The 2026 NBA Trade Value List. Plus, Harden, JJJ, and Giannis Trade News With Joe House

Key Takeaways

NBA trade discussions are active, with James Harden and Darius Garland trade rumors prominent.
The 2026 NBA trade value list, now featuring 80 players, uses criteria like age, contract, and durability.
The Memphis Grizzlies executed a full rebuild, trading Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz for multiple future first-round picks.
Teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers are maneuvering for cap flexibility to make significant trades, including hypothetical moves for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Top players on the 2026 trade value list include Victor Wembanyama (#1), Nikola Jokić (#2), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (#3), and Anthony Edwards (#4).
The podcast features "Valuable Assets on Horrific Contracts" and "completely and utterly untouchable" player categories.
Dallas Mavericks' Luka Dončić (#6) faces scrutiny over team performance, while Cooper Flagg (#5) surprises with a high ranking due to his young age and rookie deal.

Reports indicate a potential James Harden-Darius Garland trade between Houston and Cleveland; deal finalization is uncertain due to salary cap complexities, including Harden's trade kicker.
Durability concerns for Garland are contrasted with Harden's, and the motivation for Harden's potential trade, including an extension not received from the Clippers, is explored.
The host assumes the trade will occur despite the Clippers' recent strong performance.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are analyzing their financial situation regarding the second apron and potential player departures to gain cap flexibility.
A hypothetical trade of Mobley for Giannis Antetokounmpo is posed, alongside concerns about Giannis's recurring calf injuries impacting trade timing.
Breaking news confirmed Jaren Jackson Jr. was traded to the Utah Jazz for several players and future first-round picks, indicating a full rebuild for the Memphis Grizzlies.

The 2026 NBA trade value list has expanded to 80 players, up from approximately 40 in the late 2000s.
Criteria for the list include salaries, age, contract length, player happiness, durability, and the impact of actual trade outcomes.
'Rule number six' involves simulating trade conversations between teams to gauge relative trade value, using examples like Trey Murphy for Lauri Markkanen.

The 2026 trade value list begins with Group O, including Anthony Black (#80), Ace Bailey, Peyton Watson, Tari Eason, Modest Bezealis, and Donovan Klingen.
Group N features "valuable assets on okay contracts," with Dyson Daniels (#74) noted for his contract extension and perceived regression.
James Harden (#73) is included due to recent trade discussions, and Brandon Ingram (#72) is on a significant contract, while Mikal Bridges (#71) is discussed regarding his salary and role on the Nets.

The segment previews "Valuable Assets on Horrific Contracts" with players like Karl-Anthony Towns (#63), Anthony Davis (#62), and Joel Embiid (#61) being ranked.
The Grizzlies created a $28.8 million trade exception from the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade, which could be used for a player like Anfernee Simons ($27.5M salary).
Memphis possesses 13 first-round picks over the next seven years, positioning them as significant players at the trade deadline.

Andrew Nembhard (#59) is discussed for his contract and ability to contribute to a championship team, while Kaison Wallace (#58) is noted for his rookie contract and potential for increased offensive production.
Reed Shepard (#57) is compared to Mark Price, and Keonte George (#56) is highlighted for his offensive production in Utah and potential as a future star.
Osar Thompson (#55) is valued for his defensive versatility to the Boston Celtics, despite shooting limitations.

A trade is announced involving Jaden Ivey and Mike Conley Jr. going to the Bulls, and Kevin Huerter and Daron Sharpe to the Pistons, with Detroit also receiving a protected first-round swap from Minnesota.
Hosts speculate Minnesota's motivation includes freeing up cap space, with James Harden suggested as a potential point guard acquisition for the Timberwolves following Conley Jr.'s departure.
The discussion also addresses a potential Cleveland-Clippers deal and mentions Donovan Mitchell amid Minnesota's salary cap situation.

The list includes De'Aaron Fox (#49), O.G. Anunoby (#48), and Pascal Siakam (#47), who is compared to Julius Randle (#47), with Randle favored due to his contract.
LaMelo Ball (#45) is ranked based on his performance for the Charlotte Hornets, and Dylan Brooks (#44) is noted for his $21 million two-year contract.
Aaron Gordon (#41), Kevin Durant (#40), and Kawhi Leonard (#39) are also ranked, with concerns about Leonard's durability despite his recent elite performance.

Discussion covers Jalen Johnson's contract and team inconsistency, noting surprise he wasn't a lottery pick.
A comparison is drawn between Jalen Duren and Alperen Şengün regarding their contracts and perceived value, highlighting Şengün's aggressive playstyle.
Deni Avdija's contract is highlighted as a bargain, and his high-usage role and potential on a .500 team are discussed.

The 2026 trade value list continues with Cedric Coward (#33) and Brandon Miller (#32), whose jump shot is highly praised.
Paolo Banchero (#31) is noted to have a 'poison pill' contract, delaying potential trades until summer, while Group F includes 'non-tradable' players Tyrese Haliburton (#28) and Jayson Tatum (#29).
Group B, described as 'budding, but expensive,' features Jalen Williams (#28), Scotty Barnes (#27), and Evan Mobley (#26), all on significant second contracts.

Group C includes Jamal Murray, Jaylen Brown, Devin Booker, Donovan Mitchell, and Jalen Brunson, with Brunson's high ranking attributed to his favorable contract saving approximately $10 million annually.
Group B features Steph Curry (#10) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (#9), with Curry's trade difficulty noted due to cap constraints.
Group A is defined as 'completely and utterly untouchable,' listing Tyrese Maxey (#8) and Cade Cunningham (#7), both acknowledged for impressive seasons.

Luka Dončić (#6) and Cooper Flagg (#5) are introduced on the list, sparking debate over Flagg's high ranking due to his rookie deal at age 19.
The host notes Dončić's mediocre team and potential lost development time for him with the Dallas Mavericks, who are 12th seed with a 19-30 record.
Victor Wembanyama (#1) is praised for his physical development and defensive intensity against Chet Holmgren, despite a guest questioning his durability, while Nikola Jokić (#2), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (#3), and Anthony Edwards (#4) complete the top four.