NBA rumors

The NBA trade market is entering its decisive phase, with some of the most closely watched franchises finally making their moves. The Timberwolves, Pistons and Bulls have agreed to a three-team trade that sends guard Jaden Ivey and point guard Mike Conley Jr. to Chicago, while sharpshooter Kevin Huerter and forward Dario Šarić head to Detroit.

As part of the deal, the Pistons will also gain the option to swap their first-round pick in the upcoming Draft with Minnesota’s, although details regarding protections have not yet been disclosed.

Chicago is making a low-risk bet on Ivey’s upside, after the young guard averaged 17.6 points and 4 assists per game last season before his injury. Detroit, meanwhile, adds a proven perimeter shooter to its rotation. Šarić is traded once again, with the Pistons’ plans for the veteran forward still unclear.

Minnesota’s motivation is largely financial and strategic: the Wolves free up salary and roster spots as they prepare for a potential all-in push for Giannis Antetokounmpo. President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly has long been known as one of the league’s most aggressive executives on the trade market.

Stay tuned.

Bulls and Pistons have desires met here in a young and veteran guards to Chicago and a sharpshooter goes to Detroit. Minnesota creates significant tax savings and roster space as they pursue a Milwaukee star this week. https://t.co/u9FiTn4wTD

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2026

Reporting says James Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers are working together to find him a new team ahead of the trade deadline, a development described as stunning around the league. The Cleveland Cavaliers have emerged as the most serious suitor.

The leverage point is Harden’s deal: a two-year, $81.5M contract with a 2026-27 mutual option and a partial guarantee that effectively gives him significant control. On SportsCenter, Shams Charania said Harden wants to be somewhere “for multiple years after this year” and that he’s chasing “a championship,” viewing Cleveland as a better path in the East.

Chris Haynes then reported the Clippers and Cavaliers have “ramped up” conversations on a framework involving Harden and Darius Garland, with both sides motivated to execute a deal relatively soon.

Source: ESPN; Chris Haynes

Zach LaVine intends to exercise his $48.9 million player option for next season.
That’s the latest reporting from Sam Amick on the Sacramento Kings situation.

The report adds that LaVine is not expected to be traded by the deadline.
His $47.5M salary this season and next year’s option complicate any immediate deal.

This points to the offseason as the more realistic window for discussions.
Sacramento could then pitch LaVine as a 2026-27 expiring for teams eyeing 2027 flexibility.

Source: The Athletic

The Cleveland Cavaliers have explored trade scenarios involving Jarrett Allen, according to Sam Amick.
The idea is framed as a way to move Allen’s contract and open up larger possibilities.

Cleveland’s second-apron status is cited as a key backdrop in the report.
Within that cap environment, shifting Allen’s money could create room for bigger-picture moves.

Allen’s contract is listed at $90.7 million combined over the next three seasons.
For now, it’s presented as exploratory work rather than a finished deal path.

Source: The Athletic (Sam Amick)

A widely circulated excerpt attributed to Sam Amick says league sources believe Draymond Green and his camp are well aware that being sent to Milwaukee Bucks is a very real possibility.

The mechanics matter: multiple outlets note that if Jimmy Butler isn’t included in a Giannis Antetokounmpo framework, the Warriors still need a major contract to make the money work under league rules — making Green the most straightforward alternative.

That aligns with the separate Friedell report that Golden State has strongly indicated it plans to stick with Butler through a long ACL rehab process, which would naturally push trade construction toward other big-salary veterans.

Source: The Athletic (Sam Amick, Nick Friedell); HoopsRumors; CBS Sports

With three days left before the NBA trade deadline, the market for Giannis Antetokounmpo is picking up: the Milwaukee Bucks have issued counteroffers to teams pushing hard for a deal, per ESPN citing sources relayed by Shams Charania. After years of resisting the idea of moving their two-time MVP, Milwaukee is now said to be actively engaging a handful of teams on a potential franchise-altering trade.

Among the most active suitors mentioned are the Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors and the New York Knicks. Sitting at 18-29 and coming off a fifth straight loss after Sunday’s blowout versus the Boston Celtics, the Bucks are reportedly seeking a young blue-chip talent and/or a surplus of draft picks in return.

ESPN also reports that Giannis Antetokounmpo has told the organization for months he believes it’s time to move on after 12-plus years together. He’s played 30 games this season, averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists on 64% shooting, but is currently sidelined with a right calf injury he estimated at 4–6 weeks, with no official team timeline.

