Dec 1, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dunks the ball as Washington Wizards forward Khris Middleton (22) looks on in the second quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Two months into the season, needs are clear, contenders are separating, and potential sellers are beginning to emerge.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: The Biggest Domino
A Giannis Antetokounmpo trade would match the star power of last season’s Dončić deal. Unlike Dončić — whose availability was a complete shock — Giannis’ situation has been simmering for months. He is already known to be exploring his long-term future with his agent.
Antetokounmpo is currently sidelined with a right calf strain, but that wouldn’t stop a blockbuster from happening. Dončić, after all, was also out with a calf strain when he was moved.
The New York Knicks reportedly held talks with Milwaukee over the summer and could be even more motivated now as they sit second in the East. Adding Giannis instantly elevates them into legitimate title-contender territory alongside the champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
Other potential suitors include:
- Miami Heat
- San Antonio Spurs
- Houston Rockets
- Golden State Warriors (who have pulled off super-team moves before)
Anthony Davis: Plan B for Giannis Losers
Nov 8, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Injured Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis looks on from the bench during a timeout against the Washington Wizards in the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Davis played only nine games for the Mavericks after last season’s trade and just five of the first 19 this year.
Teams linked to AD include:
- Detroit Pistons
- Toronto Raptors
- Atlanta Hawks
- Miami Heat (again, always lurking)
Ja Morant: Is Memphis Ready to Move On?
But would Miami really part with Tyler Herro to get a deal done?
Lauri Markkanen: Jazz at a Crossroads
Lauri Markkanen continues to perform at an All-Star level, but Utah’s patience is wearing thin as they try to break through. The franchise appears less inclined to trade him than they were early in the season, but the clock is ticking.
The East-leading Pistons have the assets to explore a Markkanen deal. He’s in Year 1 of a four-year, $195.9 million contract. Utah has less than two months to decide if they’re pushing for the playoffs or pivoting to a new direction.
LaMelo Ball: A Flashy Fit for the Right Team
Nov 19, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) looks on in the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images However:
Their lack of first-round picks
Their desire to avoid a second straight year in the luxury tax
…could make the Mavericks, Rockets, or Magic better trade partners.
Trae Young, James Harden & More Wildcards
Trae Young — due back soon from a knee injury — once swapped places with Dončić on draft night. Could he be part of another major shakeup? A Young-for-Harden swap with the Clippers has been floated.
As for Harden: the Clippers have no incentive to tank, since their 2026 unprotected first belongs to OKC, but if a team becomes desperate for elite scoring and willing to take on the salary, L.A. will listen.
