Trade rumors started about a month into the 2025-26 NBA season, but no deal has been executed. The inactivity is likely to change on Monday when more than 70 players will become trade eligible, according to CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn. Teams looking to unload, reload or reconfigure their rosters could make the next few weeks even more exciting.The LA Clippers, which added aging stars in the offseason, are off to a stuttering start. They are seemingly in disarray after parting ways with Chris Paul, and are just 3-17 since last month. Some NBA insiders predict they could reset by trading veteran players.Contending teams could also look for reinforcement, making Dec. 15 one of the most highly anticipated dates this season.Top 5 players NBA teams could trade#5. Dorian Finney-SmithThe Houston Rockets are third in the Western Conference with a 16-6 record. They are thriving without NBA veteran Fred VanVleet due to the emergence of Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard as point guards.The Rockets have a surplus of rangy wings, giving them options and flexibility. Houston could make Dorian Finney-Smith, who signed a four-year, $52.71 million deal in July, available. Teams looking for a proven 3-and-D player could take a chance on the 6-foot-8 forward, who is working his way back from ankle surgery.#4. Brook LopezIf the Clippers want to blow up the lineup, Brook Lopez could be an answer to teams looking to bolster their front line. Lopez is on a two-year, $17.9 million contract with a club option in the second. The former NBA champ isn’t the rim protector he once was, but he can provide quality minutes as a backup center.Lopez has averaged 37.0% from deep in his last four seasons, making him an attractive floor-spacer.#3. Myles TurnerDepending on how the Giannis Antetokounmpo situation pans out, the Milwaukee Bucks could rebuild if the “Greek Freak” takes his talents elsewhere. One of the most intriguing names on the NBA trade market is Myles Turner.Turner, who signed a four-year, $108.8 million contract in July, is an elite defender with decent touch from behind the arc. Over the past four seasons, Turner has averaged 2.0 blocks per game and shot 37.7% from behind the arc.The Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets and Chicago Bulls, teams with draft capital, could shore up their frontcourt with him.#2. Ajay MitchellThe OKC Thunder’s embarrassment of riches includes Ajay Mitchell, a player who has blossomed for the NBA champs this season. Mitchell is a top contender for the Most Improved Player of the Year award this season. The 6-foot-4 combo guard is averaging career highs in points (14.0), assists (3.7), rebounds (3.3) and steals (1.5).Mitchell has proven that he can be an efficient volume shooter, particularly when Jalen Williams was sidelined after wrist surgery. The sophomore guard is also an elite defender, making him one of the best trade assets in the NBA.#1. James HardenJames Harden could be on the move if the LA Clippers embrace a full rebuild. The former MVP has been carrying the Clippers over the past two years, so his trade value couldn’t be any higher.However, Harden can veto any trade. According to Sam Quinn, this “contractual condition” allows Harden to refuse a trade:“Players who re-signed with their original teams either on one-year deals or on two-year deals in which the second season is an option.”The NBA All-Star agreed to a two-year, $81.5 million contract, including a player option in the second. If Harden likes his new destination, the Clippers could get players and draft capital for the veteran guard.