Anshari Taslim
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is bracing for a highly active 2026 offseason trade market, fueled by a competitive landscape that has seen unprecedented parity in recent years. This comes in stark contrast to the dominant era of the Golden State Warriors, a period that reshaped strategic thinking across the league. When the Warriors integrated Kevin Durant into their 73-win roster in 2016, a prevailing sentiment suggested that other franchises should defer their championship aspirations, allowing Golden State to secure its inevitable titles before becoming vulnerable. However, many of the league’s top general managers opted for immediate action rather than patience.
Daryl Morey, then-General Manager of the Houston Rockets, articulated this aggressive stance to ESPN in June 2017, stating, "They are not unbeatable. There have been bigger upsets in sports history. We are going to keep improving our roster." Similarly, Danny Ainge, then-General Manager of the Boston Celtics, who had experienced the fragility of seemingly unbeatable teams as a player on the 67-win 1986 Boston Celtics, echoed this sentiment. "Something can happen that nobody foresees," Ainge told ESPN. "I don’t look at it as doom and gloom right now."
Their foresight proved accurate. Morey’s Rockets acquired Chris Paul, subsequently pushing the Warriors to the absolute limit in a memorable playoff series. The Celtics, under Ainge, signed Gordon Hayward in 2017 and traded for Kyrie Irving in 2018. While Boston’s championship aspirations were ultimately derailed by injuries and internal locker room dynamics, Vegas oddsmakers had pegged the Celtics as Golden State’s primary preseason threat for the 2018-19 season. Ultimately, it was the Toronto Raptors, after acquiring Kawhi Leonard, who dethroned the Warriors in the 2019 NBA Finals. This victory marked the beginning of an unparalleled stretch of competitive balance, with seven different champions emerging over the subsequent seven seasons, a streak that now extends to eight champions in eight years.
Today, the league faces a new paradigm, not of a single juggernaut, but of two ascendant forces: the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs. These organizations are widely regarded as the most talented, asset-rich, and youngest teams in the league. Despite San Antonio’s recent Finals loss to the New York Knicks, the collective strength of these two franchises has led to widespread speculation about the inevitability of dual dynasties.
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Yet, as history demonstrates, such scenarios are rarely straightforward. The other 28 teams are expected to fiercely contest this perceived inevitability, setting the stage for an intense "arms race" reminiscent of Morey’s 2017 declaration. "We are used to long odds," Morey stated, "If Golden State makes the odds longer, we might up our risk profile and get even more aggressive." This philosophy is anticipated to define the 2026 offseason.
Following the conclusion of the playoffs, attention now shifts to the trade market. The following list identifies the top 50 trade candidates for the summer of 2026. It is crucial to note that these are not necessarily the 50 players most likely to be traded, but rather those whose potential movement would significantly influence the market, offer substantial improvements to acquiring teams, or serve as essential outgoing pieces for teams seeking to retool. These players, categorized into nine tiers and listed by salary, are central to the impending offseason discussions.
Tier 1: Defining Stars of the Offseason
The top echelon of trade candidates features players whose decisions could fundamentally alter the league’s competitive balance.
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks), $58,456,566: The two-time MVP and 2021 NBA champion is extension-eligible in October 2026. The Milwaukee Bucks have reportedly issued an ultimatum: Antetokounmpo must either commit to an extension or be traded this offseason. Should he not signal a willingness to extend promptly, the Bucks are reportedly keen to finalize a trade before the draft, allowing them to utilize acquired picks for a post-Antetokounmpo rebuild. His departure would represent a seismic shift in the Eastern Conference.
2. Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics), $57,078,728: Despite leading the Celtics to a 56-win season, the team suffered a disappointing first-round exit, blowing a 3-1 lead, which suggested a significant gap to true contention. Brown, a multi-time All-Star and a cornerstone of the Celtics’ recent success, represents Boston’s primary asset for a major roster upgrade. Recent reports of "odd Twitch streams" from the player have fueled speculation about potential discord. A trade involving Brown would likely target another All-Star with a complementary skill set or a substantial package of future assets. He is currently under a supermax extension.
3. Kawhi Leonard (Los Angeles Clippers), $50,300,000: Regardless of the outcome of the ongoing Aspiration investigation, the partnership between Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers appears to have reached its logical conclusion. Following the trades of James Harden and Ivica Zubac for youth and financial flexibility, moving Leonard after a relatively healthy and productive season is seen as a strategic imperative. With only one year remaining on his contract, Leonard, a two-time NBA champion and Defensive Player of the Year, holds significant leverage in determining his next destination.
4. Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers), $50,105,628: Mitchell, who recently reached his first conference finals, experienced a noncompetitive loss to the New York Knicks, highlighting the Cleveland Cavaliers’ perceived distance from championship contention. Mitchell, a dynamic scorer and multiple-time All-Star, is eligible for free agency in 2027, placing him in an "extend or trade" situation this offseason. Cleveland’s acquisition of James Harden, in part to appease Mitchell, underscores their commitment. While Mitchell has publicly expressed a desire to remain, private intentions can diverge. The Cavaliers’ thorough embarrassment against the Knicks could prompt a reevaluation of their strategic path.
