The 2025-26 NBA season is just around the corner, and all 30 teams know which players will be on their rosters on opening night.
However, basketball fans will understand that no two players will be on the same team at the end of the year.
From big trades to big salary cuts, we’ll see a lot of movement before the February trade deadline.
NBA analysis Now, let’s take a look at the top five players who are likely to transfer teams during the 2025-26 season.
Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors have been unable to agree on new contract terms for several months this offseason.
Kuminga ultimately signed a two-year, $48.5 million deal to remain in San Francisco, but his long-term future remains in question.
The power forward is expected to be frustrated as he is likely to come off the bench this season despite his desire to expand his role.
The Warriors will likely trade Kuminga at the deadline and acquire a veteran player who can help the team win a championship.
Last season, the Chicago Bulls finally entered a rebuild after trading Zach LaVine to the Sacramento Kings.
They decided not to trade veteran center Nikola Vucevic at the same time, but they will have another chance this season.
At 34 years old, he’s still a capable starter, and the trade should net them at least one exciting prospect or first-round draft pick.
CJ McCollum has been one of the NBA’s best shooting guards since being drafted by the Portland Trails Blazers in 2013.
He averaged 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists for the struggling New Orleans Pelicans last season.
The 34-year-old was then traded to the Washington Wizards, but it is unlikely he will spend the entire 2025-26 season there.
With McCollum’s $30 million contract expiring, he will be a top target for contending teams at the trade deadline.
Lauri Markkanen’s NBA career has stalled since making his first All-Star appearance with the Utah Jazz in 2023.
Markkanen averaged over 23 points per game in each of his first two seasons in Utah, but only scored 19 PPG last year.
He reminded everyone how great he is on the Finnish national team at EuroBasket this summer and ultimately deserves to play as an NBA contender.
He could be a good second or third option for a team looking to make the playoffs this season, such as the Detroit Pistons.
It was just two seasons ago that Terry Rozier was a near-All-Star for the Charlotte Hornets, scoring 23.2 points per game.
He was traded to the Miami Heat midway through the 2023-24 season and continued to make an impression, albeit in a slightly lesser role.
However, Rozier’s production decreased significantly last season, and he no longer has a place in Erik Spoelstra’s rotation.
Miami tried unsuccessfully to trade him all summer, but if he’s still available, someone will definitely take his flier at the trade deadline.