NBA’s Upcoming Player Moves
We’re on the cusp of a new wave of movements in the NBA.
LeBron James’ extended free agency has seemingly held up other potential trades while he determines his next destination. Now that he’s rumored to be heading to the Philadelphia 76ers, the league may finally pick up pace with new trades. Players like Jalen Duren and Peyton Watson, who are restricted free agents, will soon have clearer paths ahead, and there are still numerous trade targets before the roster is locked in for the 2026-27 season.
Training camps are set to start at the end of September. In recent years, we’ve seen a trend of last-minute trades, with high-profile players like Damian Lillard moving to the Milwaukee Bucks and the Timberwolves shipping Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks. With many teams in both the Eastern and Western Conferences holding strong aspirations of contending, we could witness a bustling trade deadline during the regular season. Here are some key players who might be on the trade block over the coming year.
Kevin Durant, F, Houston Rockets
Durant had an eventful first year in Houston, marred by a peculiar Twitter scandal and a playoff exit against the Lakers. He averaged an impressive 26 points per game on shooting over 64%. Now nearly 38, he’s under contract for this season and the next. If things fall into place, the Rockets could turn out well this year, especially with Fred VanVleet back from injury and other young talents like Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. waiting for their moment. Yet, the competition in the West is fierce, and should the Rockets falter, someone—whether it’s Sengun or coach Ime Udoka—will likely be held accountable. At this stage in his career, Durant has been known to change teams frequently, so it’s entirely possible he moves again next year.
Kyrie Irving, G, Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks are looking to utilize Kyrie Irving’s skills to ease the burden on young talent Cooper Flagg this season. However, it’s unclear how long this setup will last since Dallas might be facing another challenging period ahead. They’ll need to funnel everything towards 19-year-old Flagg, but they don’t have their own first-round pick until 2031 thanks to a trade centered on Luka Doncic. With new leadership in place, make way for more changes. If Irving bounces back well from his ACL injury, he may attract several interested teams. At 34, he’s not exactly in line with Flagg’s timeline, and the Mavs might need to prioritize assets for the future to develop around their young player.
Anthony Davis, C/F, Washington Wizards
Davis is eligible for an extension soon, placing significant pressure on the Wizards. His agent is likely pushing for a lucrative deal, but given Davis’ injury history and age, that’s a risky proposition. While the Wizards have previously handed out a max contract to Trae Young, if things don’t pan out for Davis in Washington, a trade to a more competitive team might not be far off. If all goes well, the Wizards could perform decently, but given the depth of the East, they might still end up with a lottery pick. A strong start could open lucrative trade talks for him.
James Harden, G, Cleveland Cavaliers
As of now, Harden remains a free agent, though a return to the Cavaliers seems likely. The guard previously helped the team reach the Conference Finals, but with other Eastern teams strengthening, there’s an air of uncertainty. Donovan Mitchell is secured for the long haul, but Harden, nearing 37, could find himself in a less secure position if the Cavs falter this season. His shooting and playmaking are valuable, and if the team struggles, they might consider trading him before reevaluating offers for teammates like Evan Mobley.
Tyler Herro, G, Milwaukee Bucks
Herro is entering the final year of his contract with a team that’s just beginning a lengthy rebuild. The Bucks have other guards vying for positions, indicating Herro could very well be traded. His next contract may pose challenges, yet he remains a capable scorer. At 27, he’s in his prime and could benefit from playing alongside teammates who are genuinely building for the future. The Bucks should act swiftly to facilitate a potential trade, allowing Herro to transition to a more promising situation.
Zion Williamson, F, New Orleans Pelicans
Williamson’s expensive contract remains unguaranteed until 2027-28, providing the Pelicans with flexibility moving forward. This season is crucial to see how he meshes with last year’s lottery picks. The pairing of Williamson with other young talents may seem mismatched, which raises questions about the Pelicans’ overall direction. Despite having potential, past injuries have affected this team significantly. With a new coach implementing a more defensive strategy, it’s uncertain how well Williamson will adapt. While the management seems to value him, the ongoing uncertainty might suggest a looming change.
Michael Porter Jr., F, Brooklyn Nets
Porter Jr. enjoyed a breakout season at 27, which is fortunate as he approaches the final year of his contract. The Nets face a dilemma over whether to extend him; his health is a concern, but if he enters the trade market, teams will be interested in his sharpshooting. If Brooklyn hesitates to offer an extension, they might need to move him rather than risk losing him for nothing. As the Nets may struggle this season, they have some solid assets in Porter Jr. and others in place, and it would be shame if they don’t find a way to capitalize on this situation.
