After an offseason filled with blockbuster trades, it’s clear that there are not many players who are considered untouchable. Offseasons like this remind fans and players that the NBA is a business, and if there’s an opportunity to trade a player for better-fitting pieces, it will likely happen.
Like any other season, there are going to be many trades close to the deadline. Don’t be surprised if these five players headline trade rumors throughout the season. Here are the four players with the best chances to get traded this season.
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Kyrie IrvingNov 14, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving looks on during the second half against the LA Clippers in an NBA Cup game at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesKyrie Irving is one of the shiftiest and craftiest guards in NBA history, but he is coming off an ACL injury that sidelined him for the entire 2025-26 NBA season. Kyrie will likely return as a top player in the league, but injury concerns mixed with the Mavericks’ timeline might pose an issue.
Dallas opted to go younger, drafting Cooper Flagg and Morez Johnson over the past two seasons while also developing its young talent. Irving doesn’t fit the timeline and might be on the move to his fifth franchise.
Zion WilliamsonNov 21, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) looks on during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesThe former No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft was once perceived as an untouchable player and a future face of the franchise. Now, he’s atop this list.
Zion has had a disappointing start to his NBA career, headlined by his unavailability and weight concerns. Williamson is still an uber-talented player who could be a key contributor on a contender, but his days in New Orleans might be limited.
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Scoot HendersonPortland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson warms up before the game against the New York Knicks at Moda Center.Scoot is just three years removed from being the second pick in the NBA Draft, yet it might already be time for him to find a new home.
The Trail Blazers traded for Ja Morant this offseason, giving them their 5th guard worthy of significant minutes. Between the 5 there aren’t a lot of minutes to go around. One guard will be sidelined for the entirety of the season, only delaying the inevitable trade of Henderson.
De’Aaron FoxNov 18, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox (4) gives an interview after the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn ImagesFox was at the center of controversy during the playoffs, as his poor play led NBA fans to come after him on social media. Many Spurs fans pleaded for him to be benched in favor of rookie Dylan Harper, but that never happened.
Fox has a huge contract, which would be the only major hindrance to a trade involving him. Harper looks primed for a Year 2 leap, potentially leaving Fox as the odd man out.
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