NBA Trade Deadline 2026: The Ultimate Tracker — Is Trae Young Headed to D.C.?
We are officially one month away from the February 5, 2026, NBA Trade Deadline, and the “rumor mill” just turned into a category-5 hurricane. In the NBA, January isn’t just about the All-Star break; it’s about survival. Teams are deciding whether to push all their chips in or blow it all up for the draft.
At DailyNewsEdit, we’re keeping a live pulse on every call, text, and “sources say” tweet. Here is your official 2026 Trade Deadline Tracker, headlined by a potential blockbuster that could shift the entire balance of the Eastern Conference.
The most interesting moves in the NBA are the trades happening, which can change it all. See the Lakers and getting Luka. He brought them back to be a title contender, because James LeBron could not do it any longer. So which team is making the next important moves in the fight for the title.
The Headline: The Trae Young “Divorce”
It’s no longer just a rumor. According to multiple reports this morning (Jan 6), Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks are collaboratively seeking a trade. After failing to reach a contract extension this summer, the relationship has cooled significantly.
- The Shocking Suitor: The Washington Wizards have emerged as the “clear frontrunner.”
- The Framework: The deal is reportedly being built around CJ McCollum’s $30.6M expiring contract.
- The “Why”: Atlanta wants to hand the keys to Jalen Johnson, who has ascended to All-Star status (24.5 PPG, 10.2 RPG). Washington, meanwhile, wants a “one-year trial” with Trae to see if he can pair with their defensive monster, Alex Sarr.
- Tamara’s Take: Trae in a Wizards jersey feels like a fever dream, but Washington has the young assets (Kyshawn George, Bilal Coulibaly) that Atlanta desperately needs for a reset.
Team-by-Team Rumor Mill
The Los Angeles Lakers: Hunting for 3&D
The Lakers are 22-11 and undefeated in “clutch” games, but their defense is a disaster (ranked 24th). JJ Redick is reportedly begging for a defensive wing.
- Primary Targets: Keon Ellis (Kings) or Saddiq Bey (Pelicans).
- The Price: Likely a package involving Rui Hachimura or Austin Reaves if they decide to go for a true blockbuster.
The New York Knicks: Bench Reshuffle
With bench pieces underperforming, the Knicks are looking for veteran depth to support Jalen Brunson’s heavy minutes.
- Primary Target: Nicolas Batum (Clippers). The Clippers are having a “disaster season” and are looking to offload veterans for draft picks.
The Milwaukee Bucks: The “All-In” Move
The Bucks are sitting at 11th in the East—a nightmare scenario.
- The Rumor: There is chatter about a desperate play for Trae Young, but Atlanta would likely want Bobby Portisand multiple first-rounders, which Milwaukee simply doesn’t have.
2026 Trade Value Power Rankings
Who has the most value on the market right now?
| Player | Current Team | Status | Likely Destination |
| Trae Young | Hawks | Actively Shopping | Wizards / Nets |
| CJ McCollum | Wizards | Expiring Asset | Hawks / Clippers |
| Michael Porter Jr. | Nets | Career Year (41% 3P) | Rockets / Warriors |
| Saddiq Bey | Pelicans | 3&D Target | Knicks / Lakers |
| Rudy Gobert | Timberwolves | Salary Dump? | Hawks |
The “DailyNewsEdit” Take
The next 30 days will define the next five years for teams like the Hawks and Wizards. If Washington pulls off the Trae Young trade, they aren’t just getting a point guard—they’re getting a brand. But for Atlanta, moving on from “Ice Trae” is a massive risk. Can Jalen Johnson really carry a franchise alone?
Keep this page bookmarked. We will be updating this tracker every 12 hours as the February 5 deadline approaches.
