Upcoming NBA Trade Deadline: Potential Moves from Key Teams

With the 2026 NBA trade deadline looming just around the corner, teams are strategizing and evaluating their rosters in hopes of making impactful changes. Reports suggest that several key players from the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, and New Orleans Pelicans could be on the move, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and speculation about potential trades.

Trade Candidates from the Pelicans

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the New Orleans Pelicans are eyeing significant roster adjustments leading up to the trade deadline. Notably, guards Jordan Poole and Jose Alvarado are emerging as potential trade candidates. This decision might stem from the Pelicans' desire to create more opportunity for 2025 lottery pick Jeremiah Fears, who has shown promise in his early performances.

Poole, known for his scoring ability and skill set, could attract considerable interest from various teams. Alvarado, on the other hand, has been linked specifically to the New York Knicks, as they explore options to bolster their backcourt.

Indiana Pacers Eyeing Yves Missi

The Indiana Pacers have also shown interest in Pelicans center Yves Missi, who, despite a strong rookie season in the 2024-25 campaign, is struggling to find a solid role in a crowded Pelicans frontcourt featuring stars like Zion Williamson and Derik Queen. At just 21 years old, Missi has immense potential, but his current situation may necessitate a change of scenery to thrive in the NBA.

Reports indicate that the Pacers and Pelicans are in discussions concerning a trade that could see Missi exchanged for Indiana guard Bennedict Mathurin. Mathurin, who is enjoying a career-best season averaging 17.8 points per game, is entering restricted free agency after this season. His defensive inconsistencies could raise concerns for the Pacers, as the team currently holds a minus-10.6 net rating with him on the court—one of the lowest on the roster.

Chicago Bulls' Perspective

On the Bulls' side, it appears they are not inclined to part with their center, Nikola Vučević, despite the anticipation surrounding his potential trade value. Vučević is expected to generate strong interest as a future free agent, yet Chicago seems poised to retain him for the time being. The Bulls are looking to leverage the impending trade deadline to strengthen their current lineup rather than dismantling it.

Trade Deadline Implications

The implications of these potential trades could significantly reshape the future of the involved franchises. The Pelicans’ moves to trade away established players like Alvarado and Poole in favor of rising talents could mark a new direction for the team. Meanwhile, the Pacers' willingness to trade Mathurin, despite his scoring prowess, could signal a broader strategy focused on a more defensive-minded roster.

Each team must weigh the risks and rewards as the deadline approaches on February 5 at 3 p.m. ET. The decisions made now could prove crucial for playoff positioning and long-term success.

Conclusion

The countdown to the 2026 NBA trade deadline is heating up, and several players' futures hang in the balance. The Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, and New Orleans Pelicans are just a few of the teams exploring major changes that could reshape the landscape of the league. As we edge closer to the deadline, all eyes will remain keenly focused on potential trades, team strategies, and the impacts on playoff hopefuls throughout the NBA.