The 2025-26 NBA season is almost here and so all 30 teams know which players will be on their rosters on opening night.
However, basketball fans will understand that no player is guaranteed to be on the same team at the end of the year.
From blockbuster deals to salary dumps, and everything in between, there will be many moves before the trade deadline in February.
NBA Analysis looks at the top five players who are likely to switch teams during the 2025-26 season.
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesJonathan Kuminga (Golden State Warriors)
Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors failed to agree on the terms of a new contract for several months this offseason.
Kuminga eventually signed a two-year, $48.5 million deal to stay in San Francisco, but his long-term future remains in doubt.
The power forward is likely to come off the bench this season despite wanting an enlarged role, so he is expected to be frustrated.
The Warriors will probably trade Kuminga before the deadline for a veteran player who can help the team win a championship now.
Nikola Vucevic (Chicago Bulls)
The Chicago Bulls finally entered a rebuild when they traded Zach LaVine to the Sacramento Kings last season.
They decided not to trade away veteran center Nikola Vucevic at the same time, but they have another opportunity this season.
The 34-year-old is still a starting caliber player and should net at least one exciting prospect or first round draft pick in a trade.
Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty ImagesCJ McCollum (Washington Wizards)
CJ McCollum has been one of the best shooting guards in the NBA since he was drafted by the Portland Trails Blazers in 2013.
He even averaged 21 points, four rebounds and four assists for the struggling New Orleans Pelicans last season.
The 34-year-old has since been traded to the Washington Wizards, where he is unlikely to spend the entire 2025-26 season.
McCollum’s expiring $30 million contract will make him a top target for contending teams at the trade deadline.
Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz)
Lauri Markkanen’s NBA career has stagnated since making his first All-Star appearance with the Utah Jazz in 2023.
Markkanen averaged over 23 points per game in each of his first two seasons in Utah, but he only scored 19 PPG last year.
He reminded everyone how great he is with the Finnish national team at EuroBasket this summer, and he deserves to finally play for an NBA contender.
He could be an excellent second or third option for a team looking to go deep into the playoffs this season, such as the Detroit Pistons.
Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty ImagesTerry Rozier (Miami Heat)
It was only two seasons ago that Terry Rozier was a borderline All-Star for the Charlotte Hornets, scoring 23.2 points per game.
He was traded to the Miami Heat midway through the 2023-24 season, where he continued to impress, albeit in a slightly lesser role.
However, Rozier’s production dropped drastically last season and he no longer has a place in Erik Spoelstra’s rotation.
Miami failed to trade him all summer, but someone will surely take a flyer on him at the trade deadline if he is still available.