3 Networks most likely to trade before the 2026 deadline

The NBA trade deadline is two weeks away, and Brooklyn Nets will be at the center of many conversations. With several veterans in their rotation and an NBA-high $15 million in cap space, the rebuilding team is positioned to be the seller and facilitator of bigger deals.

With that, we highlight the three most likely networks to sell before February 5th.

3 Networks will most likely be traded by 2026

Michael Porter Jr

Porter is arguably the best player on the market amid a breakout start as the No. 1 option. 1 in Brooklyn. The 27-year-old is averaging 25.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists on .485/.398/.845 shooting this season. He, Nikola Jokic, Anthony Edwards, Kawhi Leonard and Jamal Murray are the only NBA players averaging 25-plus points on that shooting efficiency.

Most impressively, the Nets, who many assumed would be in the running for the NBA’s worst record, posted an even net rating (0.0) during Porter’s minutes.

With Brooklyn in the early stages of a rebuild, many around the league believe the 6-foot-10 shooting guard is attainable at the deadline. however, league sources told ClutchPoints that the Nets are comfortable keeping Porter in the off-season if they don’t get an offer to their liking.

Porter is under contract for $38.3 million this season and $40.8 million in 2026-27. The Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors and Detroit Pistons are among the teams that have held internal discussions about trading for the power forward.

Thomas’ days with the Nets appear to be numbered. After not agreeing to a long-term contract extension and signing his $6 million qualifying offer, he will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Brooklyn opted not to lock the five-year-old guard into a long-term deal this offseason, with the top offer being a two-year, $30 million contract with a team option.

Given how this season has gone, the Nets’ reluctance to make a long-term commitment to Thomas has likely grown. Brooklyn started the year 0-7 with the worst defensive rating in the league with Thomas in the lead role. The team turned the season around after the 24-year-old injured his hamstring and was replaced by Noah Clowney in the starting lineup.

Brooklyn’s defense is 8.4 points worse per 100 possessions during Thomas’ minutes, the worst mark on the team and fourth-worst among the 80 running backs who have played more than 450 minutes this season, according to CleaningTheGlass.

Thomas came off the bench during nine appearances after returning from a hamstring injury, his fourth since the start of last season. The former first-round pick has veto power over any trade. However, given his diminishing role, a change of scene should benefit him.

Thomas has attracted little interest on the trade or free agent market over the past year. However, given his microwave scoring ability and $6 million expiring contract, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a team fall in love with him for little to no cost.

Highsmith has yet to appear in a game for the Nets after they acquired him from the Miami Heat this offseason. After undergoing meniscus surgery in August, the veteran said he wants to be ready for the start of the regular season. However, he suffered a setback in October and has no timetable for a return.

It seems unlikely that Highsmith will take the floor for Brooklyn this season. The Nets have little room for him in a rotation that includes several veterans and four rookie first-round picks. With the 29-year-old on a $5.6 million expiring contract, the team could include him as a salary cap in a deadline deal.

With 35 playoff games under his belt, Highsmith could add inexpensive depth to the team’s bench during the second half of the season.

Honorable Mention: Nick Claxton and Day’Ron Sharp

Despite their rebuilding situation, the Nets have two powerhouses in Claxton and Sharpe. Claxton looked revitalized after an injury-riddled 2024-25 campaign, posting the best offensive start of his career and anchoring a defense that ranked first in the NBA in December. meanwhile, Sharpe continued to climb in a backup role, dominating the boards and showing significant improvement as a defender, passer and interior shooter.

The Nets may be forced to choose between the two centers in the near future. They have a $6 million team option on Sharp next season. However, given his steady production, they could end up signing the 24-year-old to a long-term deal this summer.

If the Nets see Sharpe as a starter-caliber player, they could offset the value of Claxton, who is two years older and more expensive. However, Clacton has a declining contract which should be more attractive in the final two seasons. Barring a desperate bid for the veteran at this year’s deadline, the Nets are likely to keep him in the offseason, when teams will have a better feel for their situations and more picks available for trade.