NBA trade deadline: Current insights and teams to monitor in the last 48 hours

With slightly more than 48 hours remaining until the NBA trade deadline (Thursday, 3 p.m. ET), significant transactions have been mostly absent.

Indeed, the Atlanta Hawks traded All-Star guard Trae Young a month ago, but the only other trades this season occurred over the weekend, when the Sacramento Kings and Cleveland Cavaliers exchanged De’Andre Hunter and Keon Ellis, and the Hawks made another move, sending Vit Krejci to the Portland Trail Blazers. (This is a notable difference compared to the flurry of activity seen in the early days of February 2025.)

However, the situation is beginning to intensify.

On Monday night, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that James Harden and the LA Clippers are negotiating a trade to send the 11-time All-Star to a different team. Meanwhile, will the Milwaukee Bucks identify a suitable trade partner for Giannis Antetokounmpo before the deadline? If they do, it could trigger a series of moves from teams that have been previously inactive.

What about Anthony Davis of the Dallas Mavericks and Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies? What actions might the Kings or Cavaliers take following Saturday’s trade? Could a surprising superstar trade emerge?

Here’s a summary of what has transpired thus far, what may unfold in the coming days, and the implications for the remainder of this season and beyond.

So, what’s the situation with James Harden?

Bontemps: Charania has indicated that the Cavaliers are the team most keen on acquiring Harden. For Cleveland to pursue this, given that they are the NBA’s only team over the second apron, the most feasible structure of a deal would involve the Cavs trading their own All-Star point guard, Darius Garland. While the potential exchange of two All-Star point guards is significant, this deal centers around another All-Star: Donovan Mitchell.

The Cavaliers are aware they face a crucial decision this summer, as Mitchell can become a free agent in the 2027 offseason. If the Cavaliers again exit in the first or second round — a pattern Mitchell has followed in each of his first eight seasons — will he be inclined to sign another extension in Cleveland? That seems improbable. The Cavaliers are acutely aware of this reality, having already executed one trade and showing clear interest in making additional moves before Thursday afternoon.

Windhorst: Harden was absent from Intuit Dome Monday night, missing his second consecutive game due to what the team described as personal reasons. It was not a secret on the court that he may have played his final game for the Clippers. Players from both the Clippers and the Philadelphia 76ers discussed the situation before the game and even entertained the idea of him ending up in Cleveland prior to tip-off. With several Clippers players sporting Harden’s signature shoes (which is typical), LA fell behind 16-2 at the start, appearing lackluster. While it was the second night of a back-to-back, which can happen, Harden’s time in LA has been characterized by him leading the team through challenging moments, and it felt as though the team was reflecting their awareness of the ongoing situation.

Regarding the potential trade, whether Harden moves to Cleveland or another destination, his unique contract plays a role. He possesses the ability to veto any trade, necessitating collaboration with him from the Clippers. Next season includes a player option at $42 million, but it operates like a mutual option since only $13 million of it is guaranteed. Harden has requested trades three times previously in his career, and on each occasion — in Houston, Brooklyn, and Philadelphia — he has successfully secured one. He understands how to navigate the system, and either ensuring that option is fully guaranteed or negotiating a new contract could be integral to the discussions.

Bontemps: Notably, a significant beneficiary of this potential trade could be the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Clippers have been among the NBA’s most successful teams in recent months, boasting a 17-5 record in their last 22 games following Monday night’s loss to the 76ers. It is challenging to envision LA maintaining that level of performance by replacing Harden with Garland, who has struggled with foot issues for most of the past year. Oklahoma City, of course, holds the Clippers’ unprotected first-round pick — a remnant of the Paul George trade that continues to yield benefits.

Windhorst: The prospect of this trade has raised concerns among league executives about its potential awkwardness for both teams. While Harden is enjoying a strong season, his timeline does not align with the rest of the Cavaliers’ roster. Garland is currently dealing with issues affecting both big toes, and while sources indicate he is making progress after missing the last two weeks due to a right toe sprain and could return soon, there are concerns regarding the possibility of longer-term complications. The Clippers had won 17 of 21 games before Monday night, significantly revamping their season. Harden’s potential departure now, along with its possible impact on the Clippers’ trajectory, certainly won’t enhance his reputation.

play1:36How could a Giannis-to-Warriors trade work?

Bobby Marks utilizes the NBA Trade Machine to analyze how the Warriors and Bucks could align on a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo.

What is the latest regarding Giannis?

Windhorst: Only the Bucks possess the complete picture. It is conceivable that general manager Jon Horst and Milwaukee’s front office have a foundational offer they are considering, which could escalate. However, rival teams believe it is more prudent to wait until summer. The potential substantial offer from Golden State, which could provide the Bucks with up to four first-round picks, is likely to remain available in June.

In the meantime, the Bucks can hold off until they ascertain the exact positioning of their pick and all first-round selections. Additionally, various potential suitors, such as the Miami Heat, could present a more attractive package of picks once the league year transitions.

Bontemps: One executive from the Western Conference mentioned that “Everyone is preparing for this to happen in the summer.”

Another element that could influence offseason discussions regarding Giannis is the forthcoming playoffs — which could be quite unpredictable. Teams that are eliminated and perceive themselves as “one star away” might reach out, and Milwaukee could be well-positioned to capitalize. As another seasoned executive often states, “Disappointment leads to action.”

By postponing until summer and observing developments, the Bucks enhance their chances of leveraging their position most effectively. While it may be difficult to replicate the success of the Thunder’s Paul George trade in 2019 — which general manager Sam Presti anticipated would lead to the Clippers acquiring Kawhi Leonard — it resulted in a wealth of assets that continues to benefit OKC.

