Six biggest trade possibilities to watch before the NBA deadline

With the NBA trade deadline approaching, league executives are doing what they always do this time of year: whispering. 

Not loudly. Not publicly. Just enough to test the temperature of desperation. Contenders want one more piece. Franchises stuck in the middle want an exit ramp. And once in a while, a name that never belongs on a trade board suddenly does. This year feels like one of those times.

Here are the six biggest trade possibilities to watch and the two best landing spots for each player.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

You don’t trade Giannis Antetokounmpo unless the relationship with the front office is broken beyond repair. Giannis has signaled his love of big markets. However, recent reporting suggests that negotiations could be opened to all teams. 

New York Knicks: Giannis at the Garden would change basketball with two of the top-10 players in the NBA on the same team. The Knicks don’t have the draft capital after the Mikal Bridges trade and would need to give up multiple starters.

Golden State Warriors: A wild swing, but pairing Giannis with Stephen Curry’s gravity would be the legacy extension both Curry and Golden State are desperate for. Besides Jonathan Kuminga, who else would the Bucks be interested in? Brandin Podziemski doesn’t move the needle like he did this summer. 

Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers

Garland’s talent is undeniable, but Cleveland’s long-term questions remain rooted in roster balance rather than ability. With Donovan Mitchell commanding the ball late and Evan Mobley still developing offensively, Garland’s strengths are sometimes muted. 

Orlando Magic: Orlando’s young core has size, defense and positional versatility, but it lacks an organizer who can consistently space defenses. His pull-up shooting would punish drop coverage, while his passing would accelerate a team that often stalls into a structured, repeatable offense.

Sacramento Kings: Garland’s shooting off the ball would open space for Domantas Sabonis at the elbows while allowing Keegan Murray to stay aggressive downhill. The Kings offense thrives on pace and read-and-react actions, which fit Garland’s strengths.

Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta’s offense revolves around Young’s usage, yet the roster has struggled to scale defensively and competitively around him. Young’s future increasingly feels tied to whether another organization can better insulate his weaknesses while maximizing his elite scoring and passing.

Los Angeles Lakers: The Lakers remain dependent on half-court creation from Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, especially as LeBron James ages. Young’s shooting range would stretch defenses far beyond the arc, opening driving lanes and reducing late-clock pressure. 

Brooklyn Nets: Brooklyn has young wings, defenders and financial flexibility, but no closer. Young would instantly become the offensive engine, putting fans in the seats. His pick-and-roll game would simplify late possessions, and the Nets’ switchable defenders could help offset his limitations.

Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans

Zion Williamson remains one of the league’s most devastating interior scorers, yet availability continues to define his career the most. New Orleans has tried to build depth and optionality around him. It's mostly been a failing attempt. 

Chicago Bulls: Chicago lacks a true centerpiece. Williamson would instantly become that, giving the Bulls rim pressure they have not had since Derrick Rose. 

Miami Heat: Miami’s offense often struggles to generate easy points, particularly when the jump shots aren’t falling. Williamson’s ability to collapse defenses would address that immediately. Their conditioning culture and defensive structure offer a controlled setting that he has always needed.

Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings

Sabonis represents a rare combination of floor-raising impact and offensive coherence. His tenure in Sacramento has had highs and lows, but it was never able to build off its "light the beam" ascension to become a real playoff threat. 

Toronto Raptors: Toronto has gathered a cache of forwards but no 1A. Sabonis would anchor the half-court with screening, passing and interior scoring, giving the Raptors an organizing presence that allows their wings to be off-ball cutters. 

New Orleans Pelicans: Sabonis would provide New Orleans with the best starting center since Anthony Davis. Obviously, his passing from the elbows would elevate cutters and shooters, particularly Trey Murphy III, while offering floor-raising ability for youngbloods Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears.

Coby White, Chicago Bulls

Coby White's growth as a shooter and decision-maker has outpaced Chicago’s timeline. White now profiles as a player who can scale up or down depending on context, making him especially valuable to teams with established stars.

Denver Nuggets: White’s shooting off the catch and on the move would be amplified by Nikola Jokic’s passing, giving the Nuggets a guard who can punish defensive rotations without needing the ball. 

Dallas Mavericks: White’s movement shooting and willingness to attack closeouts would punish defenses that overload the ball.