• Loading stock data...
Monday, September 8, 2025
Fox Analyst and Media Entrepreneur Greg Olsen to Speak at Tuned In Get your ticket now!

Why NBA Trade Season Is About to Pick Up

There are 18 NBA players who will be eligible for a trade starting Wednesday.

Jan 5, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) drives against New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) in the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center.
Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

With the NBA trade deadline less than a month away, Wednesday serves as an important marker for the league. 

Every Jan. 15, players who re-signed with their teams during the offseason may be traded, according to the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement. These players must have also been signed to deals that either put their team over the soft salary cap number ($140.6 million) or signed to more than 120% of the salary in the final season of their last contract.

There are 18 players who fall under this criteria, including Sixers All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey and Knicks forward OG Anunoby. These 18 add to the 85 players who signed contracts with new teams during the offseason who were allowed to become trade-eligible on Dec. 15.

While 18 players may not seem like much (about 3% of the league), teams looking to be active before the Feb. 6 trade deadline could have held off until a certain player was made eligible. For example, the Thunder, who sit at the top of the Western Conference, could make a consolidation trade by packaging their hoard of draft picks with desirable role players. Guards Isaiah Joe (four years, $48 million) and Aaron Wiggins (five years, $45 million) are both fairly young role players on team-friendly contracts who are eligible for a trade as of Wednesday.

Other examples include Nets center Nic Claxton and Lakers guard Max Christie. The two teams agreed to a trade in December that sent D’Angelo Russell to Brooklyn and Dorian Finney-Smith to Los Angeles. Both teams could continue making moves, with Claxton serving as a trade chip for the rebuilding Nets and Christie as a young asset to help bring in established talent for the win-now Lakers.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Connecticut Sun

Connecticut Senators Rip WNBA Handling of Sun Sale

The Senators are urging the league to stay out of the negotiations.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22), Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10), Indiana Fever assistant coach Karima Christmas-Kelly and Indiana Fever assistant coach Briann January celebrate Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Chicago Sky, 97-77.

Indiana Fever Clinch Playoff Berth Even Without Caitlin Clark

The Fever will host at least one playoff game.
Unrivaled

Unrivaled Hits $340M Valuation, Doubles Revenue Projections

The startup women’s basketball league is rapidly growing after one season.
Jul 14, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries fans acknowledge local basketball alumni during a time out against the Phoenix Mercury during the second quarter at Chase Center.

Valkyries Set WNBA Attendance Record in Inaugural Season

The Valkyries joined the WNBA as an expansion team this season.

Featured Today

Aug 23, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) leads the team onto the field for warm ups before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.

Slow Burn: The NFL’s Private-Equity Era So Far

Three deals have been struck to date. But the league is bullish.
Tennis
September 5, 2025

The US Open Is Groaning Under the Weight of Its Own Success

New York’s tennis major is more popular than ever.
Dec 21, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) gets ready to take the field prior to a game against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 5, 2025

How Brazil Game Fits Into NFL’s Plans for World Domination

Friday night’s Chiefs-Chargers game in São Paulo is big by design.
Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrate their touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field.
September 2, 2025

TV Ratings Just Changed Again. The NFL Will Be the Big Winner

Nielsen’s new viewership system will have a big impact on sports.
Sep 7, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; President Donald Trump prior to the final of mens singles at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Ryder Cup to Sort Out Trump Attendance After US Open Delay

The president is planning on attending the Ryder Cup’s opening round.
Valkyries
September 5, 2025

Valkyries Are Only Latest WNBA Team To Be Displaced in Playoffs

Several important playoff series have been moved over the years.
September 8, 2025

NFL Kickoff Returns Skyrocket After Latest Rule Change

Only 18.6% of kickoffs produced a touchback during the first 15 games of Week 1.
Sponsored

Trailblazer Cal Calamia Is Racing for ‘Advocacy, Storytelling, and Performance’

The marathoner wants excellence—not just inclusion—to be the goal for non-binary athletes.
September 5, 2025

MLB Attendance Is Holding Steady, but Gap Widens Between Teams

Recent attendance data varies widely from market to market.
Walker Cup
September 4, 2025

Prestigious Cypress Point Is Hosting Biggest Golf Event in 35 Years

Fans get a rare glimpse at one of the most exclusive courses.
September 4, 2025

NBA Hopes Global Format Can Revive 2026 All-Star Game

A new, globally themed format is in development for the midseason showcase.
September 3, 2025

Scheffler, McIlroy, but No LIV at Trump Jupiter Made-for-TV Showcase

The eight-player team showcase will take place Dec. 17 in primetime.