Trade speculation surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo has not advanced, according to Marc Stein’s latest newsletter dated December 14, 2025. The Milwaukee Bucks have given no indication they are ready to discuss offers for the two-time MVP despite a 45-point loss to Brooklyn earlier in the week. Instead, league chatter suggests Milwaukee may try to add help around its star rather than rebuild.
Should Antetokounmpo become available, several presumed suitors are already backing away. Stein reports that the Spurs, Rockets and Thunder are expected to sit out any future bidding.
Lakers Seeking Perimeter Stoppers
The Los Angeles Lakers’ quarterfinal exit from the NBA Cup at the hands of a Victor Wembanyama-less San Antonio squad underscored the club’s shortage of on-ball defenders. “I think being able to contain the basketball is probably the most difficult thing for our team right now,” head coach JJ Redick said after the loss.
Front-office sources told Stein the Lakers will target three-and-D wings before the February deadline. Beyond Keon Ellis of Sacramento, however, the market for that archetype is considered thin. Los Angeles also prefers any incoming player to fit the age range of Luka Doncic (26) and Austin Reaves (27).
Hawks Could Use Porzingis’ Expiring Deal
Any major trade by the Atlanta Hawks is expected to include Kristaps Porzingis’ $30.7 million expiring contract. Porzingis was recently ruled out for two weeks with an undisclosed illness, a setback that could complicate negotiations after the big man’s lingering health issues during the 2025 playoffs.
Atlanta management is treating forward Jalen Johnson as untouchable. Johnson notched his fourth straight triple-double Sunday, matching Nikola Jokić for the longest such streak of the season. With Trae Young limited to five games by a knee injury, the Hawks are 12-9 behind Johnson’s averages of 23.8 points, 11.2 rebounds and 8.8 assists.
Warriors Expected to Convert Spencer’s Deal
The Golden State Warriors are widely expected to upgrade guard Pat Spencer from a two-way contract to a standard NBA deal. Prior to Sunday, the third-year guard had appeared in 18 of his allotted 50 regular-season games, posting career bests of 7.7 points, 3.3 assists and 2.6 rebounds in 16.4 minutes while shooting .457/.424/.900. A final decision is anticipated once Golden State clears the trade deadline.
Source: Hoops Rumors
