NBA trade deadline tracker: Latest news, rumors for Giannis Antetokounmpo and more in 2026

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The NBA trade deadline is undoubtedly among the most engaging moments within the entire sports calendar.

The Thursday 3 p.m. ET cutoff for trade agreements is expected to spur considerable activity as it approaches.

Teams are required to finalize their rosters by this deadline before the final phase of the regular season. This year’s deadline is particularly intense, with numerous high-profile players rumored to be on the trading block.

As the activity intensifies, The Sporting News will monitor rumors, news, and reported transactions leading up to the deadline. Due to the nature of these deals, some may be announced following the deadline.

Continue to follow this coverage to remain informed of all developments.

Latest NBA trade rumors before 2026 deadlineGiannis ‘likely’ to remain with Bucks past trade deadline

Jake Fischer reports that Giannis Antetokounmpo “likely” will remain with the Bucks through the NBA trade deadline. Even if that is the case, Milwaukee could revisit a trade in the offseason. 

Clippers, James Harden working together to find new home

The veteran point guard could be on the move once again, as Los Angeles is shopping him. Harden is likely looking to join a contender, while the Clippers slow start to the season put them behind most of the league in the standings.

Cavaliers, Clippers have discussed James Harden-Darius Garland exchange

Mannix describes the two sides as having “advanced talks,” which would send Harden to Cleveland for Garland. Harden didn’t play for the Clippers on Monday night, as head coach described Harden’s absence as for personal reasons.

Damian Lillard trying to recruit Giannis to Portland

Lillard has a strong relationship with Antetokounmpo from their time together in Milwaukee, and now the point guard wants Antetokounmpo to join him in Portland.

LeBron James, Lakers ‘ready to move on’

Fischer adds that the two sides seem resigned to a separation after eight years together, although that is more likely to come in the offseason when James hits free agency.

The Timberwolves are being extremely aggressive in pursuing Giannis Antetokounmpo

“The most aggressive team in the West right now is the Minnesota Timberwolves,” said Brian Windhorst. “They are in the game for Giannis, and the Timberwolves are being aggressive. If they don’t make what I would call a Hail Mary Giannis deal, I think they are aggressively looking to upgrade their backcourt.”

Shams Charania also appeared on ESPN and shared the same reports that Minnesota is indeed one of the most aggressive teams in the NBA when it comes to acquiring Antetokounmpo.

Heat “expected” to offer several players, two picks and three pick swaps for Giannis

Jackson reported that the Miami Heat are expected to offer an extensive trade package for Antetokounmpo. The offer is anticipated to be Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Terry Rozier, young players, 2 1st-round picks and 3 pick swaps, per Jackson. If the Bucks do happen to acquire Rozier, they will have to pay his entire 25-26 salary.

Knicks not heavily pursuing Giannis Antetokounmpo

A day after The Athletic reported that the Knicks are inquiring about Antetokounmpo, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on “Get Up” Monday morning that, “The Knicks believe in this team.. They believed in this team last summer when Giannis was loosely available in those discussions. They didn’t make an aggressive offer at the time of those talks. If they want to win a bidding war now, i think its going to take a 3 or 4 team trade…. That is just not happening. They are not showing that aggression to get Giannis right now and I think thats because they like this team.”

Trail Blazers have reported interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo   

While other teams have been mentioned far more often, the Trail Blazers are among the franchises interested in Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, The Oregonian reports. The report adds that new owner Tom Dundon is ready and willing to take big swings to win, which makes Portland a wild card in the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes even if a deal might cost All-Star Deni Avdija.

Kings have explored trades involving key scorers  

The Kings still have salary cap concerns despite an abysmal 12-39 record, and ESPN reports that has prompted Sacramento explore trades involving Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, and Malik Monk. The Kings acquired De’Andre Hunter from the Cavaliers on Saturday.

Knicks among teams in on Giannis Antetokounmpo  

The Knicks are one of the teams inquiring about Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, The Athletic reports, but the Knicks’ inability to fully match what Milwaukee is demanding — premier young players and high draft picks — is a hurdle.

Karl-Anthony Towns not off limits at deadline 

Knicks big man Karl-Anthony Towns is still a trade candidate despite New York’s recent resurgence, The Athletic reports. Towns hasn’t been extended and reportedly has had some hard feelings ever since his name surfaced in Giannis Antetokounmpo trade talks in the offseason.

Knicks ‘trying to find a new home’ for Guerschon Yabusele

The Knicks have “long been trying to find a new home” for forward Guerschon Yabusele, who has struggled since signing in the offseason. Yabusele could need draft assets attached to him to be dealt, The Athletic reports.

NBA trades completed before 2026 deadlineHawks trade Vit Krejci to the Blazers in return for Duop Reath and draft picks

The Atlanta Hawks are trading guard Vit Krejci to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Duop Reath and two future second-round selections. The move gives the Hawks the ability to free up roster space, and Atlanta now possesses seven upcoming second-round picks.

Kings acquire De’Andre Hunter from the Kings for Dennis Schroder, Keon Ellis

The Cleveland Cavaliers are trading De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis. This transaction involves three teams: the Chicago Bulls acquire Kings forward Dario Saric and two future second-round draft picks. Additionally, the Bulls are waiving guard Jevon Carter to make room for Saric, according to sources. They also acted as a third team and acquired assets to complete the trade.

Hawks deal Trae Young to the Wizards for CJ McCollum, Corey Kispert

The Atlanta Hawks are trading four-time NBA All-Star Trae Young to the Washington Wizards in exchange for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. The Hawks kick off the trade deadline season with a bang.

NBA trades by team

Trae Young (G) – traded from HawksWhen is the NBA trade deadline?Date: Thursday, Feb. 5Time: 3 p.m. ET | 12 p.m. PT

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