NBA Rumors: The three superstars who could change teams in 2026

Víctor LF | Fri, 10/31/2025 - 21:02

Giannis Antetokounmpo, superstar of the Milwaukee Bucks

There is still a long way to go before the transfer deadline, but the NBA ecosystem always needs fuel to keep the rumor mill alive. And today, the market received a significant spark: Shams Charania made a statement that immediately sparked conversations throughout the league. According to the insider, three superstars could be in play by next summer: Trae Young, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and LeBron James.

During his appearance on the Flagrant podcast, Charania made it clear that the future of these players is far from being defined. The situation of Trae Young tops the list. The point guard decided not to sign an extension and enters the final year of his contract starting from next season, which opens the door to free agency and, by extension, a potential trade scenario if Atlanta decides to move early. "Trae didn't extend. He has one year left. He could hit the market next summer. He could stay, but he will have suitors," noted Shams. There are already proposals envisioning the two-time All-Star switching conferences and competitive projects.

The case of Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to be a long-running saga. Although he has two guaranteed years left, his name keeps surfacing as a potential market bomb. The Knicks are mentioned as a top option if he ever decides to leave Milwaukee, but half the league would empty their treasure troves of picks and prospects for the Greek. His contract, close to $60 million annually, is not a hindrance when it comes to a player who immediately shifts the competitive landscape. The big question remains whether Giannis will reach a point of asking to leave... and if Milwaukee could afford to ignore him.

And then there's LeBron James, perhaps the most delicate subject of all. Shams raises a question that seemed unthinkable a few years ago: will LeBron end his career outside the Lakers? The veteran has yet to debut this season due to a right leg issue, but what's more pertinent is his contractual status. "We still don't know where LeBron will end up," Charania affirmed. "It could be in Los Angeles, of course. But he's a free agent at the end of the year. If he keeps playing, there's a real possibility it could be somewhere else." The four-time champion has not given definitive signs yet on how or where he will wrap up his final chapter in the NBA.