What if NASCAR Had a Trade Deadline? Five Potential Trades Before 2026

NASCAR is always evolving and trying to appeal to the casual sports fan. With many teams juggling uncertain futures, charter shakeups, and young stars waiting in the wings, the trade market presents a fascinating opportunity for bold moves. While driver trades are incredibly rare in NASCAR, the sport is no stranger to midseason deals. With 23XI Racing losing a charter, select veteran drivers underperforming in mediocre equipment, and rising talents knocking on the Cup Series’ door, the 2025 season is the perfect storm for some creative roster reshuffling. These trades are hypothetical, but not completely impossible. From championship contenders to rebuilding teams, here are five trades that could reshape the NASCAR grid overnight.

5. Corey Heim to 23XI Racing, Riley Herbst to Develop Tricon Garage’s Cup Program

With 23XI Racing losing its charter amid ongoing legal complications, the number 35 car is now essentially a blank slate. That opens the door for Toyota to slot in one of its top young talents, Corey Heim, for valuable Cup Series seat time. Heim has impressed at every level and would benefit from more Sunday experience, especially with Tricon Garage potentially developing a future full-time Cup program. On the flip side, Riley Herbst brings something every team values—sponsorship—specifically from Monster Energy. Herbst’s previous success and marketability could be a good fit for Tricon as they gain their footing in NASCAR’s top level, making this a mutually beneficial swap for two Toyota-aligned drivers.

4. Michael McDowell to Kaulig Racing for AJ Allmendinger

Michael McDowell was brought in to elevate Spire Motorsports’ performance, especially on road courses, but that vision hasn’t panned out as expected. While he came close to pulling off a win at Texas, a costly late-race mistake ultimately cost him a shot at victory lane. Meanwhile, the road course expertise he was hired for has yet to shine, leaving Spire looking for a more consistent presence in that department. That’s where AJ Allmendinger comes back into the picture. The veteran would have an opportunity to go toe-to-toe with Shane van Gisbergen at Watkins Glen in a few weeks. Allmendinger could be the edge Spire needs to break through, while Kaulig wouldn’t lose much putting a veteran like McDowell in their car.

3. Erik Jones to Front Row Motorsports for Zane Smith

This trade gives both teams exactly what they need at this stage of their respective rebuilds. Front Row Motorsports would gain a seasoned veteran in Erik Jones, something that the team seriously lacks. Front Row Motorsports’ current “veteran driver” is 27-year-old journeyman Noah Gragson, who has a career best finish of fourth at Talladega last year. Not to downplay Gragson’s. Xfinity Series success, but Jones, 29, spent four seasons with Joe Gibbs Racing in the Cup Series, and is a two-time Southern 500 champion. That is someone who can provide instant feedback and leadership as the team continues to grow. In return, Legacy Motor Club regains one of the top prospects in the sport in Zane Smith. With their long-term vision under Jimmie Johnson still forming, Smith gives them a chance to reset and develop around a driver many believe will be a franchise guy.

2. Connor Zilisch to Trackhouse Racing for Daniel Suárez

Connor Zilisch is currently the Xfinity Series championship favorite and has all the makings of Trackhouse Racing’s long-term future. Getting him Cup Series reps now only helps his progression, especially with a full-time ride in the No. 99 looming as soon as 2026. Meanwhile, pending free agent Daniel Suárez is set to miss the Cup Playoffs, and a part-time return to the Xfinity Series could give him a fresh start. Trackhouse could still run Suárez in select Cup races to keep him sharp while letting Zilisch gain experience on Sundays. It seems almost inevitable that Zilisch will land in the No. 99 at Trackhouse in 2026, so why waste time? A move to JR Motorsports in 2026 could also rejuvenate Suárez’s career, where he’d immediately be a title contender and bring valuable experience to the team.

1. Kyle Busch to 23XI Racing for Tyler Reddick

The blockbuster of the summer centers around two of the sport’s biggest names—Kyle Busch and Tyler Reddick—switching seats. Busch, facing a second straight winless season, would reunite with close friend and former teammate Denny Hamlin at 23XI Racing. With his legacy on the line, a move to 23XI could breathe new life into Busch’s career and give Toyota one last shot to maximize what’s left of his prime. Meanwhile, Reddick has voiced frustrations about his current contract situation, and a clause stating that he requires 23XI to provide him with a chartered ride could be Reddick’s ticket out. Richard Childress Racing would welcome him back with open arms, creating a compelling redemption arc and potentially reigniting the Reddick-era they had envisioned before his surprise departure. 

While these trades are purely hypothetical, they spark an intriguing conversation about what NASCAR could look like with a more structured trade system. In reality, sponsor obligations, manufacturer deals, and long-term contracts make moves like this nearly impossible under the current model. Yet, imagine a world where teams could swap drivers, crew members, personnel, or even cash, just like in Major League Baseball, with a set trade deadline, adding urgency and drama to the season. It would bring a new layer of strategy to the sport, allowing teams to reload, rebuild, or make a championship push in real time. NASCAR may not be there yet, but the idea of a future where trades are on the table is something fans, teams, and executives alike could one day rally behind.