Sources say there have been “preliminary conversations” between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Charlotte Hornets about potential deals for Lonzo Ball.
The idea would be for Charlotte to gain second-round draft capital through the process.

Such a move would also allow the Hornets to pair Lonzo Ball with his younger brother LaMelo Ball, as described in the report.
At this stage, the discussions are framed as exploratory and tied to wider trade constructions.

According to league sources, the Brooklyn Nets and the Utah Jazz are also looking to facilitate multi-team trades or take on “unwanted” salary.
That would come in exchange for draft-pick compensation, with a focus on second-round assets.

The Los Angeles Clippers and James Harden are ‘working’ to see if the parties can reach a solution before Thursday’s NBA deadline. The news was reported on Monday evening based on sources cited by Shams Charania.

Among the teams that have expressed serious interest are the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to ESPN, but according to Marc Stein, the Atlanta Hawks are also in the mix. Harden, 36, can veto any trade because he is only under contract for this season.

The player missed Sunday’s win in Phoenix and Monday’s 128-113 home loss to the Philadelphia 76ers for personal reasons, the Clippers explained. Tyronn Lue said Harden ‘means a lot’ to the franchise and added, ‘Who wouldn’t want James Harden?’

The Chicago Bulls are working on trading Coby White before this week’s NBA deadline.

According to Joel Lorenzi, the franchise is struggling to secure a first-round pick from interested teams.

Per Marc Stein, Dallas are looking into trade options involving D’Angelo Russell after he was removed from the rotation.

The same report adds Dallas do not want to move Naji Marshall or Max Christie — both of whom arrived alongside Anthony Davis — while continuing to evaluate the market around other pieces.

Beyond Russell, Daniel Gafford and Klay Thompson are also mentioned as names Dallas are willing to discuss as they scan potential deadline moves.

Source: The Stein Line

According to Brian Windhorst, the New York Knicks have no plans to aggressively pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo because they’re pleased with their roster.

As Giannis trade chatter swirls around the Milwaukee Bucks star, the Knicks are portrayed as taking a more measured approach rather than forcing a blockbuster move right now.

It’s a snapshot of league intel rather than an official stance, but the takeaway is simple: New York, for the moment, doesn’t want to disrupt what it has.

The Portland Trail Blazers have acquired Vit Krejci from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Duop Reath and two future second-round picks, sources told ESPN.

Portland is also sending Atlanta’s own 2027 second-round pick back to the Hawks, plus a 2030 second-rounder via the New York Knicks, per reports.

Krejci is averaging 9.0 points per game while shooting 42.3% from three, while Reath recently underwent season-ending foot surgery, per the Blazers’ update.

Source: ESPN

According to Shams Charania the Cleveland Cavaliers have traded De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis.

The deal also involves the Chicago Bulls, who acquire Dario Saric along with two future second-round picks. The Croatian forward, on an expiring $5.4 million contract, will be absorbed by Chicago, which waived guard Jevon Carter.

Cleveland moves on from a talented player who was unable to consistently perform at a high level after last season’s strong finish. Head coach Kenny Atkinson adds a reliable option at point guard with the arrival of Schroder, while Ellis is expected to provide a significant boost on the defensive end, particularly on the perimeter.

From a financial standpoint, and according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Cavaliers will save approximately $50 million in combined salary and luxury tax payments, reducing their tax bill from $164 million to $120 million.

Sacramento gains added roster flexibility and will have the option to convert two-way center Dylan Cardwell to a standard NBA contract. The Bulls, meanwhile, collect future assets and take on Saric’s expiring deal, facilitating the completion of the three-team trade. Hunter should see increased usage and opportunities in Sacramento as he looks to rediscover his shooting rhythm.

Chicago’s plans for Saric remain unclear. Having appeared in just 21 games over the past two seasons, a potential buyout cannot be ruled out, which could make Saric an intriguing option on the EuroLeague market.

I Cleveland Cavaliers e i Sacramento Kings hanno discusso un’ipotesi di trade che manderebbe l’ala De’Andre Hunter in California in cambio di Keon Ellis, Dennis Schroder e Dario Saric, secondo quanto riportato da Michael Scotto di HoopsHype.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Sacramento Kings have discussed a potential trade that would send forward De’Andre Hunter to California in exchange for Keon Ellis, Dennis Schroder and Dario Saric, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.

