The Miami Heat’s acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo didn’t just alter the balance of power in the Eastern Conference; it also completely unlocked the rest of the NBA trade market. With the massive superstar domino finally falling ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft, front offices are now targeting the next potential move and specifically, a few under-the-radar names that could be on the move ahead of the new season.
While names like Jaylen Brown and Ja Morant will remain at the center of the NBA trade rumor mill, the door has officially swung open for several other names worth monitoring in the coming weeks. Specifically, a few role players that could fill areas of major need for the 2026-27 season, so let’s break down a few of the names to monitor as NBA trade season picks up.
Isaiah Stewart, Detroit Pistons
Stewart was reportedly at the center of the Pistons’ interest in making a run at Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves. However, with Reaves re-signing with the Lakers, it opens the door for Detroit to consider other possible moves. NBA insider Marc Stein reported that trading Stewart would have been one of several moves the Pistons would have made to position themselves to make a run at Reaves. Stewart was already a name to monitor, but this highlights that the team could trade him to acquire another high-impact offensive player.
Trey Murphy III, New Orleans Pelicans
Although Murphy is likely the least “under the radar” name on this list, he’s still one to closely monitor this offseason. He’s been linked to several potential teams, including the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks, ahead of the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft. Although neither team has yet to make a move for Murphy and didn’t choose to package their first-round pick in a deal for him, he’s the type of player who could make sense for either team, and several other potential suitors are likely to emerge in the coming weeks.
Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks
It’s not a foregone conclusion that the Dallas Mavericks will trade Kyrie Irving. He was excellent playing alongside fellow star Luka Doncic before the deal that sent his former teammate to the Los Angeles Lakers. Realistically, there’s a world where Irving could thrive next to Cooper Flagg, but if Dallas can get value for Irving, who’s coming off a torn ACL, and wants to embrace the idea of a young core, this could make a lot of sense. Among the teams worth monitoring could be the Minnesota Timberwolves, and pairing Irving with Anthony Edwards could be a great duo to help round out the team’s outlook heading into next season.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: NBA trade rumors: 3 under-the-radar targets after Giannis deal
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