The 2026 NBA trade deadline is just over one month away, and there are plenty of big names rumored to be on the trading block. Last February, the Luka Doncic trade shook up the league, so can we expect another blockbuster deal this season?
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis are among the biggest names who have been floated in trade rumors. However, one NBA insider recently poured cold water on the idea of either of these stars getting moved during the season.
NBA Insider Thinks Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis Stay Put Until Next Summer
Antetokounmpo has long been rumored to be unhappy in Milwaukee. The Bucks are currently 14-19 and wouldn’t be in the playoffs if the regular season ended today. Davis, meanwhile, was the main piece the Mavericks got in return for Doncic less than a year ago. However, the team is building around rookie Cooper Flagg, and Davis has struggled to stay healthy.
Plenty of contending teams would be interested in either player, but NBA insider Jake Fischer believes it’s now unlikely that either star will be moved before the deadline.
“I’m getting the sense that most people right now are operating with the assumption that both Giannis and AD will be sticking around with their teams and have their trade situations be resolved in the summer,” Fischer explained.
Because Antetokounmpo and Davis have such large salaries, it would be hard to make the financials work mid-season. Additionally, several teams would have better packages to offer next summer.
“Teams that will be happy to buy will have access to more draft capital and there’s just greater flexibility from a salary cap standpoint,” said Fischer. Fischer mentioned the Heat as a specific example. The Heat, who have been connected to Antetokounmpo in the past, only have access to two first-round picks right now. However, the team will have four tradeable first-round picks in the summer.
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Both Antetokounmpo and Davis have dealt with injuries this season, but they’ve performed well when on the court. Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, while shooting a career-best 40.7% from three and 64.3% from the field. Antetokounmpo’s play hasn’t led to team success, though, as the Bucks are just 4-6 over their last eight games.
It’s been reported that Antetokounmpo wants out of Milwaukee, but the team would likely demand a king’s ransom for their star player in a trade. Davis, meanwhile, is averaging 20.5 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game on 52.1% shooting from the field. The veteran is still a solid defensive presence and should have no shortage of suitors once made available.
