NBA Trade Rumors 2026: What's Real, What's Noise, and What to Watch
The NBA trade deadline is coming, and the rumor mill is in full swing. Every day there's a new report about who's available, who's interested, and what deals might happen. Most of it is noise. Here's what's actually real and what you should be paying attention to.
The Zach LaVine situation
Zach LaVine has been on the trade block for two years now, and the Bulls still haven't moved him. The problem is his contract — he's owed $43 million this year and $46 million next year. That's a lot of money for a guy who's a good scorer but doesn't play defense and has injury concerns.
The Lakers have been linked to LaVine, but they don't have the assets to make a deal work. The Heat have been mentioned, but they're not giving up Tyler Herro for him. The most likely outcome is that LaVine stays in Chicago through the deadline and gets moved in the offseason.
Verdict: Noise. He's not getting traded before the deadline.
The Dejounte Murray market
Dejounte Murray is the most realistic trade candidate. He's on an expiring contract, the Hawks are rebuilding, and he's a good player who can help a contender. The Lakers, Knicks, and Heat are all interested.
The Lakers make the most sense. They need a point guard who can defend and facilitate, and Murray fits that perfectly. The problem is matching salaries — the Lakers would have to give up D'Angelo Russell and picks, and the Hawks might want more.
The Knicks are also in the mix. They have the assets (Evan Fournier's expiring contract, picks), and Murray would fit well next to Jalen Brunson. But the Knicks are hesitant to give up too much for a rental.
Verdict: Real. Murray is getting traded, and it'll probably be to the Lakers or Knicks.
The Jerami Grant rumors
Jerami Grant is a solid two-way forward, and the Blazers are open to trading him. The problem is that Portland wants a first-round pick, and most teams aren't willing to give that up for a 30-year-old role player.
The Mavericks have been linked to Grant, and he'd be a great fit next to Luka and Kyrie. But Dallas doesn't have a first-round pick to trade (they gave it up in the Kyrie deal), so they'd have to get creative with a three-team trade.
The Clippers are also interested, but they're in the same boat — no picks, no young players, and not much to offer.
Verdict: 50/50. Grant could get moved, but only if Portland lowers their asking price.
The Bojan Bogdanović market
Bojan Bogdanović is the classic deadline trade candidate. He's a veteran shooter on a bad team (the Pistons), and contenders always need shooting. The Knicks, Sixers, and Bucks are all interested.
The Knicks make the most sense. They need shooting, and Bogdanović would be a perfect fit in their rotation. The Pistons aren't asking for much — a second-round pick and an expiring contract would probably get it done.
Verdict: Real. Bogdanović is getting traded, and it'll probably be to the Knicks.
The Pascal Siakam extension
Pascal Siakam was traded to the Pacers earlier this season, and now the question is whether he'll sign an extension. If he doesn't, the Pacers might flip him before the deadline to avoid losing him for nothing in free agency.
The Pacers are reportedly confident they can re-sign him, but until the extension is done, there's always a chance he gets moved. The Warriors and Heat have been mentioned as potential landing spots.
Verdict: Probably noise. Siakam is likely staying in Indiana.
What to watch for
The trade deadline is always unpredictable, but here are the things to keep an eye on:
1. The Lakers: They're desperate to make a move, and they have picks to trade. Expect them to do something, even if it's not a blockbuster.
2. The Knicks: They're buyers, and they have the assets to make a big move. Dejounte Murray or Bojan Bogdanović are the most likely targets.
3. The Blazers: They're sellers, and they have multiple players available (Grant, Malcolm Brogdon, Matisse Thybulle). Expect them to move at least one.
4. The Bulls: They're stuck in no-man's-land. They're not good enough to contend, but they're not bad enough to tank. They need to blow it up, but they probably won't.
The deadline is always more boring than the rumors suggest, but there will be a few deals that matter. Just don't believe everything you read on Twitter.