Giannis Trade Looms As Luka Goes To Lakers

The NBA’s 2025 chaos set the stage for bolder moves in 2026. After a season of shock trades, major injuries and an OKC title, the outlook predicts Giannis leaving Milwaukee before 2027, the Thunder cruising to a 70 win season, Shai repeating as MVP, LeBron staging a farewell tour in 2026 to 2027, and the league eyeing expansion in Las Vegas and Seattle. Adam Silver said "Not a secret, we're looking at this market in Las Vegas. We are looking at Seattle." Merlin sees the league as a chessboard ready to be reset. A Giannis exit forces a Bucks rebuild, OKC depth can carry historic wins even with hiccups, Boston gets scarier if Jayson Tatum returns, and Denver remains dangerous if Nikola Jokić heals. Victor Wembanyama needs availability to reach his ceiling, but talent is deep across the league.