In an NBA that saw Luka Dončić traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, it’s increasingly difficult to write off the most outlandish trade concepts.

Speculation becomes inevitable when LeBron James and Anthony Davis simultaneously post the same message on Instagram: “Becoming the best version of yourself comes with a lot of goodbyes” (h/t Erich Richter of the New York Post).

James and Davis won a title together with the Lakers in 2020, but Davis was the key piece sent to Dallas for Dončić.

The notion of the duo reuniting with the Mavericks is complicated, but arguable. The recent Instagram posts may add fuel to the fire, but instead of rehashing covered ground, what of the word last week from ESPN’s Shams Charania that Giannis Antetokounmpo is still considering his future in Milwaukee with the Bucks?

Several teams waited for as long as possible before executing their offseason transactions, hoping Antetokounmpo would force his way out. Cap strategist Yossi Gozlan took a look at the Antetokounmpo trade landscape, looking specifically at the New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks, Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets. Others, like the Miami Heat or Toronto Raptors, could make a case, but fundamentally, Antetokounmpo will decide where he wants to play next.

That may be Milwaukee for the rest of his career, or with his contract nearing completion (player option to explore unrestricted free agency after the 2026-27 campaign), that could be a new home with Antetokounmpo’s representation influencing his destination. Teams off of his preferred list may be willing to send multiple first-round picks and young talent, but if Antetokounmpo makes it clear that he won’t re-sign, those offers quickly dry up.

The following multi-team trade idea explores the “What if?” of Antetokounmpo specifically choosing the Lakers, James approving relocation to the Mavericks, and then some help from the Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets to make it viable.

Such a deal might hinge on Austin Reaves, who is in a similar situation as an expected unrestricted free agent in 2026, capable of dissuading the Bucks from bringing him in as the key piece for Antetokounmpo.

But the following trade concept is based in reality and makes sense for every party.