A third team could be involved in the deal to take on Saric’s expiring contract, with a future second-round pick potentially included as compensation.

Cleveland has also explored Hunter trade scenarios with the Los Angeles Lakers, who reportedly offered Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht in return. In that case as well, the involvement of a third team would likely be necessary to make the finances work.

Hunter is averaging 14 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, though he is posting career-low shooting percentages from the field and from three-point range.

The Virginia product is under contract through 2027, with $24.9 million owed for next season.

As the Giannis rumor mill keeps spinning, Chris Fedor is cited as indicating that Mobley — the reigning Defensive Player of the Year — is the type of centerpiece that would immediately command Milwaukee’s attention.
Brian Windhorst echoed the idea on Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective, framing Mobley as the natural foundation of a Cavaliers offer.

However, Cleveland has shown no appetite for a drastic in-season roster reset, with blockbuster swings typically reserved for the offseason once teams can re-balance the full roster picture.
With the Feb. 5, 2026 deadline looming and Giannis’ situation still fluid, the chatter remains more “theoretical framework” than imminent action.

ESPN / Hoops Rumors / Reuters

With the deadline chatter peaking, Popper reports that hearing Towns’ name in trade talks has “come at a cost,” adding that feelings are hurt, egos are bruised, and “maybe trust is gone.”

The story frames it as more than basketball: repeated speculation can strain relationships inside an organization, even when nothing concrete is imminent.

Around the league, reporting remains mixed on how real the situation is, with NBC Sports noting conflicting signals from different plugged-in sources about Towns’ actual availability.

Source: Newsday

The Golden State Warriors are reportedly willing to give up “a whole lot” to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, with Stephen Curry viewed as the roster’s only true untouchable. That’s the picture painted by Monte Poole in a report for NBC Sports Bay Area.

Poole’s piece emphasizes the Milwaukee Bucks hold the leverage and that any deal would require an enormous return — the kind of package that reshapes a roster. Separate reporting has also placed Golden State among the “serious” suitors in the Giannis sweepstakes.

The takeaway: if there’s a realistic path to pairing Giannis with Curry, the Warriors are prepared to push hard — even if it means parting with significant assets, as long as Curry remains untouched.

Source: NBC Sports Bay Area

Joel Embiid speaks out on the Philadelphia 76ers’ trade market. And the request is for interventionism.

“In the past we’ve been ducking the luxury tax, so hopefully we think about improving, because I believe we have a chance.”

According to Howard Beck, Giannis Antetokounmpo has been monitoring the Los Angeles Lakers as a potential destination if a trade scenario develops, alongside other teams often mentioned in the rumor mill around the Milwaukee Bucks star.

Beck stressed the main obstacle is the Lakers’ current trade package, suggesting the picture could shift in the summer with more draft flexibility and clearer answers on LeBron James and Austin Reaves (a free agent).

The report also reiterates Milwaukee’s stance: the Bucks would be looking for blue-chip young talent and/or a surplus of draft picks, with no rush to move and a focus on maximizing value for their franchise cornerstone.

It’s rare for a player of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s caliber to become available. This is one of those situations where every NBA decision-maker picks up the phone to understand what kind of investment would be required to land such a superstar.

An NBA general manager described the Milwaukee Bucks’ demands to Jake Fischer in blunt terms: “They’re asking for the moon…All of your young players and all of your draft picks.”

Among the teams recently linked to Antetokounmpo, the Golden State Warriors appear to be the only one with the assets to put together such a massive offer. Golden State could go as far as four future first-round picks plus three pick swaps, with Milwaukee native Brandin Podziemski among the players included in the package.

An ESPN report published in the last few hours identified the Greek superstar as the Warriors’ primary trade target. According to the article, Golden State has already informed Milwaukee of its willingness to submit a significant offer.

It remains unclear, however, whether the Warriors are prepared to put every available draft asset on the table. As of now, they should be viewed as the frontrunners in the race for Antetokounmpo—especially if The Greek Freak were to be moved before the trade deadline.

Appearing on ESPN, Shams Charania reported that the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks are viewed as the strongest suitors in the ongoing Giannis Antetokounmpo trade conversations.

On the Warriors side, the framework would revolve around stacking players plus draft capital — with the concept of sweetening the offer via a Jimmy Butler-centered angle also being mentioned in the broader discussion.

Miami’s flexibility is described as more complicated from an asset standpoint, while Minnesota and New York face salary-cap mechanics that could require a third team to facilitate any deal for Antetokounmpo.

