The 4 players who could be traded in the short term in the NBA

The NBA trade market is still far from entering its decisive phase, but names are beginning to emerge that could be central to moves before the trade deadline in February. Darius Garland, Dejounte Murray, Ty Jerome, and Daniel Gafford are four players who, due to their contractual circumstances, their team's timing, or their sporting needs, could become interesting pieces during the season. A first analysis by Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports, reported by Hoops Wire, indicates that their situations deserve monitoring, although there are no signs that any of these trades are imminent.

The key is that the four cases respond to different reasons. Memphis may consider the possibility of obtaining future assets for a player who doesn't quite fit its rebuilding timeline; the Clippers need to define the direction of their project following sanctions related to the Kawhi Leonard situation; New Orleans might wait for Dejounte Murray to regain his best form before exploring the market, while Dallas would study how Daniel Gafford fits into an increasingly young roster.

Ty Jerome, a potential trade chip for the Grizzlies

Ty Jerome appears as a possible candidate to leave the Memphis Grizzlies if the franchise decides to accelerate its rejuvenation process. The guard has two seasons left on his contract, including a player option, worth approximately 19 million dollars. His offensive production during the past season was notable: he averaged 19.7 points and 5.7 assists, with a 42% shooting percentage from three-point range, although he only played 15 games.

His performance makes Jerome an appealing player for teams in need of scoring and playmaking from the perimeter. Memphis could look to leverage his value to obtain draft picks or other future assets, especially if they believe he is not part of their long-term core.

However, one factor complicates the hypothesis: the Grizzlies do not have an abundance of guards. Jerome can play a significant role in the rotation, and his ability to generate points offers the team an offensive alternative. Therefore, his potential departure will depend on how the season begins and whether Memphis receives an offer that compensates for the loss of a productive player. For now, he is a name to watch, not a decision made by the franchise.

Darius Garland, a valuable piece to define the future of the Clippers

The case of Darius Garland is different. The guard joined the Los Angeles Clippers in February 2026 in the trade that sent James Harden to Cleveland, and he still has two years and about 87 million dollars left on his contract. At 26 years old and with two All-Star appearances, his profile represents a more significant asset than Jerome's.

According to Sean Deveney's analysis, Garland could be one of the few Clippers players capable of generating a return of two first-round picks if the franchise decides to change direction. The organization's situation has been impacted by sanctions related to the salary cap circumvention case involving Kawhi Leonard, which have significantly reduced their draft capital and flexibility to rebuild the team.

Given his age, scoring ability, and playmaking talent, Garland could fit into a long-term project or be of interest to a franchise looking for a starting guard. However, his injury history may influence the price that other teams are willing to offer. The Clippers must also consider whether it is beneficial to part ways with a player who could be a cornerstone of their next phase.

For now, the possibility of trading him is part of a hypothetical scenario. His future will largely depend on the Clippers' sporting ambitions and how their season unfolds.

Dejounte Murray, a case conditioned by his recovery

The New Orleans Pelicans could have Dejounte Murray another name to follow as the season progresses. The guard returned to the court in February 2026 after a long rehabilitation from a right Achilles tendon rupture. His recovery and adaptation to the competitive pace will be crucial in evaluating his market situation.

Murray has two seasons left on his contract, worth approximately 63 million dollars, including a player option. His experience as an All-Star, his ability to direct the offense, and his defensive profile could attract interest from teams looking to bolster their perimeter. However, it would be difficult for a franchise to take on that salary commitment without first confirming that he has regained his physical level.

New Orleans' strategy could involve waiting. If Murray delivers a convincing performance during the first part of the season, his value could increase and open the door to a trade that allows the Pelicans to acquire assets for their project. Conversely, if his return is hampered by the aftermath of the injury, the market could cool off.

There is no evidence that the Pelicans have officially decided to put him up for sale. The hypothesis noted by Deveney suggests that his name could start circulating more strongly as the February trade deadline approaches.

Daniel Gafford, a useful big man who could leave Dallas

The last player mentioned is Daniel Gafford, whose future could be linked to the Dallas Mavericks' intention to rejuvenate their roster. The center, who will turn 28 in October, has three seasons and approximately 54 million dollars left on his contract, an extension signed in 2025 that ties him to Dallas until 2028-29.

Gafford offers a very specific profile: rim protection, finishing ability around the basket, rebounding, and experience in high-pressure games. His presence can be especially useful for teams that need a starting center or an interior player capable of bringing energy from the second unit. He is not a player known for his outside shooting, but his efficiency near the basket and his athletic ability make him a functional piece for different playing styles.

Dallas, for its part, could consider the possibility of turning his contract into younger assets or draft picks. Reports of the Mavericks' interest in exploring his departure had already surfaced during the summer as part of a strategy for roster renewal.

That does not mean the Mavericks are willing to part with him at any cost. Gafford is a player with sporting value, and he still has several seasons on his contract, so Dallas could demand compensation that reflects his immediate usefulness. Teams in need of bolstering their interior game might find him a market alternative, provided there is a suitable salary and sporting fit.

February will mark the true market scenario

The four cases reflect different reasons why a player may end up being the subject of rumors: Memphis's long-term planning, the Clippers' direction doubts, Murray's physical recovery, and Dallas's restructuring. None of these scenarios imply that there is already an advanced negotiation or that the franchises have decided to execute a move.

The start of the season will be crucial to clarify the landscape. Results, injuries, team performance, and emerging needs will determine which teams will be willing to buy, sell, or hold onto their pieces. The February trade deadline is still far away, but Garland, Jerome, Murray, and Gafford are four names whose futures could take on significance if their respective franchises decide to alter course.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los 4 jugadores que podrían ser traspasado a corto plazo en la NBA