The 5 NBA stars who could be traded during the season

The 2026-27 season could become a turning point for five NBA stars whose futures will depend on results, their performance, and the needs of their franchises. Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, Anthony Davis, Zion Williamson, and Kyrie Irving have the talent to change the direction of a team, but they also face circumstances that could push them towards a new phase if things do not go as expected.

None have guaranteed exits, and their situations are different. In some cases, the issue is financial; in others, health or fit within a project. But if their teams disappoint, the market could shake up well before the trade deadline.

Five stars with futures dependent on their performance

5. Zach LaVine: too much salary for a transitioning Kings team

LaVine remains a top-tier scorer and an outside shooter capable of fitting into numerous offenses. In the 2025-26 season, he averaged 19.2 points with a 39% three-point shooting percentage, although an injury limited his participation to 39 games. His contract of almost $49 million for this season complicates any trade.

Sacramento needs to define its direction. If the Kings again fall short of the playoffs, trading LaVine could be a way to create space for a rebuild, although finding a team willing to take on his salary will not be easy.

4. Domantas Sabonis: health and the development of Maxime Raynaud

The Lithuanian center averaged 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in a 2025-26 season marred by injuries, in which he only played 19 games. His ability to generate play from the paint remains valuable, but Sacramento must also consider the growth of Maxime Raynaud, who could gain prominence in the future.

If Sabonis returns to his best form, the Kings could find interested buyers for an interior player capable of dominating the boards and facilitating the offense. If the team fails again, the possibility of obtaining young assets in exchange for his contract will gain traction.

3. Anthony Davis: a star who needs a competitive project

Washington acquired Davis to raise its competitive ceiling alongside Trae Young and the number one draft pick, AJ Dybantsa. The problem is that the center comes after a season in which he only played 20 games and must still prove he can stay healthy.

The Wizards want to grow, but Davis's renewal and the timeline of their project will be decisive issues. If the team does not progress and contract discussions do not advance, trading him could become an option. For now, Washington has expressed interest in keeping him.

2. Zion Williamson: extraordinary talent, urgency in New Orleans

Williamson averaged 21 points with an impressive 60% field goal percentage last season. His ability to attack the rim remains standout, but the Pelicans need to turn his potential into victories after finishing with a 26-56 record.

Doubts about his availability and his fit with the young players on the roster fuel speculation. If New Orleans finds itself outside the playoff race again, a change in direction could be considered. However, parting with Zion would also entail the risk of losing a player capable of dominating games when at full strength.

1. Kyrie Irving: a significant return could change everything

Irving is the most unique case. The Dallas guard missed the entire 2025-26 season due to a torn ACL, but before his injury, he averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists, with a 40.1% three-point shooting percentage.

His return could be crucial to support Cooper Flagg, although there is a strategic issue: Irving is 34 years old and the project revolves around a 19-year-old star. If he returns to form and the Mavericks cannot find a way to compete, his value could increase and attract interest from championship contenders.

Dallas has reiterated its confidence in the player, so a trade cannot be taken for granted. Additionally, if his recovery does not translate into solid performance, his market value could decrease.

A season that could change the market

The five cases reflect different risks for their franchises: high contracts, physical issues, projects that need results, or differences in competitive timelines. The performance of the first few months will be crucial to determine which teams stick to their plans and which begin to listen to offers.

The NBA has shown that no star is completely off the market. However, in these five cases, the possibility of a trade will depend less on current rumors and more on what happens on the court.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Las 5 estrellas de la NBA que pueden ser traspasadas durante la temporada