As the 2025-26 NBA trade window opens on Dec. 15, speculation swirls around Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo and Dallas Mavericks center Anthony Davis. CBS Sports writers convened a roundtable to discuss their futures amid the Bucks' struggles and the Mavericks' rebuild considerations. The panel weighed options for both players ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline.
The 2025-26 NBA season approaches a pivotal moment with trade eligibility beginning Dec. 15 for offseason signees, setting the stage for moves before the Feb. 5 deadline. While no deal matches last February's blockbuster swap of Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis from the Dallas Mavericks, experts anticipate significant activity. CBS Sports' Jack Maloney, Robby Kalland, and James Herbert dissected key rumors, starting with two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo's uncertain status with the Milwaukee Bucks.
On whether Antetokounmpo finishes the season in Milwaukee, opinions varied but leaned affirmative. Maloney noted the Bucks' slide and rumors but highlighted Antetokounmpo's determination, quoting his remark to Chris Haynes about wanting to "run through the wall." Kalland emphasized trade difficulties mid-season and Giannis' preferred destinations, like New York. Herbert criticized the Bucks' commitment to Damian Lillard's $22.5 million annual contract over five years, doubting a pre-deadline request from Antetokounmpo.
Potential suitors for Antetokounmpo include the New York Knicks, bolstered by reports from Shams Charania, Brian Windhorst, and Jake Fischer indicating his interest there. Kalland favored the San Antonio Spurs for pairing him with Victor Wembanyama, while Herbert pointed to the Atlanta Hawks' assets, including a pick from the Derik Queen trade.
For the Mavericks, the panel urged exploring trades for Davis, acquired recently but now expendable amid their non-contender status outside the Play-In tournament. Maloney suggested flipping Davis and Kyrie Irving for picks, eyeing a 2026 top selection and reset around Cooper Flagg, as Dallas controls its first-rounder until 2031. Kalland advised waiting until offseason without extending Davis, while Herbert pushed for immediate moves to tank effectively.
The discussion extended to other stars like Trae Young, Ja Morant, and LaMelo Ball, deemed potentially negative value by an anonymous East executive, with preferences split—Maloney and Herbert leaning Ball for upside, Kalland choosing Young for reliability. For the struggling Los Angeles Clippers, all agreed on shopping Kawhi Leonard and James Harden to rebuild, despite owner Steve Ballmer's aversion to full teardown.
