December 19, 2025 — Despite speculation that Milwaukee could shop two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo before the 2026 trade deadline, league sources believe the San Antonio Spurs are not expected to mount an aggressive pursuit, according to Kurt Helin of NBC Sports. Team officials reportedly prefer to preserve a young core built around Victor Wembanyama rather than surrender multiple assets for an older superstar.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reinforced that stance on “The Ryen Russillo Show,” noting that reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle is essentially untouchable. “I would be stunned if they gave Castle away for almost anything,” Windhorst said, adding that the organization was enamored with the guard “right out of the gate.” San Antonio has also shown no interest in moving rookie Dylan Harper, the No. 2 overall pick in June.
Trade chatter around the league
Suns–Raptors: Gerald Bourguet of Suns After Dark reported that Phoenix and Toronto held preliminary talks centered on center Nick Richards. The framework would have sent Richards to the Raptors for wing Ochai Agbaji and a second-round pick. Phoenix, however, is not eager to make a move, has limited interest in Agbaji, and was dissatisfied with the quality of the second-rounder offered. If the season ended today, Toronto’s 2026 second would project to No. 52, while the Lakers second the Raptors control would land between Nos. 56 and 58.
Top deadline target: Mavericks big man Anthony Davis sits atop The Athletic’s trade-deadline big board published by Sam Vecenie. Vecenie ranks players by potential impact and likelihood of being moved, writing that Davis could most dramatically shift the championship landscape if Antetokounmpo remains in Milwaukee.
Kings outlook: In the first installment of his 2026 deadline guide on The Third Apron, Yossi Gozlan lists Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder as “likely” trade candidates for Sacramento. He categorizes Russell Westbrook, Malik Monk and DeMar DeRozan as “very possible” to be moved, while predicting that Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis will probably stay because of their sizable contracts.
The league’s unofficial trade season is underway, but early indications suggest several franchises are prioritizing long-term stability over splashy, short-term gambles.
Source: Hoops Rumors
