The NBA hasn’t even decided its champion for 2025 just yet. But anticipation is already heating up for an upcoming offseason that could be filled with fireworks. On the court, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers are battling it out for the title, with the heavily favoured OKC managing to tie things up against the underdog Eastern Conference Champions. But once the location of the Larry O’Brien has been decided, all eyes will be firmly fixated on a blockbuster summer.
Firstly, we have the upcoming draft, and online betting sites already have a clear frontrunner in mind for the number one spot. That, of course, is Duke Blue Devil sensation Cooper Flagg, who the latest online basketball betting odds make a whopping -100000 to be selected first by the Dallas Mavericks.
But once the draft is in the books, then the offseason will take centre stage. With blockbuster trade rumours swirling around some of the league’s biggest stars, here are the biggest headlines to keep your eyes on this summer.
Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant’s time in Phoenix could well be nearing its end. At 36, the two-time Finals MVP remains an elite shot-maker but no longer fits the Suns’ revamped vision.
Fortunately, however, the list of potential suitors for the four-time Olympic gold medalist is tantalizing. Despite him reportedly having little interest in reuniting with Golden State, the Warriors remain persistent. Miami and even Brooklyn – another of Durant’s former teams – are also expected to explore adding the superstar forward.
The veteran’s vast playoff experience and scoring arsenal still make him an attractive option for playoff-bound teams seeking a final piece for a championship run. For Phoenix, expect any trade to centre around collecting picks and promising young players to complement Booker and their long-term strategy.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Few names electrify the rumour mill quite like Giannis Antetokounmpo, and for the first time in his career, he appears open to exploring new horizons. While still under contract in Milwaukee through the 2027 season, a series of early playoff exits coupled with an ageing core are fueling speculation about the Greek Freak’s future.
Giannis’ commitment to winning remains as strong as ever. He continued to dominate last term, averaging 30.4 points and 11.9 rebounds per game, but that wasn’t enough to see the Bucks past the first round of the playoffs for the third straight season. Now, whispers persist that he might seek greener pastures following even more stagnation in the pursuit of a second title in Cream City.
The stakes are astronomical here—not only for Milwaukee but for the entire league, as the 30-year-old is one of the NBA’s few franchise-altering talents. Teams like the Knicks, Thunder, Heat, and Pelicans have been linked to the two-time MVP, and if he were to be traded, expect seismic ripples to affect every contender’s offseason planning.
Damian Lillard
Speaking of Milwaukee, Damian Lillard’s arrival this past season was supposed to create a dynamic duo alongside the aforementioned Giannis. However, his short stint with the Bucks didn’t go as expected, especially as his presence failed to spark deep playoff success. With internal questions about roster construction going forward, Lillard’s name has already entered trade speculation yet again.
At 34 and coming off a major injury, his long-term fit in Milwaukee has drawn scepticism. Still, his scoring flair and leadership remain valuable commodities to other teams looking for backcourt firepower. If the Bucks decide to hit the “reset” button, teams desperate for an offensive engine, particularly point-guard-needy squads like the Clippers or Bulls, could emerge as trade partners.
Karl-Anthony Towns
Over in Minnesota, things are heating up as Karl-Anthony Towns appears to be on the chopping block. With Anthony Edwards emerging as the Timberwolves’ undeniable face of the franchise and Rudy Gobert anchoring the defence, KAT has become both expendable and expensive. As such, the Target Center front office seems primed to cash in.
His skill set makes him a prime target for teams in need of an offensive-minded big man. The Hornets, Wizards, and Spurs seem like natural suitors, as all three are looking to bolster their frontlines and inject scoring versatility into their lineups. Towns’ ability to space the floor and score inside is one of the most unique in the NBA, but the real story is what Minnesota will demand in return.
Jaylen Brown
Despite not officially being on the trade block, Jaylen Brown is a name worth keeping tabs on. Although he has signed a monumental $300 million extension, his future with the Celtics isn’t etched in stone. After shockingly being dumped out of the playoffs by the Knicks despite being heavily favoured, the Beantown outfit might be tempted to reshuffle its roster around Jayson Tatum if playoff frustrations continue to mount.
Brown remains one of the league’s premier two-way wings, excelling both as a scorer and defender. The Celtics’ front office has made no public indication they’re looking to move one of their prize assets on, but whispers suggest he could become available if the TD Garden side decides to tweak its blueprint.
