NBA's Biggest Stars Could Switch Teams Next Season

LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and Giannis Antetokounmpo may all find new homes in the offseason.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:51am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the silhouettes of three basketball players in dynamic, overlapping geometric shapes and bold colors, representing the uncertainty surrounding the futures of LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.The futures of three of the NBA's biggest stars hang in the balance as the league enters a pivotal offseason.Los Angeles Today

Three of the NBA's biggest superstars - LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and Giannis Antetokounmpo - could all be playing for new teams next season, according to league sources. All three players have uncertain futures with their current teams, the Lakers, Clippers, and Bucks respectively, and there is growing anticipation around the league that at least two, if not all three, may end up switching teams in free agency this summer.

Why it matters

The potential movement of these three NBA megastars would drastically reshape the league's landscape. Their decisions could impact the championship aspirations of multiple franchises and alter the balance of power in the NBA. Fans and analysts are eagerly awaiting to see where these elite players will end up, as their choices could define the next era of the league.

The details

LeBron James is set to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and his future with the Lakers is unclear despite the team's recent success. Kawhi Leonard's situation with the Clippers is complicated by an ongoing NBA investigation into potential salary cap circumvention, as well as the team's shift towards a younger roster. Giannis Antetokounmpo's future in Milwaukee has been a topic of discussion for nearly a year, and the Bucks' recent coaching change could signal bigger changes to come.

  • The NBA playoffs are set to begin this weekend.
  • LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and Giannis Antetokounmpo will all be unrestricted free agents this offseason.

The players

LeBron James

A 37-year-old superstar forward who has played the last four seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning an NBA championship in 2020.

Kawhi Leonard

A 34-year-old superstar forward who has played the last three seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, winning an NBA championship in 2019 with the Toronto Raptors.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

A 31-year-old superstar forward who has played his entire 9-year NBA career with the Milwaukee Bucks, winning the NBA MVP award in 2019 and 2020.

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What they’re saying

“The Lakers' LeBron James. The Clippers' Kawhi Leonard. And, of course, Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo. Expect to hear lots about their futures all spring.”

— Marc Stein, NBA Insider

What’s next

The NBA offseason will be closely watched as the futures of these three superstars are decided. Their decisions could have a major impact on the league's landscape and championship contenders for years to come.

The takeaway

The potential movement of LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason highlights the fluidity of the modern NBA landscape. Even the league's biggest stars are increasingly willing to switch teams in pursuit of championships and other opportunities, making the offseason a must-watch event for basketball fans.