The NBA\u2019s trade deadline on Feb. 5 is months away, but we continue to hear rumors of potential trade targets due to poor starts. Struggling teams are looking to move stars with large contracts and targeting the NBA draft to begin a rebuild around young pieces they may already have in place. One of those rumors hit Thursday, with a report from Yahoo Sports\u2019 Kelly Iko<\/a> that Hornets star guard LaMelo Ball wouldn\u2019t mind being traded.<\/p>\n Next. NBA Teams One Move Away. NBA Teams Who Are Just One Move Away From Being a Finals Threat. dark<\/p>\n Ball quickly dispelled that rumor<\/a>, but who knows how he feels behind closed doors, just like many stars across the league.<\/p>\n With the NBA\u2019s trade season quickly approaching, let\u2019s take a look at four star players who could be on the move and potential teams that might be interested, whether that\u2019s making a win-now move or absorbing a large contract in exchange for assets:<\/p>\n Lauri Markkanen has exploded offensively for the Jazz to start the 2025-26 season \/ Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images<\/p>\n It\u2019s no secret, the Jazz don\u2019t have playoff aspirations this year. Star forward Lauri Markkanen is, by far, Utah\u2019s best asset on the trade market that could net them a massive haul comprised of intriguing young players, draft capital and expiring contracts. <\/p>\n The 28-year-old began a massive four-year, $195.8 million contract extension this season, which ties Markkanen to any acquiring team for three more seasons after this year as a potential building block for the future. That means any team would have to be comfortable paying his massive salary through the 2028-29 season, but he could be the final piece for a team looking to compete for a title<\/a> as early as this season.<\/p>\n Through 14 games, he\u2019s averaging a whopping 30.6 points per game while shooting 38.5% on three-pointers on 9.6 attempts per game.<\/p>\n Potential trade suitors: Detroit Pistons, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers<\/p>\n The Dallas Mavericks are all in on the Cooper Flagg era \/ Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images<\/p>\n Debatably the most obvious team looking to trade veteran stars, the Mavs should go all in on the Cooper Flagg era after parting ways with former general manager Nico Harrison<\/a>. Anthony Davis has two years left on his contract after this season, including a ginormous $62.8 million player option in 2027-28.<\/p>\n The Mavs should look to get as many draft assets and expiring contracts as possible for Davis, who has played just five games thus far in his 14th NBA season. A potential trade return<\/a> for the star big man may not be flashy when you consider his contract, but Dallas\u2019s main priority should be finding financial flexibility in future seasons to fully build around Flagg.<\/p>\n Potential trade suitors: Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards<\/p>\n Ja Morant is going through troubles with the Grizzlies\u2019 coaching staff \/ Petre Thomas-Imagn Images<\/p>\n Ja Morant\u2019s displeasure with the Grizzlies\u2019 coaching staff<\/a> has been clear to start the season. Memphis\u2019s star guard received a one-game suspension<\/a> for his public comments that challenged coach Tuomas Iisalo earlier this month.<\/p>\n He returned to action, but is currently nursing a right calf strain and will be re-evaluated at the start of December. The seemingly fractured relationship between player and organization could lead to a Morant trade as the Grizzlies are off to a dreadful start in a stacked Western Conference. Through 12 appearances, he\u2019s averaging 17.9 points and 7.6 assists per game. Even if there may be some baggage and injury concerns, bringing in a star like Morant could entice some rival teams that hope to make a title push, while the Grizzlies could rebuild after they dealt Desmond Bane over the offseason.<\/p>\n Potential trade suitors: Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Milwaukee Bucks<\/p>\n The Kings could go for a full rebuild, which would include moving star forward Domantas Sabonis \/ Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images<\/p>\n Another Western Conference basement dweller who could go all in on a rebuild, the Kings could deal their high-earning veterans to gain financial flexibility as they look ahead. Domantas Sabonis should return the most value<\/a> on the trade market, although the major win would be clearing the $45-plus million salary from Sacramento\u2019s books over the next two seasons.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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