Milwaukee currently finds itself in a significant deficit regarding assets, but a trade involving Antetokounmpo could swiftly alter that.

Is AD now off the trade market?

Bontemps: With Davis out due to a hand injury, the prevailing sentiment around the league for weeks has been that the trade deadline will pass without any movement. Davis has also expressed his desire to remain in Dallas. So why does this topic persist?

Windhorst: This largely hinges on what Dallas is willing to accept in return. In preliminary discussions with teams, the Mavericks sought a premium, including multiple first-round picks or a top player, according to sources — standard practice when placing a star on the market. Additionally, Davis is eyeing an extension this summer, and there have been no interested parties.

If Dallas opts to lower its demands by accepting expiring contracts and perhaps one valuable asset, the likelihood of an AD trade increases. This scenario is likely to unfold late Wednesday or early Thursday. The Mavericks could also choose to wait, as there is no longer any urgency regarding this season.

Bontemps: Rival teams anticipate that the Mavericks will seek other moves to reduce expenses. Veterans such as Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, and D’Angelo Russell could all find new destinations this week, and any expiring contracts received would enable the Mavericks to reset their financials for the next season, diminishing the necessity to trade Davis now to avoid a substantial luxury tax bill next year. Owner Patrick Dumont can then determine how to structure his front office — currently managed by co-interim GMs Matt Riccardi and Michael Finley — and allow them to decide the future for Davis, Kyrie Irving, and the rest of the roster surrounding 19-year-old Cooper Flagg.

What will Giannis suitors do if he isn’t traded?

Windhorst: The Warriors have limited time remaining with the Stephen Curry era and have greater motivation to acquire Antetokounmpo now for a playoff push rather than waiting until summer. This is why they are believed to be quite proactive. Golden State must also navigate the sensitive issue of not upsetting players who might be included in the trade, which has already become a topic of discussion.

Bontemps: Miami has been conserving cap space for 2027, and it seems unlikely the Heat will deviate from that strategy unless they can secure Antetokounmpo. The New York Knicks are so constrained in draft assets that they lack significant flexibility. If they are unable to finalize an Antetokounmpo deal, it is improbable they will make any substantial moves beyond minor adjustments (such as parting ways with Guerschon Yabusele, for instance).

If Minnesota cannot acquire Antetokounmpo, could the Timberwolves discover their future point guard? The franchise has been on the lookout for Mike Conley’s long-term successor for years without success, including drafting Rob Dillingham two years ago in a move that has not yielded results. Perhaps they will finally find one this week.

play1:07Charles Barkley rips the Cavs-Kings trade

Charles Barkley discusses why the trade between the Cavaliers and Kings involving DeAndre Hunter, Keon Ellis, and Dennis Schroder lacks logic for both teams.

What else are you monitoring this week?

Bontemps: In my view, the most intriguing team in the coming days is Cleveland. Why? Donovan Mitchell has one year remaining on his contract before he can enter free agency in the summer of 2027. If the Cavaliers fail to make a significant playoff run this spring, and Mitchell once again exits in the first or second round — as he has in each of his first eight NBA seasons — will he be inclined to commit to another extension in Cleveland? That appears unlikely. The Cavaliers are also acutely aware of this, but can they take any action?

Windhorst: Based on my discussions around the league, the Timberwolves could be quite active. Similar to the Cavaliers, the Wolves are invested in a seasoned team operating under considerable expectations. They have had their moments this season, including two victories over the Oklahoma City Thunder, but the Wolves generally prefer to be positioned higher in the standings. As a remnant of the trades that constructed this roster, Minnesota has limited draft assets, which means trade discussions have been player-driven. The Wolves have been exploring backcourt options in addition to attempting to engage in Antetokounmpo discussions.

Bontemps: Other teams I am observing this week include Memphis, Boston, Toronto, and Indiana.

The Grizzlies have made Morant available for several weeks, but sources have expressed skepticism regarding general manager Zach Kleiman’s ability to secure a deal. Those same sources are more curious about whether Jaren Jackson Jr. could find a new team this week, although the cost to extract him from Memphis is believed to be quite steep.

The Celtics have been anticipated to seek center assistance all season, particularly if their revamped roster secures a playoff position. Boston is ahead of schedule, currently tied with the Knicks for second in the East, allowing the front office to potentially combine a deadline move with the anticipated return of Jayson Tatum from a torn Achilles this season. Guard Anfernee Simons would likely be traded in such a deal, which could also enable Boston to avoid the luxury tax, depending on how the trade is structured.

The Raptors have been associated with prominent names throughout this trade cycle and continue to perform well this season. One name several sources have linked to the Raptors is Kings big man Domantas Sabonis. The Kings, facing the luxury tax for next season after Saturday’s Hunter trade, will need to reduce some salary. Toronto, meanwhile, would also be looking to avoid the tax in such a transaction.

The Pacers, without the injured Tyrese Haliburton, find themselves near the bottom of the standings and are likely to secure a high lottery pick in the competitive 2026 draft this year as a result. However, for weeks, rival teams have identified Indiana as a candidate for “pre-agency,” seeking to add talent now to help restore its elite status when Haliburton returns in 2026-27. The Pacers continue to search for a long-term solution at center after free agent Myles Turner departed for Milwaukee last summer. Additionally, with Bennedict Mathurin heading into restricted free agency this offseason, sources expect he could be traded to either acquire center assistance or to find a more affordable long-term wing option.