5 Untraded Stars at the 2026 NBA Trade Deadline That Will Definitely Be Moved in the Offseason

The 2026 NBA Trade Deadline came and went, and 27 of the NBA’s 30 teams made a deal before it was over. It was one of the busiest deadlines ever, as tons of stars, role players and draft capital were moved from team to team. Big names like Jaren Jackson Jr., James Harden and Anthony Davis is defeated. However, not all the stars were on trading block were moved. Check out the gallery to see five untraded stars, each likely to return to the market this offseason.

Giannis Antetokounmpo was the biggest name on the trading block ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline. After all, the The Milwaukee Bucks decide to keep him. Antetokounmpo and the Bucks have been playing a cat and mouse game for far too long. A two-time MVP, which is likely the best player in franchise historyhas repeatedly signaled interest in a trade as it seems unlikely the Bucks can build a contender around him.

However, every time Antetokounmpo soft initiates a trade request, he seemingly backs off and claims he wants to be a Buck for life. It’s unclear whether Antetokounmpo was reluctant to commit to the full trade request because he genuinely wants to play in Milwaukee or because he doesn’t want to be maligned. Regardless, it now looks like it’s only a matter of time before the Greek freak is actually relocated.

The Bucks have little capital to improve the roster going forward, and it’s clear they aren’t the contenders they are. Their only trade deadline was yes bring in Nigel Hayes-Davies and Ousmane Dieng, neither of whom are likely to improve the team’s prospects going forward.

If Antetokounmpo is placed on the trade block again, all trade talks around the league will be halted until his situation is clarified. Antetokounmpo is still one of the very the best players in the NBA. He’s a 6-foot-11 freak of nature who bullies opponents inside with brute force. Antetokounmpo can play at both the Defensive Player of the Year level and in a less glamorous part of the court.

Teams have learned from the Dallas Mavericks’ mistakes and won’t trade their megastars for underwhelming packages. The Bucks probably didn’t get a big package at the trade deadline, but teams may be more willing to commit their future to Antetokounmpo in the offseason.

The Los Angeles Clippers blew up their core at the trade deadline. James Harden was replaced for the younger Darius Garland, i Ivica Zubac was traded for a package focused on the capital draft. It’s clear that a new era of Clippers basketball is beginning, but Kawhi Leonard is still on the roster.

Leonard is a polarizing player whose future is a complete mystery. When healthy, Leonard is one of the best players in the NBA because he is an all-time great defender who can score as the best option. Of course, Leonard struggled to stay on the court for years. There’s also the matter of the ongoing investigation into circumvention of Aspiration and the potential salary cap.

It’s unclear what will come of that issue, nor is it clear whether the NBA would even allow a trade for Leonard at the deadline. Leonard has also shown an unwillingness to play outside of Los Angeles. If the league rules that Leonard can be moved, and if teams are comfortable with taking him despite the investigation, injury concerns, and taking him away from his home, then Leonard would be highly desirable on the trade market. He is a player who fits into any scheme and has championship experience with multiple organizations.

The Memphis Grizzlies have grown increasingly frustrated with Ja Morant in recent years. The point guard has been suspended multiple times, and his game has declined in recent seasons. However, the Grizzlies did not trade him at the trade deadline. instead, Jaren Jackson Jr. was sent to the Utah Jazz.

The The Grizzlies also traded Desmond Bain in the offseason. Memphis now has somewhere between 11 and 13 future first-round picks. A new era has begun in Memphis. While Morant is still with the team for now, it still seems likely that he will be traded in the upcoming offseason.

Once viewed as a a potential future face of the leagueMorant’s trade value has declined due to questionable defense, ineffective scoring and constant butting heads with his team and teammates. Still, the team could take a chance on him, especially if he goes much cheaper than his former teammates did in the trade.

Morant is still an incredible athlete who can finish inside on, around or over any defender. It seems unlikely that Morant and the Grizzlies can make amends, so if the off-court issues are in the past, someone should buy low on the Murray State product.

Michael Porter Jr. has taken his game to a new level with the Brooklyn Nets. Previously more of a catch-and-shoot option with the Denver Nuggets, Porter got the final green light with the Nets this year. He rewarded the team by scoring 25 points per game.

While the Nets could certainly keep Porter as their top option moving forward, it’s possible the team will use his increased production in an offseason trade. Brooklyn is still rebuilding and far from a fight. They are obsessed with draft capital, as they currently have five first-rounders on their team and 12 future the selections from the first round are coming.

Building around Porter seems like a logical conclusion. His shooting efficiency at 6-foot-10 allows him to fit into any roster/scheme, and he’s still only 27 years old. However, Brooklyn’s desire for draft capital may convince them to trade Porter in the offseason. After all, offseason trades involving big players have become commonplace for the Nets in recent years. They got a haul for Mychal Bridges not too long ago in the offseason, and Porter was part of the offseason trade involving Cam Johnson.

The Cleveland Cavaliers go all-in in a short title window. The team’s roster was simply too expensive to maintain in the long run, so they made a short move to acquire James Harden. Sacrificing a much younger All-Star in the process hurt, but Harden probably gives the team a better chance to make the NBA Finals this year than Darius Garland.

In addition to the Harden trade, Cleveland sent De’Andre Hunter is on his way to Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroeder. They also moved on from Lonzo Ball. These moves have helped the Cavaliers gain more control over their finances, but they are still the only ones another apron team in the NBA.

Jarrett Allen has already been involved in trade rumors, and he has a big contract extension that starts next year. If the Cavaliers are not crowned champions, they may look very different next season. The consequences for repeating as the second team are severe, and the Cavaliers’ arm may be forced to trade Allen. Fortunately, Evan Mobley has looked more equipped to be a full-time center this season than ever before.