3 Under-The-Radar NBA Trade Targets Who Could Change The League’s Landscape
The NBA was supposed to be entering a grand age of parity. The Oklahoma City Thunder said, “So much for that.” We may be on the cusp of another dynasty. The San Antonio Spurs have been impressive. The Detroit Pistons have a comparable record in a weaker Eastern Conference.
Still, it’s difficult to imagine anyone dethroning the Thunder in 2026, barring injuries. That doesn’t mean teams shouldn’t try.
There are numerous high-quality teams in the NBA at present. Some could even be a trade away from giving the Thunder a run for their money.
Here are three under-the-radar trade candidates who could shift the NBA’s landscape.
Michael Porter Jr.
Michael Porter Jr. may not fit everyone’s description of “under the radar”. To be sure, he’s having a career year. Porter Jr. is averaging 25.7 points per game and 7.5 rebounds per game, with a scorching 62.9 True Shooting % (TS%) and a 5.2 Box Plus/Minus (BPM). That’s the statistical profile of a star.
The Nets should be eager to move him. At 10-20, this team isn’t quite as bad as they’d like to be. The Nets should be jockeying for the worst record in the league ahead of a star-studded 2026 draft.
With Porter Jr. exceeding expectations, they have an opportunity to get more value for him than they surrendered when they acquired him.
Plenty of contenders should be interested. Porter Jr. is a 6’10” three-point sniper who can create his own shot. He could be the missing piece for some of the better teams in the NBA.
Keon Ellis
Last year, Keon Ellis looked like a potential star for the Sacramento Kings. So, his decreased minutes in 2025-26 are somewhat inexplicable.
Ladies and gentlemen, the Kings.
This is an organization in a sticky spot. The Kings are light on players with trade value, but they’re also a losing franchise. If they decide to rebuild, it won’t be easy to collect the bounty of first-round picks that teams like to start the rebuilding cycle with.
Even Ellis won’t bring them that type of haul. Still, he is a talented young 3-and-D guard who could help some contenders improve.
If the Kings can wrestle one unprotected first from a suitor, they’d have to look at moving Ellis. It’s time for this organization to start doing the right things.
Herbert Jones
The Kings are in a tough spot. The New Orleans Pelicans look a bit different. At 8-27, they’re one of the worst teams in the NBA, but they certainly still have options.
Is this still Zion Williamson‘s team? Is Derik Queen the new franchise player in the Big Easy? Should the Pelicans blow it up and build around their new big man, or just retool around their pair of frontcourt stars?
In any case, they’d be smart to move Jones. At 27, he’s off the team’s timeline if they’re thinking long-term. Even if they’re thinking medium term, they could get some assets that will improve their flexibility for their services. Jones is one of the best 3-and-D wings in the NBA.
Who knows? He could help someone challenge the Thunder.
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