Trade chatter intensifies around Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Davis ahead of key NBA milestone dates
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With Dec. 15’s trade-eligibility trigger for 82 offseason signees only days away and the G League Showcase set for Dec. 19-22 in Orlando, league executives are bracing for a flurry of high-stakes conversations that could reshape several franchises before the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
Milwaukee weighs Giannis options
The spotlight remains on the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo. The nine-time All-Star is sidelined for several weeks by a right calf strain, and sources say he and agent Alex Saratsis have begun discussing long-term scenarios with the club. Milwaukee is 10-15 after dropping 10 of its past 12 games and has hovered around the Eastern Conference’s final play-in spots.
Should the skid continue, talks are expected to escalate, potentially leading to a resolution on Antetokounmpo’s future before the deadline. The 2021 Finals MVP is guaranteed through 2026-27 with a player option for 2027-28, giving him leverage over any destination because an acquiring team would seek assurance of a long-term commitment under the league’s new apron rules.
General manager Jon Horst has limited draft capital—only one tradable first-round pick in 2031 or 2032—and no second-rounders. Outside of Antetokounmpo and newly signed center Myles Turner, Milwaukee’s largest movable contracts belong to Bobby Portis (three years, $44 million) and Kyle Kuzma (two years, $40.7 million). Young guards Ryan Rollins and AJ Green are also drawing interest, though Green cannot be dealt in-season.
Antetokounmpo previously signaled New York as a preferred landing spot if moved, prompting August talks between the Bucks and Knicks that ultimately stalled. If Milwaukee now entertains offers, rival teams expect a broader bidding field.
Dallas gauges market for Anthony Davis
The Dallas Mavericks are listening on proposals for Anthony Davis, center Daniel Gafford, and guards Klay Thompson and D’Angelo Russell, league sources report. Davis’ agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, recently met interim co-general managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi seeking clarity on whether Dallas will pursue a summer extension or move the 10-time All-Star before February.
Davis, who turns 33 in March, becomes eligible Aug. 6 for a four-year, $275 million extension that would pay $76 million in his age-37 season. Absent a new deal, he can reach free agency in 2027 by declining a $62.8 million option.
The Detroit Pistons (19-5), Toronto Raptors (15-10) and Atlanta Hawks (14-11) are among Eastern suitors believing Davis could elevate them into title contention.
Dallas, 9-16 and missing Kyrie Irving following a March ACL tear, controls its own 2026 first-round pick—the last before a gap that stretches to 2031—prompting speculation the club may pivot toward asset accumulation. Governor Patrick Dumont dismissed general manager Nico Harrison on Nov. 11 and will conduct a search after the season, with Finley and Riccardi expected to be candidates.
Klay Thompson monitoring contender landscape
Thompson, who joined Dallas on a three-year, $50 million deal in July 2024, is known to prefer a contender. Over his past 10 games he is averaging 12.8 points on 39.5% three-point shooting while holding opponents to 38.5% as the nearest defender.
Additional team notes
Atlanta Hawks: Trae Young (sprained MCL on Oct. 29) is optimistic about a December return. Atlanta is 12-8 without him and envisions his fit alongside Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Zaccharie Risacher and Onyeka Okongwu.
Brooklyn Nets: With $15 million in cap space—and the ability to create more—Brooklyn continues talks about absorbing salary for draft assets. The Nets are also weighing guard Cam Thomas’ future; he is averaging 21.4 points but has been out since Nov. 5 with a hamstring injury.
Golden State Warriors: The franchise plans to discuss trades involving forward Jonathan Kuminga once he becomes eligible Jan. 15. Kuminga’s $22.5 million salary could facilitate a larger deal after previous summer discussions with Phoenix and Sacramento stalled.
Indiana Pacers: Indiana is actively searching for a long-term center after losing Myles Turner in free agency.
LA Clippers: Sitting 6-18 and still owing Oklahoma City a 2026 first-round pick, the Clippers face pressure to consider moving veterans—namely James Harden and Kawhi Leonard—for future assets. Executives around the league are watching to see if Los Angeles prioritizes long-term flexibility over short-term wins.
Sacramento Kings: First-year general manager Scott Perry is conducting a patient evaluation of the roster but is open to conversations. Opposing teams are monitoring veterans Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and 25-year-old guard Keon Ellis.
The trade window effectively opens next week, but front offices across the league have already started positioning for what could be one of the most active deadline periods in recent memory.
Source: ESPN
