NBA Trade Watch: Focus on Giannis, AD, and Rising Stars

As the NBA approaches two pivotal dates in the coming weeks, all eyes are on several key players and potential trades. On December 18, just six days away, 82 players who signed in the offseason will become eligible for trade, opening up options for roughly 90% of the league’s roster. Following this, team officials will gather in Orlando, Florida, for the G League Showcase from December 19 to December 22, which serves as a critical juncture for high-stakes discussions about potential trades.

With teams nearing the 25-game mark of the season, front offices are assessing their rosters and determining if they are championship contenders or in need of significant changes. The focus is particularly intense on the Milwaukee Bucks and their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo. Currently sidelined with a right calf strain, Antetokounmpo has engaged in discussions with his agent, Alex Saratsis, about his future in Milwaukee, considering whether it is time to pursue a trade. The Bucks, with a record of 10-15 and having lost 10 of their last 12 games, find themselves languishing near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.

The future of Antetokounmpo is crucial for the Bucks, who have seen a steady decline since winning the championship in 2021. Following early exits in the playoffs in recent seasons, the franchise made significant roster moves over the summer, including waiving Damian Lillard to secure Myles Turner for a lucrative $108 million contract. The Bucks have committed heavily to building a competitive team around Antetokounmpo, who is determined to win another championship.

As Antetokounmpo’s management weighs options, discussions are likely to intensify if the team’s struggles continue. According to sources, if the Bucks remain uncompetitive, a resolution on Antetokounmpo’s future may need to be reached before the February 5 trade deadline. The Bucks’ general manager, Jon Horst, faces a challenging situation. The team has limited tradeable assets, with the only remaining first-round pick available for trade in either 2031 or 2032.

The Dallas Mavericks are also drawing attention as they consider potential trades involving Anthony Davis. The 10-time All-Star is on the radar of several teams, including the Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, and Toronto Raptors. Mavericks officials, including interim co-general managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi, have expressed a desire to keep their options open regarding Davis, who could become eligible for a lucrative contract extension in August.

Davis’s potential availability raises the stakes for teams in the Eastern Conference, each hoping that he could elevate their chances of a championship run. The Mavericks are reportedly exploring trade opportunities not only for Davis but also for other players like center Daniel Gafford and guards Klay Thompson and D’Angelo Russell. With the Mavericks currently struggling at 9-16, they risk missing the playoff picture entirely.

As the trade deadline approaches, the Mavericks are keen on evaluating their roster and may look to make strategic moves to improve their prospects. Meanwhile, Thompson, who joined the Mavericks in July 2024, is reportedly interested in being part of a contender, especially with the team currently underperforming.

The situation in the NBA is fluid, with various teams, including the Atlanta Hawks and Brooklyn Nets, also considering trades as they work to improve their standings. The Hawks are optimistic about the return of star Trae Young, while the Nets are exploring opportunities to leverage their cap space for potential trades.

In summary, as the NBA heads toward significant trade discussions, the futures of players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis hang in the balance. The next few weeks will be crucial for teams looking to reshape their rosters and enhance their championship aspirations.