As the 2026 NBA trade deadline heads to a close, marquee stars now find new homes. The latest saw Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis traded to the Washington Wizards, along with D’Angelo Russell, Jaden Hardy, & Dante Exum.
While some trades have looked straightforward this time around, some players have been considered overpay candidates. Here are five major names whose hefty contracts make them pricey as the deadline enters the final turn.
1) Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
The 2025-26 season sees Embiid make $55,224,526. The price tag comes at a cost, as the Sixers superstar’s durability has been an issue. While he is expected to stay in Philly this season, the question mark for potential buyers ahead of the deadline will be whether he is worth the money, considering his recent time on the floor.
2) Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings)
The Kings rake in $42,336,000 this season, making for another expensive trade for teams looking to add a credible big man.
BREAKING: The Dallas Mavericks are trading 10-time NBA All-Star Anthony Davis, Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell and Dante Exum to the Washington Wizards for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, 2 first-round picks and 3 second-rounders, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/sfrQQubI5i
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 4, 2026
There is no doubt about Sabonis’ All-Star level play on both ends of the floor, while his salary still makes him an overpriced addition. At the time of writing, a move to the Toronto Raptors continues to gain steam.
3) Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans)
Zion Williamson makes $39.4 million this season, but has been a constant injury-riddled star. While there have been reports of the Chicago Bulls looking at the forward’s services, there is no official word on whether he will be shopped ahead of the deadline. While he can be a force when healthy, there is no doubt that interested parties will be taking a gamble.
4) Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies)
Like Williamson, Ja Morant is another star making around the same number, $39,446,090 this season. While his electric offense is worth a look at, the lack of form and his questionable defense will see teams take a second look at the price tag.
The Grizzlies have dramatically dropped their asking price for Ja Morant and are eager to ship him out to start a rebuild around Zach Edey and Cedric Coward, per @TheSteinLine & @JakeLFischer
“Yet multiple rival teams have said this week that the Grizzlies’ asking price for… pic.twitter.com/urHGnxax5M
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 4, 2026
For now, the guard appears to be on the radar of the Miami Heat and the Kings. Only time will tell what either of the teams can dish out for the Grizzlies’ star.
5) Kristaps Porziņģis (Atlanta Hawks)
Kristaps Porziņģis to the Atlanta Hawks was one of the major trades ahead of the season. While the big getting shipped isn’t a certainty, his hefty price tag makes him another player whose time on the floor will raise questions about his $30,731,707 salary this season. The center has only played 17 games this season after he was sidelined due to left Achilles tendinitis. He is averaging 17.1 points and 5.1 rebounds for Atlanta.
