NBA Exec Predicts Trade 'Avalanche' at 2026 Deadline amid Giannis Rumors

Even though most of the focus on the NBA trade deadline is centered around what the Milwaukee Bucks are going to do with Giannis Antetokounmpo, there could be a lot of activity that happens not involving the two-time MVP.

Per NBA insiders Jake Fischer and Marc Stein, one veteran NBA executive predicted an "avalanche" of trade activity prior to Thursday's 3 p.m. ET deadline.

Given the general skepticism around the league about an Antetokounmpo deal coming together within the next week, teams will still be looking to make moves they hope can solidify their status as contenders.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst said on SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt that there are "not a whole lot" of indications that star players will get moved, but "you're definitely gonna see other activity" involving lower-tier players.

There have been some intriguing trade rumors thrown out there, even if they don't rise to the level of game-changing and earth-shaking like the Bucks moving Antetokounmpo would.

For example, Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com recently reported the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers have "discussed the general framework" of a swap that wound send De'Andre Hunter to Los Angeles for a package led by Rui Hachimura coming back to Cleveland.

Even though there are obvious financial implications for the Cavs in such a deal—Hachimura can become a free agent after this season, while Hunter is owed $24.9 million in 2026-27—it would also be a deal that benefits both teams.

Hachimura would serve a similar role as Hunter in Cleveland, just with more offensive upside. The Lakers desperately need more defensive help and depth at the wing that Hunter could provide.

Other players who frequently pop in trade rumors are Keon Ellis, Jusuf Nurkić, DeMar DeRozan, Dennis Schröder, Jonathan Kuminga, Ja Morant and LaMelo Ball.

Morant and Ball are very recognizable names, though it's fair to question if their recent performance pushes them to the level of star players. They also have expensive contracts that might not make them attractive to opposing teams.

The rest of the players in the aforementioned group can be decent role players who could turn out to be a finishing piece for a title contender, but no one who will win a headline war when everyone is thinking about an Antetokounmpo trade.