As the NBA season progresses toward the crucial months ahead, trade discussions are intensifying across the league. With the calendar soon turning to 2026, teams are preparing for significant roster changes that could shape the competitive landscape. On Monday, 82 players signed during the offseason will become trade-eligible, opening up 90% of the league for potential moves. This period coincides with the G League Showcase in Orlando, Florida, from December 19-22, often referred to as the NBA’s version of MLB’s winter meetings.
“This is the unofficial start to having real, high-stakes conversations,” one top team executive commented this week, highlighting the importance of this period for NBA franchises.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks
All eyes are currently on the Milwaukee Bucks and their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo. The nine-time All-Star and two-time league MVP is at the center of discussions regarding his future with the team. Antetokounmpo is sidelined for several weeks due to a right calf strain, and his agent, Alex Saratsis, has opened talks with the Bucks about whether staying in Milwaukee or pursuing a trade is the best path forward.
The Bucks have struggled this season, with a 10-15 record and a precarious position in the Eastern Conference standings. As the team faces a potential slide, the discussions between Antetokounmpo’s camp and the Bucks’ management could escalate, aiming for a resolution before the February 5 trade deadline.
“The writing is on the wall,” a source with direct knowledge of the Bucks’ dynamics with Antetokounmpo told ESPN this month.
General Manager Jon Horst, who built the 2021 championship team, has been trying to maintain a competitive squad around Antetokounmpo. However, recent years have seen the Bucks exit early in the playoffs. The team’s decision to waive and stretch Damian Lillard’s contract to sign Myles Turner was a significant gamble, reflecting their commitment to remain contenders.
Trade Market for Anthony Davis and Other Stars
Meanwhile, Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis has emerged as a critical trade target for several teams, including the Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, and Toronto Raptors. The Mavericks are reportedly open to exploring trade options for Davis, as well as for center Daniel Gafford and guards Klay Thompson and D’Angelo Russell.
Davis, a former NBA champion, could be a game-changer for Eastern Conference contenders. His agent, Rich Paul, has been in discussions with the Mavericks’ interim co-general managers, seeking clarity on whether the franchise intends to extend Davis’s contract or trade him before the deadline.
Davis, who turns 33 in March, will become eligible on August 6 to sign a four-year, $275 million max extension.
The Pistons, Raptors, and Hawks are all having promising seasons, and acquiring a player of Davis’s caliber could elevate them to championship contention. The Mavericks, on the other hand, are evaluating their roster amid a challenging season, with a 9-16 record and key players like Kyrie Irving sidelined due to injury.
Brooklyn Nets and Other Trade Rumors
The Brooklyn Nets are also active in trade discussions, leveraging their cap space to absorb salaries in exchange for assets. With $15 million in cap space, the Nets are exploring options to bolster their roster while managing the future of players like Cam Thomas, who is currently on a qualifying offer.
Elsewhere, the Golden State Warriors are considering trades involving forward Jonathan Kuminga, while the Indiana Pacers are seeking a center to replace Myles Turner. The LA Clippers face a pivotal decision: to focus on immediate success or to plan for the future by trading valuable veterans like James Harden and Kawhi Leonard.
As the trade window opens, the NBA landscape is poised for potential shifts that could redefine team dynamics and playoff prospects. Teams are preparing for high-stakes negotiations, with the outcomes likely to resonate across the league.
In the coming weeks, franchises will continue to assess their positions, aiming to make strategic moves that align with their long-term goals. The trade discussions are expected to intensify, with significant implications for the NBA’s competitive balance.
