It\u2019s been less than a year since a blockbuster trade shook the NBA to its core \u2014 Luka Don\u010di\u0107\u2019s move to the Lakers<\/a> \u2014 but it\u2019s never too early to start forecasting the next wave of seismic deals ahead of February\u2019s trade deadline.<\/p>\n Two months into the season, needs are clear, contenders are separating, and potential sellers are beginning to emerge.<\/p>\n A Giannis Antetokounmpo trade would match the star power of last season\u2019s Don\u010di\u0107 deal. Unlike Don\u010di\u0107 \u2014 whose availability was a complete shock \u2014 Giannis\u2019 situation has been simmering for months. He is already known to be exploring his long-term future with his agent.<\/p>\n Antetokounmpo is currently sidelined with a right calf strain, but that wouldn\u2019t stop a blockbuster from happening. Don\u010di\u0107, after all, was also out with a calf strain when he was moved.<\/p>\n The New York Knicks reportedly held talks with Milwaukee over the summer<\/a> and could be even more motivated now as they sit second in the East. Adding Giannis instantly elevates them into legitimate title-contender territory alongside the champion Oklahoma City Thunder.<\/p>\n Other potential suitors include:<\/p>\n Anthony Davis could be part of a second major blockbuster in under a year after being the centerpiece of Dallas\u2019 return for Don\u010di\u0107. When healthy, Davis remains elite \u2014 but his long injury history makes him a secondary, less costly option for teams missing out on Giannis.<\/p>\n Davis played only nine games for the Mavericks after last season\u2019s trade and just five of the first 19 this year.<\/p>\n Teams linked to AD include:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Under .500 with a strained relationship between star and franchise<\/a>, the Grizzlies may be nearing the point of no return with Ja Morant. The Heat \u2014 aggressive as they retool from the messy Jimmy Butler exit \u2014 are prominent in these talks as well.<\/p>\n But would Miami really part with Tyler Herro to get a deal done?<\/p>\n Lauri Markkanen continues to perform at an All-Star level, but Utah\u2019s patience is wearing thin as they try to break through. The franchise appears less inclined to trade him than they were early in the season, but the clock is ticking.<\/p>\n The East-leading Pistons have the assets to explore a Markkanen deal. He\u2019s in Year 1 of a four-year, $195.9 million contract. Utah has less than two months to decide if they\u2019re pushing for the playoffs or pivoting to a new direction.<\/p>\n LaMelo Ball still has major defensive issues, but his energy, creativity, and scoring make him a premium trade target. A return to the Los Angeles area<\/a> could be exactly what the Clippers need to shake off the stagnation of their current core.<\/p>\n However:<\/p>\n Their lack of first-round picks<\/p>\n Their desire to avoid a second straight year in the luxury tax<\/p>\n \u2026could make the Mavericks, Rockets, or Magic better trade partners.<\/p>\n Trae Young \u2014 due back soon from a knee injury \u2014 once swapped places with Don\u010di\u0107 on draft night. Could he be part of another major shakeup? A Young-for-Harden swap with the Clippers has been floated.<\/p>\n As for Harden: the Clippers have no incentive to tank, since their 2026 unprotected first belongs to OKC, but if a team becomes desperate for elite scoring and willing to take on the salary, L.A. will listen.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\nGiannis Antetokounmpo: The Biggest Domino<\/h2>\n
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Anthony Davis: Plan B for Giannis Losers<\/h2>\n<\/section>\n
Nov 8, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Injured Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis looks on from the bench during a timeout against the Washington Wizards in the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images <\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n
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Ja Morant: Is Memphis Ready to Move On?<\/h2>\n<\/section>\n
Nov 15, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) dribbles the ball in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images <\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n
Lauri Markkanen: Jazz at a Crossroads<\/h2>\n
LaMelo Ball: A Flashy Fit for the Right Team<\/h2>\n<\/section>\n
Nov 19, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) looks on in the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images <\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n
Trae Young, James Harden & More Wildcards<\/h2>\n