Dec 1, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Milwaukee Bucks ahead Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dunks the ball as Washington Wizards ahead Khris Middleton (22) appears on within the second quarter at Capital One Area. Obligatory Credit score: Geoff Burke-Imagn Pictures It’s been lower than a 12 months since a blockbuster commerce shook the NBA to its core — Luka Dončić’s transfer to the Lakers — but it surely’s by no means too early to start out forecasting the following wave of seismic offers forward of February’s commerce deadline.
Two months into the season, wants are clear, contenders are separating, and potential sellers are starting to emerge.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: The Greatest Domino
A Giannis Antetokounmpo commerce would match the star energy of final season’s Dončić deal. In contrast to Dončić — whose availability was a whole shock — Giannis’ scenario has been simmering for months. He’s already identified to be exploring his long-term future together with his agent.
Antetokounmpo is presently sidelined with a proper calf pressure, however that wouldn’t cease a blockbuster from occurring. Dončić, in any case, was additionally out with a calf pressure when he was moved.
The New York Knicks reportedly held talks with Milwaukee over the summer time and could possibly be much more motivated now as they sit second within the East. Including Giannis immediately elevates them into reputable title-contender territory alongside the champion Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder.
Different potential suitors embody:
- Miami Warmth
- San Antonio Spurs
- Houston Rockets
- Golden State Warriors (who’ve pulled off super-team strikes earlier than)
Anthony Davis: Plan B for Giannis Losers
Nov 8, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Injured Dallas Mavericks ahead Anthony Davis appears on from the bench throughout a timeout towards the Washington Wizards within the second half at Capital One Area. Obligatory Credit score: Geoff Burke-Imagn Pictures Anthony Davis could possibly be a part of a second main blockbuster in underneath a 12 months after being the centerpiece of Dallas’ return for Dončić. When wholesome, Davis stays elite — however his lengthy damage historical past makes him a secondary, less expensive choice for groups lacking out on Giannis.
Davis performed solely 9 video games for the Mavericks after final season’s commerce and simply 5 of the primary 19 this 12 months.
Groups linked to AD embody:
- Detroit Pistons
- Toronto Raptors
- Atlanta Hawks
- Miami Warmth (once more, at all times lurking)
Ja Morant: Is Memphis Able to Transfer On?
Nov 15, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) dribbles the ball within the first quarter towards the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Area. Obligatory Credit score: David Richard-Imagn Pictures Beneath .500 with a strained relationship between star and franchise, the Grizzlies could also be nearing the purpose of no return with Ja Morant. The Warmth — aggressive as they retool from the messy Jimmy Butler exit — are distinguished in these talks as properly.
However would Miami actually half with Tyler Herro to get a deal accomplished?
Lauri Markkanen: Jazz at a Crossroads
Lauri Markkanen continues to carry out at an All-Star stage, however Utah’s persistence is carrying skinny as they attempt to break by. The franchise seems much less inclined to commerce him than they have been early within the season, however the clock is ticking.
The East-leading Pistons have the belongings to discover a Markkanen deal. He’s in 12 months 1 of a four-year, $195.9 million contract. Utah has lower than two months to determine in the event that they’re pushing for the playoffs or pivoting to a brand new route.
LaMelo Ball: A Flashy Match for the Proper Workforce
Nov 19, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) appears on within the first half towards the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Obligatory Credit score: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Pictures LaMelo Ball nonetheless has main defensive points, however his vitality, creativity, and scoring make him a premium commerce goal. A return to the Los Angeles space could possibly be precisely what the Clippers have to shake off the stagnation of their present core.
Nevertheless:
Their lack of first-round picks
Their want to keep away from a second straight 12 months within the luxurious tax
…may make the Mavericks, Rockets, or Magic higher commerce companions.
Trae Younger, James Harden & Extra Wildcards
Trae Younger — due again quickly from a knee damage — as soon as swapped locations with Dončić on draft evening. May he be a part of one other main shakeup? A Younger-for-Harden swap with the Clippers has been floated.
As for Harden: the Clippers don’t have any incentive to tank, since their 2026 unprotected first belongs to OKC, but when a staff turns into determined for elite scoring and prepared to tackle the wage, L.A. will pay attention.
