Amid Latest NBA Rumors, Predictions for Top Trade Targets, Free Agents
The 2026 NBA offseason is far from finished, and the league's landscape is already reshaped.
Stunningly so, in fact.
The Philadelphia 76ers somehow plucked Jaylen Brown out of the bargain bin. The Los Angeles Lakers paid a premium for longtime target Walker Kessler to fill their void on the interior. And those are just the latest jaw-droppers amid this flurry of activity.
With trade winds still howling and impact free agents still available, let's break down the latest buzz surrounding the next potential hoopers on the move.
Lakers Like Jonathan Kuminga?
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After a busy Wednesday in which L.A. added Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton and Sandro Mamukelashvili, the Lakers remain on the hunt for more.
More specifically, they're reportedly hoping to add "a young wing to help its perimeter defense" and have given "significant consideration" to former Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks swingman Jonathan Kuminga, per The Athletic's Dan Woike.
Kuminga, who had his $24.3 million team option declined by the Hawks, looms as an intriguing flier for some team to take. The seventh overall pick of the 2021 draft has flashed high-level scoring skills and explosive athleticism, although consistency and non-scoring contributions have been a bit challenging.
It feels like the right suitor may not have as many win-now intentions as the Luka Dončić-led Lakers, though. Despite being a five-year veteran, Kuminga still needs more patience and development, and L.A. may not be able to offer him that.
Prediction: Kuminga signs with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Wizards Not Interested in Anthony Davis Trade?
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The Washington Wizards boast one of the NBA's best young cores, a group that grew all the more intriguing with the arrival of this year's No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa. That means nothing but good things for their future, but it doesn't clear up much regarding their present fit with 33-year-old Anthony Davis.
The timeline difference between Davis' competitive window and that of the rest of this roster has made him, at least in theory, one of the league's more logical trade candidates. Yet, the Wizards may not see it that way.
Per Andscape's Marc J. Spears, the Wizards have "no interest" in a Davis trade and "are not listening to offers for him."
It's worth noting, of course, that Washington would gain nothing and lose plenty of leverage by acknowledging Davis' availability. That said, the Wizards might really want to hang onto him, both to see whether he just might fit with this roster and to help him re-establish his trade value after making just 20 appearances this past season.
Prediction: The Wizards keep Davis for now.
Heat Courting Bradley Beal?
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While the Miami Heat accomplished their goal of adding a superstar—and not just any star, but longtime priority target Giannis Antetokounmpo—they dismantled their perimeter rotation to do it. Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kasparas Jakučionis were sacrificed in the swap, while Norman Powell bolted for bigger bucks in free agency.
The Heat have to reload this roster on the fly, and they might be hoping to make a three-time All-Star a part of it. Per Barry Jackson and Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, Miami has "had discussions" with Bradley Beal's representatives.
Beal certainly offers some name recognition, and his accolades impress. Along with those All-star selections, he has twice been a 30-points-per-game scorer, a quantity-plus-quality shooter and a rock-solid secondary playmaker.
That said, Beal's numbers have trended down while his availability issues have piled up in recent seasons. His last All-Star invite came in 2020-21, which was also the last time he made more than 53 appearances. He played just six games this past season before a hip fracture ended his campaign.
Still, Miami is bargain-shopping in hopes of constructing a competitive roster around the costly pairing of Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, so Beal might be the kind of risk-reward investment the Heat hope to make if the price is right.
Prediction: Beal signs with the Miami Heat.
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