Predicting Three Next NBA Blockbusters After Trae Young Trade

Nick Pedone|published: Thu 8th January, 11:04 2026

Dec 27, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) in action against the New York Knicks in the third quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Hawks moved on from Trae Young after eight years, trading the All-Star guard to the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert.

It’s a bit surprising that Young’s market completely dried up, but that’s life in the NBA.

Now that the dust is beginning to settle on that trade, let’s take a look at the next three moves that could come to fruition around the NBA.

Dallas Mavericks trade Anthony Davis

Dec 23, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) looks on during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The question is “when?” not “if” the Mavericks will trade Davis, the player they acquired in the stunning trade for Luka Doncic one year ago.

Now that the Hawks have moved on from Young, they could be a real suitor for Davis. According to reports, a few Eastern Conference teams believe they could trade for Davis and immediately contend. The Hawks fit that mold, as they have a young nucleus and an expiring Kristaps Porzingis deal that could land Davis in Atlanta.

Davis is often injured. The Mavericks have to build their future around Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick who is finally flashing his full potential.

It’ll be bizarre to watch the Mavericks dump the player they got from the Los Angeles Lakers in return for Doncic, but Davis is no longer the player he once was. At 32 years old, he’s likely better suited in a softer Eastern Conference.

Milwaukee Bucks trade Giannis Antetokounmpo

Apr 29, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

This one feels like it’s been on thin ice for awhile.

The Bucks are one of the league’s most disappointing teams, which was partially expected when Milwaukee failed to find another All-Star to pair with Antetokounmpo this offseason.

Antetokounmpo wants to keep competing for titles, and that’s clearly not happening in Milwaukee.

It might be difficult to pull off a trade during the season, since Antetokounmpo is owed $58 million next year. But it feels like his time in Milwaukee is coming to an end, regardless of if the Bucks can find a trade that makes sense before February’s deadline.

Antetokounmpo returned from injury and has been playing his typically elite brand of basketball, which should entice trade suitors to start working the phones.

LeBron James leaves Los Angeles Lakers

Jan 2, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) defends Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James (23) as he drives to the basket during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

It’s hard to see a world where the Lakers trade James, but it’s possible.

The Lakers are the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference, but it’s clear that everything is running through Doncic.

James has remained dominant, despite turning 41 last week. While he’s unlikely to play in back-to-back games for the rest of his career, it’d be insane to watch LeBron retire without a highly-publicized farewell tour.

The path here feels like the Lakers will try to contend in the postseason with Doncic and James leading the way, in that order. Then, James will see his contract with the Lakers expire, paving the way for a final season elsewhere, or on a reduced salary and role in Los Angeles.

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