7 Players Who Could Be Trade Candidates This Season in the NBA

Three months remain until the 2027 NBA trade deadline. Ideas about which players could become topics of discussion during this period have already started to take shape. Prominent names include Kyrie Irving, Kristaps Porzingis, Norman Powell, Anthony Davis and Michael Porter Jr.

With the Dallas Mavericks, Kyrie Irving plays an important role in the development of young star Cooper Flagg. However, there is a 14-year age gap between the 34-year-old Irving and Flagg. Considering Irving's injury history, it is suggested that this arrangement may not last long. It is also noted that Dallas's draft capital is weak. For this reason, trading Irving is seen as one of the most logical steps to change the direction of the team.

The Brooklyn Nets must swap their 2027 first-round pick with the Houston Rockets. Therefore, the team needs to aim to finish the season as one of the three worst teams in the league. Michael Porter Jr. has a $40.8 million contract that ends at the end of this season. Teams that are aiming for a championship and looking for a forward who can shoot are expected to be interested. If Nets management does not plan to extend him, it is suggested that the team get an asset in return before he becomes a free agent in the summer.

The Golden State Warriors are reportedly using Kristaps Porzingis as a trade chip. The Warriors have guaranteed only $3 million of Porzingis's $20 million salary for next season. This could create roughly $17 million in salary space. ESPN's Anthony Slater reported that there is a strong belief within the club that Porzingis will not wear a Warriors uniform again.

Norman Powell, despite being 33, is averaging close to 20 points per game. The Chicago Bulls signed him to a two-year, $44 million contract with a team option on the second year. This makes Powell a flexible rental scorer for teams aiming for a championship. His weaknesses on defense, however, are seen as a risk that must be taken into account.

The Washington Wizards retain bargaining power over Anthony Davis. The star, who has dealt with injury problems, has not been able to secure a long-term contract extension. In the summer of 2027, he will either become an unrestricted free agent or exercise his $63 million player option.