Which trades could take place before the NBA 2025-26 tip-off?
The 2025-26 NBA season kicks off on Tuesday, October 21 with the Oklahoma City Thunder locking horns with the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers being up against the Golden State Warriors. With such marquee matchups lighting up the schedule, the front offices are driving against the clock to finalize the rosters before tip-off. Following a whirlwind offseason marked by moves including Kevin Durant signed by the Houston Rockets to Desmond Bane being shipped to Orlando from Memphis, trade rumors continue to swirl.
A few teams are still eyeing roster extension, and here are the most buzzed-about trades that could take place before season opens on October 21.
The Golden State Warriors are reportedly interested in signing former Indiana Pacers star Victor Oladipo. His addition to the Dubs could increase the intensity and help Stephen Curry with another defensive presence off the bench. Not only this, but his signing would also involve waiving a non-guaranteed player such as Gui Santos and signing the veteran to a minimum contract.
It would help the Warriors minimize the salary cap complications and long-term risk, while adding proven talent. For Oladipo, it would be an ideal comeback and reignite his career in the NBA.
The Los Angeles Lakers are eyeing a trade involving the Utah Jazz that could drastically reshape their roster ahead of the forthcoming season. As it is known that the Lakers icon, LeBron James is out for a few weeks due to persistent sciatica. Moreover, his agent, Rich Paul, suggests that the Lakers have been advised to take a cautious role to ensure the 40-year-old is fully healthy for what could be the final season of his career.
For the same, the Lakers are exploring options to add more star power to their lineup, and are eyeing a trade with the Utah Jazz, particularly, Walker Kessler, and Lauri Markkanen. While there are doubts about Kessler’s availability, reports suggest that the Jazz might entertain offers for Markkanen.
As per a proposed trade from Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey, the Jazz could receive multiple players in exchange for Markkanen. The Lakers could trade Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, Maxi Kleber, Dalton Knecht, 2026 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick swap, and 2032 first-round pick.
The Dallas Mavericks have recently been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers icon LeBron James as the four-time champion is nearing the final year of his contract. James’ retirement rumors have taken the internet by storm, and he may want to end his career with a team other than the Lakers. The Mavericks could be a landing spot in that case, but it would require for the Mavs to make a few changes.
According to ESPN insider Dave McMenamin, “Then there’s the Mavericks. James has won titles with both Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, and has close relationships with coach Jason Kidd and several members of Kidd’s staff. But the Mavs, too, would need to send out an exorbitant amount of money to make a deal work, according to Marks.”
He added, “Dallas is also currently a second-apron team, and would need to trade $12 million in salary without taking any back in order to become a buyout destination for James.”
Sending James to the Mavericks would mean a reunion with Anthony Davis, and Kyrie Irving. In return, the Mavs could send P.J. Washington or Daniel Gafford. They could also let go of Caleb Martin, who is under $10 million. Notably, the Mavs need to make a few moves in order to get the salary needed for James.
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