The NBA offseason has begun with significant player movement, highlighted by reports of major trades. These developments signal an active period for teams looking to reshape their rosters.
The Miami Heat are reportedly acquiring two-time Kia MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis. In return, the Milwaukee Bucks would receive Tyler Herro, Kasparas Jakučionis, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware, the No. 13 pick (Nate Ament), two future first-round picks, a pick swap, and a future second-round pick. This reported move would bring a player who has averaged at least 24 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and one block per game over his career to Miami.
Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo are anticipated to form a strong defensive frontcourt. However, their offensive fit may require adjustments, as both players have combined to shoot 39% from mid-range and 32% from 3-point range over the last three seasons. The Heat could manage this by staggering their stars’ minutes to ensure at least one is always on the court, minimizing potential fit issues. The team may also need additional shooters to complement Antetokounmpo, especially given that 52% of his career assists have led to 3-pointers.
Bucks and Pistons make roster changes
The Bucks’ reported acquisition of young talent could address a previous issue regarding the development of their younger players. In the 2025-26 season, the Bucks recorded 318 minutes from first or second-year players, significantly less than other teams. With the reported trade, the Bucks would gain rookies Brayden Burries and Nate Ament, Jakučionis (entering his second season), Ware (entering his third season), and fourth-year forward Jaquez.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly sending Julius Randle to Brooklyn. This is another significant early offseason transaction.
The Detroit Pistons have reportedly traded Isaiah Stewart to Memphis for three second-round picks. Stewart is recognized as one of the league’s top interior defenders. Last season, opponents shot 43.8% at the rim when Stewart was defending, marking the best rim-protection percentage for any player defending at least 200 shots at the basket since the 2013-14 season. Despite his defensive prowess, the Pistons were reportedly willing to move Stewart to free up cap space for potential perimeter offense acquisitions in free agency.
The Pistons also performed better with Stewart off the floor. His role also became more limited in the playoffs, playing only four minutes alongside Jalen Duren in 14 games. Paul Reed is expected to take over Stewart’s backup role.
Lakers secure key player, Rockets consider options
The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly agreed to a new four-year contract with Austin Reaves. Reaves has been integral to the Lakers’ success at the free-throw line, where they have outscored opponents by 3.8 points per game over the last four seasons, leading the league in free-throw differential during that period.
Reaves has attempted 39.5 free throws per 100 shots from the field over the past four years, ranking among the top players in this metric. This past season, he ranked ninth in free-throw rate among players with at least 500 field goal attempts.
The Oklahoma City Thunder reportedly moved Aaron Wiggins for two second-round picks. This decision is said to save the Thunder around $60 million in tax savings. Wiggins’ new team, the Hawks, are acquiring a floor spacer at a relatively low cost.
The Houston Rockets are reportedly open to listening to trade offers for most of their roster, with 23-year-old Amen Thompson being the only near untouchable player. The Rockets are not actively shopping their All-Stars but are reportedly more willing to engage in discussions. They also wish to retain 3-and-D wing Tari Eason, despite interest from other teams. Fred VanVleet is expected to return, either by picking up his player option or negotiating a longer deal.
The Rockets are also considering a potential trade of veteran forward Dorian Finney-Smith, who signed a four-year, $53 million deal last offseason. Finney-Smith averaged career lows in minutes, points, rebounds, field-goal percentage, and 3-point percentage last season while dealing with lingering issues from left ankle surgery. Houston aims to reshape its bench and would need to clear cap space, with Finney-Smith’s contract being a potential avenue for this.
Several teams, including Charlotte (with picks Nos. 14 and 18), Chicago (with picks Nos. 15 and 4), and Memphis (with picks Nos. 16 and 3), are reportedly exploring options to move up in the upcoming draft.
Read Also
Source: nba.com
