The Memphis Grizzlies are open to trading two-time NBA All-Star guard Ja Morant before the February 5 trade deadline, amid a challenging season where Morant has faced injuries and team struggles, with multiple teams showing interest in acquiring him.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is considering leaving the Milwaukee Bucks amid recent poor team performance and trade rumors, with the Knicks showing interest; a decision is expected before the February 5, 2026, NBA trade deadline.
The Los Angeles Lakers addressed their rim protection issues by signing DeAndre Ayton, a move seen as a better and more cost-effective alternative to acquiring Mark Williams, providing the team with flexibility and a short-term solution at center without sacrificing draft capital.
Kevin Durant was interested in joining the Boston Celtics around the trade deadline, but the move was unlikely due to salary cap issues and team trajectories. Currently, Durant is linked with several teams, including the Suns, Spurs, and Rockets, as he considers his next move in his career, which has seen him play for four franchises so far.
The Dallas Mavericks are considering trading Klay Thompson before the February 6 trade deadline, despite acquiring him in a sign-and-trade deal this past July. Thompson's inconsistent performance and declining shooting stats have prompted the Mavericks to explore options to enhance their roster, potentially involving Thompson in a trade package. The team is focused on maintaining their competitive edge in the Western Conference and may look to make strategic moves to bolster their playoff prospects.
The Golden State Warriors inquired about trading for LeBron James before the NBA trade deadline, but neither James nor the Lakers were interested in a potential deal. Both teams, currently fighting for a spot in the play-in game in the Western Conference standings, were active at the deadline but did not make any significant moves. Despite speculation about James' future, his agent confirmed that he had no interest in a trade, and the Lakers plan to focus on roster improvements in the offseason while making a playoff push.
Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst discussed the acquisition of Patrick Beverley and the trade deadline, highlighting Beverley's defensive skills and the involvement of head coach Doc Rivers in the process. The trade of Robin Lopez freed up a roster spot, and Horst plans to fill it on the buyout market, expressing confidence in finding impactful players. He noted that the trade market seemed slow and less impactful than usual, but he has high confidence in the team's ability to compete in the playoffs.
Following the NBA trade deadline, waiver wire pickups for fantasy basketball include Marvin Bagley III, Andre Drummond, Jalen Suggs, Kelly Olynyk, and GG Jackson II, as they stand to benefit from recent roster shakeups. Bagley, in particular, is expected to see heavy minutes with the Washington Wizards after the departure of Daniel Gafford.
The Indiana Pacers made several moves at the NBA trade deadline, including trading Buddy Hield to the 76ers and acquiring Doug McDermott from the Spurs, along with draft picks. The team believes these moves will benefit them in the long term, despite the immediate impact being felt in their recent loss to the Warriors. The Pacers are focused on building a sustainable postseason team and are also optimistic about the addition of Pascal Siakam, who has been performing well since joining the team in January.
The New York Knicks bolstered their roster by acquiring Bojan Bogdanović and Alec Burks from the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Quentin Grimes, Evan Fournier, Malachi Flynn, Ryan Arcidiacono, and two second-round picks. The Knicks targeted Burks before the trade deadline and later added Bogdanović due to the extended absence of OG Anunoby. The trade provides the Knicks with scoring, shooting, and depth, while also positioning them for future star acquisitions.
The Golden State Warriors made a last-minute trade, sending Cory Joseph to the Indiana Pacers for a second-round pick, which opens up a roster spot likely to be filled by guard Lester Quinones. Converting Quinones to a standard contract instead of Joseph will save the franchise millions in luxury tax payments. While Quinones has shown promise, the team may still seek a veteran addition from the buyout market to bolster their playoff hopes, with Spencer Dinwiddie being a high-profile option.
The Detroit Pistons acquired Danuel House and a second-round pick from the Philadelphia 76ers in a trade, with the Pistons aiming to add a pick at minimal cost while the Sixers sought to avoid the luxury tax and open up a roster spot for potential advantageous trades or player acquisitions. The move leaves the Pistons with 17 players under contract and only 15 spots available, necessitating further roster adjustments through releases or additional trades.
The Boston Celtics are in a strong position this season, leading the league and with potential for a championship run. The team's general manager, Brad Stevens, faces a decision on whether to make a big-splash move before the NBA trade deadline, considering the limited roster-building options in the future. While there are risks and considerations, there's a case for the Celtics to pursue significant roster additions to bolster their championship aspirations.
The Boston Celtics are rumored to be actively seeking bench enhancements before the NBA trade deadline, with Otto Porter Jr. and Lonnie Walker emerging as potential targets. While Porter brings playoff experience, his injury history raises concerns, making him a less desirable option. On the other hand, Walker has performed well for the struggling Brooklyn Nets and could provide valuable depth for the Celtics. With limited financial resources, Celtics president Brad Stevens will need to make strategic decisions in the final hours before the deadline.
Joel Embiid is expected to be out for six to eight weeks following successful surgery for his injured meniscus, with a re-evaluation in four weeks. The Sixers are reportedly staying aggressive in trade talks and looking at multiple moves to improve, despite the belief that Embiid can return near the end of the season.