This week in the NBA: Trading talk heats up - (2026)

Updated: 25/02/2026

Odds and review of the NBA action

The NBA world was dominated by trade talk last week as each team begins to get a feel for where they need to make additions.

Toronto Raptors still lead the way in the East, but did lose three of their five games last week.

Denver Nuggets are one of the teams that netted a victory over the Raptors. They sit top of the West, ahead of Oklahoma City Thunder and defending champs Golden State Warriors.

Stick around as we shake it up a bit and focus on the rumour mill that’s been churning off the court this week…

What next for Anthony Davis?

Anthony Davis is going to leave the New Orleans Pelicans in the near future. He’s levelled up to MVP candidacy and there’s now a squabble over who he will join next.

Davis may well choose to wait for free agency in 2020. But if LA Lakers do come calling then playing with LeBron James could be too tough to turn down.

Lakers have some valuable young players that they could offload. The likes of Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma could all seemingly make way for A.D.

Boston Celtics are the other major player in the mix. It’s thought that if they trade Jason Taytum or Kyrie Irving then Davis is theirs.

But this embarrassment of riches means the Celtics will have to make a tough decision.

One thing is for sure, Davis who has shot an average of 28 points this campaign – and is second favourite to be regular season MVP would be worth it.

Derrick Rising to the occasion

We’ve given love to Derrick Rose already this season, but his form has catapulted and he put up 33 points against the Detroit Pistons last week.

The 2011 MVP is hitting his stride again with talk of the NBA’s historic 6th man award in his grasp.

He’s averaged 18.5 points, 4.6 assists and is shooting an impressive 47.8% from the three-point line.

A key consideration in the 6th man award is how much value he brings to the fourth quarter. Rose has blossomed late in games, scoring more than starters like Kawhi Leonard and Steph Curry in the final period.

After all, people love a narrative and this would complete Rose’s illustrious playbook.

Big Talking Point

Just how good is Luka Doncic? Well the statistics suggest he’s different to the rest.

He became the Euroleague’s youngest MVP at 18-years-old as he led Real Madrid to the title last season.

Doncic has looked at ease for Dallas Mavericks in his rookie season in the big time and has averaged 18 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.9 assists.

He’s in celebrated company alongside Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan and Grant Hill from their debut season.

Many have crowned him the season’s rookie of the year already.

Dallas Mavericks are building something special and need the man nicknamed the ‘Matador’ to be a big part of it for years to come.

Upcoming Games

The famous Christmas day fixtures are here.

Milwaukee Bucks @ New York Knicks – Bucks to win -10 in the handicap betting

Oklahoma City Thunder @ Houston Rockets – Thunder to win 21/20 on the money line

Philadelphia 76ers @ Boston Celtics – Game to feature Over 222.5 points – 10/11

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All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing

Original source: http://news.coral.co.uk/thisweekintheNBA-tradetalk/other/basketball/.html

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