With the 2025-26 NBA season approaching, speculation surrounding trade activity is growing. According to ESPN, league insiders predict that the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers are most likely to make major roster changes before the trade deadline.

The Warriors topped the ESPN panel's list with seven votes, followed by the Lakers with five. Both teams have actively revamped their rosters over the past year and remain poised for further adjustments as the season unfolds.

ESPN's Anthony Slater explains why the Golden State Warriors top the predictions.

The Warriors top the list because they essentially signaled their willingness to trade before the trade deadline this offseason. They offered restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga a two-year, $45 million contract with the intention of making him a free agent in January. The Lakers, in the midst of the Luka Dončić era, have retained some favorable first-round picks to facilitate a trade for LeBron James as his contract nears its end. For the Cavaliers, disappointment and desperation could prompt a trade. If they're concerned their high-value core of four players won't be able to make another playoff run, they might decide to trade a player and shake up the roster.

The Warriors' potential trade strategy focuses on balancing their veteran core with young talent. Stephen Curry, entering his 17th NBA season, remains the franchise's cornerstone. Golden State's signing of Jimmy Butler III at last year's trade deadline embodied their win-now mentality. The possibility of a Kuminga contract extension could provide the team with the necessary financial flexibility to pursue additional high-level players for the upcoming season.

Top teams like the Lakers, Cavaliers, and Warriors are expected to make trades before the trade deadline.

The Lakers have also been discussing midseason moves. After trading Luka Dončić with the Dallas Mavericks in February, sending Anthony Davis to Dallas, the team has taken a new direction. James is preparing for his 23rd season and will face free agency next summer, while the Lakers have retained some draft picks that they can use to strengthen their roster.

The Cleveland Cavaliers finished the regular season with a 64-18 record and were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the NBA playoffs, ultimately finishing in third place by three points. Despite their success, the Cavaliers face increasing pressure to advance, and questions remain about whether their current core can perform well in the playoffs. This uncertainty makes them another team to watch closely heading into February.

Both the Warriors and Lakers face immense pressure to compete for the championship in the competitive Western Conference. The Golden State Warriors, with their core lineup featuring Curry, Butler, and Draymond Green, aim to extend their championship window, while the Lakers are focused on maximizing the partnership between Dončić and James. The uncertainty surrounding James' future adds another layer of uncertainty to the Lakers' potential trade strategy.

The trade deadline for the 2025-26 season is set for February, but discussions about that season are already shaping the trajectory of the season. The possibility of a "big move" for the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and Cleveland Cavaliers highlights the urgency of maintaining their status as top contenders in the league.

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