Source: ESPN (Shams Charania)

According to Marc Stein, the New Orleans Pelicans have no intention of selling low on Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III, two of the wings who have generated the most interest in recent weeks on the NBA trade market.

The reporter notes that the Pelicans would only consider moving either player for an offer comparable to the one the Orlando Magic used to persuade the Memphis Grizzlies to part with Desmond Bane — namely four future first-round picks plus the option to swap an additional first-rounder.

That asking price currently appears well above market value, despite the unquestioned quality of both players.

Murphy III is averaging 21.9 points, 6 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.6 steals per game, while Jones — best known for his elite defensive versatility — is posting 9.1 points, 2.5 assists and 1.6 steals per contest.

According to the report, the Toronto Raptors’ most likely deadline direction is moving below the luxury tax.
The focus would be payroll trimming while keeping flexibility for the next steps.

In parallel, Toronto is said to be looking to add center depth to the roster.
Names mentioned as options include Daniel Gafford, Goga Bitadze, and Day’Ron Sharpe.

The picture painted is of a team browsing the market rather than forcing a splashy move.
A quiet deadline is possible, but Toronto is clearly window shopping.

TSN

The Detroit Pistons are at least listening on Jaden Ivey, according to the report.
The threshold is high: it would take a “substantial upgrade” for Detroit to seriously consider a deal.

Detroit is described as hunting wing help, with recent chatter connecting them to Herb Jones.
The broader idea is perimeter improvement rather than a minor reshuffle.

Ivey, the No. 5 pick in 2022, is averaging a career-low 17.0 minutes per game in 29 appearances.
He’s also approaching restricted free agency, a factor shaping Detroit’s overall stance.

Hoops Wire

The Lakers may like Jonathan Kuminga, but the feeling is reportedly not mutual from Golden State.
The Warriors have allegedly made it clear Los Angeles doesn’t have the kind of players they want back.

As described, there has been no concrete progress: no formal offer and no meaningful dialogue.
Even dangling the Lakers’ lone tradable first-round pick wouldn’t change Golden State’s stance.

Golden State would instead look to use Kuminga’s salary to chase a wing upgrade elsewhere.
Kuminga is currently sidelined with a left knee bone bruise, with no firm timetable but not seen as long-term.

Hoops Wire

The Washington Wizards are signing center Skal Labissiere to a 10-day contract out of their Capital City affiliate.
The move was reported by ESPN, via agent Daniel Hazan.

Labissiere is entering his sixth NBA season after being a 2016 first-round pick.
He has shot 55% from the field and 44% from three in the G League.

The signing gives Washington immediate frontcourt depth on a short-term look.
Labissiere now gets a chance to earn a longer stay with his next stretch of minutes.

Behind the scenes, Knicks officials have attempted to downplay the idea of trading Karl-Anthony Towns during the season. The intent has been to prevent January difficulties from fueling immediate trade narratives.

Still, some rival teams continue to believe Towns is in play to some extent. Or that New York, at minimum, has been trying to get a clearer read on his trade market.

The takeaway is not a confirmed move, but exploratory work to understand value and options. A way for the Knicks to test the landscape around Karl-Anthony Towns without committing.

Source: The Stein Line

Per Sam Amico, the New York Knicks will be linked “loudly” to Giannis Antetokounmpo rumors if he ever becomes available, yet the practical hurdles are significant. The piece references Bobby Marks’ outline of what a Bucks reset might look like and which teams can truly bid.

The biggest issue is draft capital: Marks notes New York’s only non-swap first is a top-eight protected 2026 pick, likely to remain with Washington. Financially, the Knicks sit over the first apron, meaning they can’t take back more salary than they send out.

That shifts any real pursuit toward player-heavy constructions instead of pick-centric offers. One theoretical route mentioned is Karl-Anthony Towns as the outgoing star, or a package built around OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges (trade-eligible Feb. 1) — but it still leaves New York entering a bidding war short on chips.

Charles Bassey is returning to the Philadelphia 76ers on a 10-day contract, according to a report by Shams Charania.

After a brief stint with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he appeared in two games, the big man moved to the G League with the Santa Cruz Warriors, averaging 18.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game.

By reaching the limit of 15 standard contracts, Philadelphia will be able to continue using its two Two-Way players, Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker. It is widely expected that at least one of the two will be signed to a standard NBA contract after the trade deadline.