With the NBA trade deadline looming on February 5, 2026, analysts from ESPN and The Game Nashville have identified potential trade targets for 28 teams, while noting that the Detroit Pistons and LA Clippers lack clear candidates due to their strategic approaches.
The NBA trade season is heating up as the deadline approaches, prompting teams to evaluate their rosters for potential upgrades or rebuilds. ESPN analysts Bobby Marks and Kevin Pelton, in a report also covered by The Game Nashville, have detailed one player to watch on each of the 30 teams, revealing that two franchises—the Pistons and Clippers—do not have obvious trade candidates.
For the Detroit Pistons, the absence of a prime trade target stems from a patient rebuilding philosophy. Team president Trajan Langdon has emphasized not skipping steps, and with Tobias Harris on an expiring $26.6 million contract, the focus remains on developing young talent rather than making hasty moves. This contrasts with other teams actively seeking to offload veterans for assets.
Similarly, the LA Clippers’ lack of a clear candidate is tied to their current competitive stance. Surging towards a play-in spot, the Clippers are prioritizing success in the James Harden-Kawhi Leonard era. With limited draft picks due to an NBA investigation, their simplest path might involve roster adjustments for two-way players, making Kobe Brown a potential minor piece rather than a key trade asset.
Among the highlighted trade targets, Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant and Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga are particularly notable. Morant, despite recent inefficiencies, remains a high-profile name, while Kuminga has demanded a trade, adding urgency to his situation. Other players like Anthony Davis of the Dallas Mavericks are also in the spotlight due to injury concerns and contract timelines.
The analysis covers a range of teams, from contenders like the Boston Celtics, who might trade Chris Boucher for tax relief, to rebuilding squads like the Houston Rockets, where Dorian Finney-Smith could be moved. Each player’s contract, performance, and team context are evaluated to assess their trade viability.
This comprehensive overview underscores the strategic decisions facing NBA front offices. With the deadline less than a month away, teams must balance immediate needs against long-term goals, whether pushing for playoffs or accumulating future assets.
As reports from ESPN and The Game Nashville indicate, the trade market is active, and the absence of candidates in Detroit and LA highlights diverse team strategies. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the deadline approaches, with potential deals poised to reshape the league’s landscape.