Tier 2: Only for Giannis
This tier comprises high-value players whose teams might consider moving them specifically to acquire a generational talent like Giannis Antetokounmpo.
5. Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers), $50,105,628: Mobley is recognized as one of the league’s premier supporting players, known for his elite defense and underrated passing. His improved 3-point shooting during the playoffs addressed a previous weakness. However, he has yet to develop into the alpha superstar the Cavaliers initially envisioned. Mobley represents Cleveland’s most realistic path to acquiring a player of Antetokounmpo’s caliber, given his youth, defensive prowess, and high upside.
6. Jaden McDaniels (Minnesota Timberwolves), $26,200,000: McDaniels emerged as a breakout performer during the recent postseason, showcasing his value as a young, cost-effective two-way wing who aligns with Anthony Edwards’ timeline. Timberwolves General Manager Tim Connelly, known for his aggressive pursuit of star talent, previously attempted to acquire Antetokounmpo in February. Any renewed hope for a Giannis trade from Minnesota would almost certainly involve McDaniels, despite the organization’s high regard for his development.
7. Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic), $41,250,000: The positional fit between Banchero and Franz Wagner has been a point of contention, particularly given their inconsistent shooting. Lineup data has often favored Wagner-led units. The Orlando Magic’s recent hiring of Sean Sweeney as head coach, an assistant in Milwaukee during Antetokounmpo’s early career with whom he was reportedly close, adds an intriguing layer. Furthermore, Magic top decision-makers John Hammond and Jeff Weltman were both with the Bucks when Antetokounmpo was drafted in 2013. These connections suggest a potential pathway for Orlando to pursue Antetokounmpo if they believe he is the missing piece for contention.
Tier 3: Who Wants to Roll the Dice?
Players in this tier possess significant talent but come with notable concerns, primarily related to injury history or contract value, making them high-risk, high-reward propositions.
8. Anthony Davis (Washington Wizards), $58,456,566: The Washington Wizards acquired Davis in February, but his public statements regarding the situation have reportedly lacked enthusiasm. With the Wizards now holding the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft, their reliance on a veteran star like Davis to carry the team next season has diminished. Davis, a multiple-time All-NBA and All-Defensive selection, is known to desire playing for a win-now team. However, his substantial contract and persistent injury history present significant hurdles for potential suitors.
9. Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans), $42,166,510: Williamson concluded the past season with a remarkably healthy campaign, a welcome development after years marred by injuries. However, the New Orleans Pelicans’ rookie Derik Queen, a recent high draft pick, occupies a very similar role on the roster. While the Pelicans have expressed a desire to retain Williamson, his injury history and the emergence of Queen could make them amenable to a compelling offer. Williamson’s explosive talent, when available, remains undeniable.
10. Kyrie Irving (Dallas Mavericks), $39,491,282: At 34 years old, expensive, and recovering from a torn ACL, Irving presents a complex trade profile. Yet, his unparalleled ability to create a playoff bucket makes him an attractive target for contending teams. With the Dallas Mavericks reportedly shifting towards a "Cooper Flagg timeline" and lacking several future draft picks, moving Irving to a win-now team could provide valuable assets for their rebuild.
11. Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies), $42,166,510: The Memphis Grizzlies initiated a rebuild by trading Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. within the last year and have reportedly explored moving Morant. However, a combination of his injury history, substantial salary, past off-court behavior, defensive vulnerabilities, and limitations as a shooter have complicated any potential deal. While some teams might be tempted by his previous star-level rim pressure, the underlying statistics do not strongly support a resurgence. A change of scenery, however, could be seen as a last resort to reignite his career.
12. Jalen Suggs (Orlando Magic), $32,400,000: The Magic face an impending financial crunch, nearing the second apron for next season, with Anthony Black’s rookie extension on the horizon. Suggs is recognized as one of the NBA’s elite defenders. However, he has played more than 60 games or shot above 34% from 3-point range only once in his career. Despite his high cost, his contract’s descending annual value could appeal to teams willing to invest in his health and offensive consistency.
Tier 4: Take This Contract, Please?
This tier includes established, often aging stars who remain productive but carry burdensome, long-term contracts, making their teams potentially eager to move them, even if it requires attaching assets.
13. Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers), $57,985,752: Embiid’s recent playoff performance epitomized his career dilemma: he missed the first three games of the Boston series, returned spectacularly for games four through six, only to suffer another injury against the Knicks, diminishing his effectiveness. While still capable of All-NBA play, he has three supermax years remaining on his contract. The Philadelphia 76ers would presumably welcome an opportunity to shed this long-term commitment if a team
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