NBA executives expect a relatively quiet trade deadline in February but expect significant moves during the 2026 offseason, according to sources from multiple leagues. Large player salaries and new CBA restrictions limit trade opportunities as teams deal with luxury tax deferrals and roster restrictions.
ESPN’s Tim Bontemps reported on the prospects as the league reaches half of its current collective bargaining agreement.
“I don’t see an eventful trade deadline,” said one Eastern Conference executive. “But that could make for a crazy summer.”
Several star players are facing limited trade interest due to huge contracts. The source material points to a Dallas player making $58.5 million next season with a $62.8 million player option for 2027-2028.
Trae Young with the Atlanta Hawks and Zach LaVine with the Sacramento Kings also make around $40 million annually. Teams struggle to find maximum space to accommodate such salaries.
Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to say he has no interest in discussing a future outside of Milwaukee. League insiders suggest waiting until the summer would maximize his influence on any potential move.
“If he waits until the summer [to ask out]”He will have maximum influence on what his future will be,” said an Eastern Conference scout.
Sources indicate Milwaukee will focus on roster improvements around Antetokounmpo ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline. The Bucks are five games behind the fourth-seeded Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference.
“They’re not trading him during the season,” said one Western Conference scout.
“I don’t think it will be as crowded as people think, and I don’t think the players available will be as good,” said one Western Conference executive.
Jonathan Kuminga’s situation with the Golden State Warriors also remains unresolved following last summer’s contract negotiations. Kuminga becomes eligible for trade on January 15.
#NBA #Executives #Predict #Quiet #Trade #Deadline #Crazy #Summer