With the NBA’s February 5 trade deadline looming, anticipation is high for possible big moves, but so far, no major trades appear imminent.
The biggest rumors involve Milwaukee Bucks’ star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and Dallas Mavericks’ big man Anthony Davis. With Milwaukee starting 15-20, speculation about Antetokounmpo has grown. Meanwhile, the Mavericks, sitting at 12-23, face calls to move on from veterans like Davis and build around their No. 1 pick and Rookie of the Year favorite, forward Cooper Flagg.
Even if these two stars remain with their teams this season, their situations could change quickly, as they may find themselves in new uniforms just a few months after the deadline.
‘Crazy Summer’ Expected this Offseason Behind Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Davis Rumors
Adding to these expectations, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps has spoken with several NBA executives and now believes we are unlikely to see an eventful trade deadline this year.
“I don’t see an eventful trade deadline,” the second East executive said via Bontemps. “But that could set up for a crazy summer.”
Both stars carry massive contracts. Antetokounmpo’s salary for this season is $54,126,450, and next year’s climbs to $58,456,566, with a player option of $62,786,682 for 2027-2028. Similarly, Davis earns $54,126,450 this season, $58,456,566 next, and holds the same player option for 2027-2028. Matching those salaries creates a major obstacle for trades this season.
“There are reasons to expect the fireworks this summer, not next month,” writes Bontemps. “Similar to Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, Davis’ big salary ($58.5 million next season with a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28) could prove difficult for Dallas to move.”
In addition to Antetokounmpo and Davis, Bontemps highlights Atlanta Hawks’ guard Trae Young and Sacramento Kings veteran Zach LaVine – players who are frequent subjects of trade rumors. Like the bigger names, they may draw more interest this summer when cap space increases, rather than at the current deadline.
“All these guys are going to be stuck where they are,” the first West executive said of the lead-up to the Feb. 5 trade deadline via Bontemps.
“I don’t think it will be as busy as people think, and I don’t think the available players will be that good.”
Antetokounmpo has been fantastic yet again – even after missing 14 games with injury. The 31-year-old is stuffing the stat sheet: 29.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, shooting a dazzling 63.7 percent from the field and 39.3 percent from deep.
Injuries have also limited Davis, who has appeared in just 17 games for the Mavericks. Still, his statistics remain impressive: he averages 20.1 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 51.8 percent from the floor.
Overall, although Antetokounmpo and Davis likely remain with their teams past the February 5 trade deadline, both the Bucks and Mavericks will be intriguing to follow. Whether they pursue blockbuster trades, seek smaller roster changes, or simply hold steady, much depends on whether suitable offers or salary matches can be found to satisfy their veterans.
