The NBA trade season unofficially begins on December 15, when 77 players who signed free agent contracts this offseason become eligible to be traded. This change allows for potential blockbuster deals involving stars like James Harden and Kyrie Irving. However, some players face delays or permanent restrictions this season.
Trade discussions have been active early in the NBA season, with names like Anthony Davis, Ja Morant, LaMelo Ball, and Giannis Antetokounmpo frequently mentioned. Yet, league rules have prevented major moves until now, as many players were not tradable, complicating salary matching.
Starting December 15, 77 players—about 17% of the league's 450 roster spots—become eligible. This includes high-profile free agent signings ordered by their 2025-26 cap hits: James Harden at $39,182,693, Kyrie Irving at $36,566,002, Julius Randle at $30,864,198, Myles Turner at $25,318,251, and Fred VanVleet at $25,000,000, among others like Damian Lillard, Dennis Schroder, and Chris Paul.
Eleven players must wait until January 15 due to re-signing rules involving Bird or Early Bird Rights and salary raises over 20%: Josh Giddey ($25,000,000), Jonathan Kuminga ($22,500,000), Naz Reid ($21,551,724), and others.
Nine players face other restrictions from veteran extensions, with eligibility dates ranging from December 14 for Steven Adams to February 4 for De'Aaron Fox. Golden State Warriors' Al Horford and De'Anthony Melton cannot trade until January 1, while Gary Payton II and Will Richard are eligible December 29.
Four players—Toumani Camara, A.J. Green, P.J. Washington, and Aaron Nesmith—cannot be traded this season due to late extensions. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's supermax contract bars him for a year, and Seth Curry's late signing with the Warriors extends beyond the deadline.
Only LeBron James and Damian Lillard have explicit no-trade clauses. Fifteen players have implicit veto rights from one- or two-year deals. Nine 2022 first-round picks, including Paolo Banchero and Chet Holmgren, signed rookie extensions with poison pill provisions, complicating trades under the 2023 CBA.
