek Freak.” Accommodating his $54 million contract this season will be complex, likely requiring multi-team participation. Regardless of his team, Antetokounmpo ranks among the top five assets in High Score and points leagues, and he’s a player around whom you must strategically construct your roster, considering his attributes and weaknesses, particularly in 9-category leagues.

LaMelo Ball – Point Guard, Charlotte Hornets

His potential has always been clear; the challenge lies in his durability. Kelly Iko, an NBA writer for Yahoo, indicated that Ball would be receptive to a trade. This organization has shown no progress toward playoff contention with Ball leading. LaMelo is tied to a substantial contract until 2029, making him difficult to relocate—however, if Charlotte opts for a significant roster shake-up, this presents a major fantasy impact.

Anthony Davis – Power Forward/Center, Dallas Mavericks

Consistently commanding, yet perpetually susceptible to injury—that defines AD. But this season? Davis appears lacking motivation. He still delivers 20 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks/steals per game. Nonetheless, fantasy team owners have had limited exposure to him, as he has participated in only 11 games to date. The Mavericks remain in contention for the Play-In Tournament, but for how long? With Cooper Flagg now leading the team, and if they aren’t legitimate title contenders, it would be wise to capitalize on his trade value before AD’s performance or physical condition deteriorates further. His present $54 million salary escalates to $62 million in 2027-28 with a player option, which could represent the primary obstacle in trading one of the league’s premier big men, when fit.

Milwaukee Bucks’ standout player Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to be the most sought-after name leading up to the NBA trade cutoff. After years of reluctance, Antetokounmpo reportedly appears prepared to depart the Bucks.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, four potential destinations for Antetokounmpo surfaced this past weekend: the Heat, Timberwolves, Warriors, and Knicks.