NBA Swing: Four Questions on the League’s Biggest Stars

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With the NBA in the middle of the NBA Finals, the end of the 2025-26 season is just under two weeks away, with the 2026 draft and free agency at the end of the month. The 2026 offseason is expected to bring a lot of change across the league. The offseason could see numerous big names change homes for the first time in several years. For others, the offseason could see the start of future changes for other stars.

Do the Nuggets have a fire sale to retool around Nikola Jokic?

Following a shocking first-round exit in the playoffs, there are immediate questions for Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. The three-time MVP is eligible for a contract extension this summer as he’s currently set to become a free agent in 2028. The extension could be worth $280 million over four years. For Denver, it’s an easy decision to give Jokic the extension, as he arguably is one of the three best players in the league. Jokic has previously expressed his interest in remaining a Nugget for life, but things could always change.

Denver is set to be over the second apron of the salary cap next season and will likely be over the second apron again for the 2027-28 season, putting the organization at risk of being punished via the second apron penalties. Aaron Gordon’s future is in question due to his availability, while Cameron Johnson’s contract is set to expire after next season. Christian Braun is the biggest question after his poor playoff performance, as he is entering the first year of a five-year, $125 million rookie contract. Jamal Murray is another question, making $53 and $57 million, respectively, over the next two seasons. What is known is that the current iteration of the Nuggets cannot compete in the West. Changes are expected in Denver this summer. Will it be enough to get Nikola Jokic to sign an extension this summer, or will he delay contract talks to next summer?

Is Miami a lock for Giannis, or does another team sneak in?

The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumor saga will have come to an end by trade night later this month. Milwaukee Bucks Co-owner Jimmy Haslam has made it clear that either Antetokounmpo will sign an extension with the Bucks this summer or he will be moved. Most signs are pointing to the Miami Heat being the preferred destination for Antetokounmpo, who has some power in this trade saga, as he is currently set to be a free agent in 2028. Giannis and his agent could tell any other team interested in him that he wouldn’t re-sign if they trade for him. Would a team be willing to take a one-year waiver on him, like the Toronto Raptors with Kawhi Leonard in 2018?

Giannis has been linked to several other teams across the league including the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, and more. Rumors with Boston suggest Jaylen Brown would be the star going back to Milwaukee, but if Giannis wouldn’t re-sign in Boston, the team wouldn’t be likely to trade a star in Brown. Cleveland rumors suggest Evan Mobley would be the piece going back to Milwaukee, but after being swept in the Eastern Conference Finals, there are many questions for the Cavs. The Giannis Antetokounmpo situation is finally nearing its end, though, and the result may shock fans.

Does LeBron’s likely final season include another superstar team-up?

While it’s currently unknown if he will come back for his 24th and likely last season, it is not guaranteed that he will be in a Los Angeles Lakers jersey if he comes back next season. He has been linked to his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers for a third stint with the team, and another deal with the Lakers has not been ruled out if he takes a pay cut. Another team that has recently been suggested would see LeBron team up with another aging star he shared the floor with during the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The Golden State Warriors have been linked to LeBron as a potential option, attempting to chase a fifth ring, not only for himself, but Warriors superstar guard Stephen Curry as well. LeBron has previously expressed his interest in playing with Curry, as well as his enjoyment after playing with Curry in Paris. While LeBron joining the Warriors would take players and contracts being moved to make the money work, it’s not out of the question. The Warriors owe Steph Curry another chance at a ring, and for LeBron, another star pairing could see him compete for ring number five.

Will the NBA punish Kawhi Leonard?

Almost a year after the reports of alleged salary cap circumvention between Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers, the NBA has yet to complete its investigation. Leonard has one year left on his contract before becoming a free agent next summer. For the NBA, the league has issued punishments for cap circumvention before, most notably to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the early 2000’s. If the NBA finds the Clippers and Kawhi Leonard guilty of cap circumvention, the team could be fined and lose draft picks while Leonard could have his contract voided or face suspension.

Leonard has been in trade rumors as the Clippers have started moving towards a quiet youth movement. Landing the 5th pick in the 2026 draft via the Ivica Zubac trade, the Clippers have the opportunity to draft a potential future star to pair next to Darius Garland if they do not trade him. Leonard has been linked to numerous teams, including the Warriors and Pistons. If he’s not punished, his $50 million salary for next season is a hard hit for any team to take; the risk of trading for him is even higher if he could be punished this summer.