Giannis Decision Could Extend Past Deadline as Executives Predict Muted Trade Market
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NBA decision-makers who spoke with ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps believe 2026 may be the year Giannis Antetokounmpo forces a resolution on his long-running future with the Milwaukee Bucks, yet most of them do not expect the All-Star forward to be moved before the league’s February trade deadline.
“The rubber is going to finally hit the road, one way or the other,” a Western Conference executive told ESPN, but multiple scouts and executives predicted the Bucks would hold their franchise cornerstone until at least the summer. One Eastern Conference scout argued Antetokounmpo’s leverage would peak if any trade request waited until the offseason.
Because of that stance, several team officials anticipate a comparatively quiet deadline. Decisions on other prominent names—among them Anthony Davis, Zach LaVine and Trae Young—are also viewed as more likely to surface in June or July. “All these guys are going to be stuck where they are,” a Western Conference executive said, adding he does not expect a robust pool of impact players to hit the market next month. Another Eastern executive predicted a “crazy summer” if February passes without major movement.
LeBron’s Three Options
League executives outlined three potential paths for LeBron James once the season ends: re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers on a reduced salary, leave in free agency, or retire. They do not expect the Lakers to offer maximum—or near-maximum—money to the four-time MVP. One head coach noted James remains attractive to contenders, pointing out the 41-year-old is still averaging 20 points on 50 percent shooting.
Possible Anti-Tanking Rules
Windhorst reports the NBA is studying additional measures to discourage tanking, and front-office voices anticipate growing calls for action as the season progresses. “By the spring, I think one out of every three games we’re going to play is going to be against a team that’s tanking,” an Eastern Conference executive warned.
Expansion vs. Europe
Commissioner Adam Silver has said the league will determine domestic expansion in 2026, yet parties involved in expansion talks and in planning a new European league are skeptical the NBA can pursue both simultaneously. According to ESPN, the league aims to launch its European competition in the fall of 2027, which could push any new North American franchises to 2028 or 2029.
Source: Hoops Rumors
