NBA Swing: Five Burning Questions Before February 5th Trade Deadline

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As of January 24, 2026, the NBA trade market is heating up. While the blockbuster move sending Trae Young to the Washington Wizards remains the only major domino to fall, the league is buzzing with rumors involving some of the game’s biggest icons. With less than two weeks until the February 5 deadline, front offices are weighing the risks of standing pat versus making a season-altering swing.

1. Will the Warriors Unload Jimmy Butler’s Contract?

The Golden State Warriors’ championship aspirations took a devastating hit on Monday night during their 135–112 win over the Heat. Star forward Jimmy Butler suffered a torn right ACL in the third quarter, an injury that will sideline him for the remainder of the 2025–26 season and likely the start of the next.

The Financial Burden: Butler is set to earn $54.1 million this season and $56.8 million in 2026–27. Trading an aging star (36) on a massive contract with a major injury is nearly impossible unless the Warriors attach significant draft capital.
The Curry Timeline: Despite GM Mike Dunleavy stating there are “no plans” to move him, the pressure to maximize Stephen Curry’s window is immense.
Targets: If the Warriors decide to pivot, they have been linked to Anthony Davis, Michael Porter Jr., and Trey Murphy III as potential targets to salvage the season.

2. Is Zion Williamson the Answer for Chicago?

Rumors are intensifying regarding a potential “buy-low” move for Zion Williamson. With the New Orleans Pelicans sitting at a league-worst 10–35, the franchise is reportedly ready to build around its rookie duo of Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen.

The Fit: Zion is averaging 22.5 PPG and 5.8 RPG, and analysts believe he could flourish alongside a pass-first guard like Josh Giddey.
The Hurdle: Chicago’s front office, led by Arturas Karnisovas, has been historically cautious. To land Zion, they would likely need to package Nikola Vucevic and significant draft assets to match the $39M+ salary.

3. Will the Bucks Trade Giannis Without a Formal Request?

The “Greek Freak” saga has reached a boiling point. Following a 122–102 loss to the Thunder on January 21, Giannis Antetokounmpo publicly criticized his teammates for “selfish” play and poor chemistry.

Separation Looming: ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reports that rival teams believe a “separation” is inevitable.
Injury Twist: Adding to the drama, Giannis suffered a right calf/soleus strain on January 23 that is expected to sideline him for 4–6 weeks.
The Decision: Milwaukee must decide whether to jumpstart a rebuild now or risk Giannis walking for nothing in the future. The Knicks and Lakers remain the primary vultures circling this situation.

4. Can Western Contenders Find Their Floor Generals?

The point guard market is the most active sector of the deadline as several contenders look for a steady hand.

Minnesota Timberwolves: With Mike Conley aging, the Wolves are eyeing a Bulls trio: Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and Tre Jones. Coby White is viewed as the “cleanest” fit next to Anthony Edwards.
Houston Rockets: The Rockets are surprisingly 26–15 despite losing Fred VanVleet to an ACL tear in September. While rumors of a Ja Morant heist have surfaced, coach Ime Udoka recently suggested the team might rely on internal growth from Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson rather than making a panic trade.

5. Do the New York Knicks Hit the “Panic Button”?

The Knicks have been a “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” team since winning the NBA Cup in December. A recent 8–11 stretch has seen them drop to 3rd in the East (26–18), only a few games clear of the play-in tournament.

Towns on the Block: Despite a fake viral post claiming a trade to Memphis was finalized, the Knicks are reportedly gauging the market for Karl-Anthony Towns and Guerschon Yabusele.
The Strategy: New York is in a delicate position. A major shakeup could jeopardize the chemistry that led to last year’s success, but the team’s play lately might force Leon Rose’s hand.