The playoffs usually bring a spark to the NBA that the regular season lacks. This year, though, narrative-wise, the number of injuries to key players has made normal games so boring to watch. When you add the tanking bit, it turns out to be far worse. Is there any fire left? With the play-in tournament less than a day away, teams out of the race are thinking about realigning their focus. Some of the marquee players could be leaving their teams. And in this early trade report, three teams, both from Los Angeles and the Milwaukee Bucks, are at risk.
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According to insider Marc Stein, these teams could lose their pillars in the offseason. The talks relate to LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Kawhi Leonard. “There is a growing anticipation in numerous front offices, league sources say, that two or even all three of the above marquee names could land with new teams next season,” Stein wrote on his Substack.
The James debacle has rocked the Lakers for months. To keep it simple, he’s currently playing out his final year. Going into 42, if he decides to play more, the Purple and Gold wouldn’t be open to offering a salary near his current $52.6 million paycheck. That’s because they’ve officially turned the page by adding Luka Doncic. It’s entirely possible the Akron Hammer decides to test free agency with a team that offers him the best shot at competing instantly. That’s been the focus, as outlined by his agent, Rich Paul. James has been linked to the Cavaliers. That is seen as a homecoming to mark James’ retirement next season.
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Moving on to Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers star is riding with the team even in tough times. The stars around him moved out. James Harden is in Cleveland, while Ivica Zubac was shipped to Indiana. The Klaw still has a year left on his contract, becoming a free agent in 2027. However, with the team moving toward a younger direction, Leonard could prioritize a competitive future. So far, he hasn’t indicated a willingness to leave and is focused on finishing the season.
The loud and most discussed move comes with Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks’ talisman forced an inquiry into the franchise after they didn’t allow him to play. This tension erupted further after Milwaukee parted ways with Doc Rivers. There’s little to be said. Even Antetokounmpo doesn’t feel he is in control of the situation. With his last year being a player option, the Bucks are marking the summer to decide on their cornerstone. The trade buzz for him has been intense since February. The New York Knicks submitted some offers. Even the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Lakers are seen as silent suitors.
Out of LeBron, Kawhi, and Giannis, who is most likely to move on?
If all of these pioneers leave their franchise, this could be one of the most intriguing offseasons in recent memory. If Kawhi Leonard wanted to move on, he could have done so at the trade deadline. The Clippers would have gotten younger, and Leonard would have had the chance to compete. But the two-time Finals MVP jumped into the fire with the Clippers. They would want to give him and Darius Garland a complete season together before making any decisions. They are 16-12 after the trade deadline, a respectable record for a team that went through major reshuffling. It would be shocking if Leonard moved. The only possible reason could be tied to his off-court salary circumventing controversy. That isn’t the case for James or Giannis Antetokounmpo, though.
With Doncic’s arrival, the Lakers’ direction is clear. They want to build around the Slovenian’s strengths. Freeing up $52.6 million provides Rob Pelinka with the leverage to have any player the Lakers need. From LeBron James’ perspective, the Lakers are incomplete. Becoming a free agent gives him the autonomy to choose a team fit to meet his competitive expectations in the short term. With each season prompting retirement talks, there’s an urgency to win now. Hence, it’s likely for the King to settle his throne in a different city. But the most obvious one seems to be Giannis Antetokounmpo.
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Apr 5, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks on during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
“We’re very bad. We are the furthest away that we’ve been in the last couple of years,” said the Greek Freak. The Bucks have no resources to uplift their roster besides the two-time MVP. He’s also their last trade chip who could single-handedly restore their lost draft capital. From a business standpoint, it makes sense.
The team’s owner, Wes Edens, made it clear. Either Antetokounmpo signs an extension, or they trade him. It’s an ultimatum that has fractured the relationship between the franchise and its lone star. Loyalty means everything to him. But when not reciprocated, a competitor has no choice but to leave. That seems to be the case here.
The worst part? Antetokounmpo thinks it’s “OK” if he isn’t a Buck. That’s the biggest indication. He had offers piling up during the trade deadline, but refused them. Now, he’s been pushed to the point where he appears dissatisfied with the culture. It would be a surprise if this marriage didn’t come to an end by summer.
Written by
Edited by
Daniel D'Cruz