Why some NBA teams might avoid a Giannis or AD trade: 'Cost of a mistake is too high'

"In June 2023, the Suns acquired Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards, a deal that came on the heels of Phoenix landing Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets before that year's trade deadline. After the moves, new owner Mat Ishbia hailed the creation of the NBA's next superteam. Those trades rattled the NBA landscape. The league is in a far different place two years later."

"Three months later, the Milwaukee Bucks swapped Jrue Holiday for Damian Lillard to add a superstar sidekick for Giannis Antetokounmpo in his chase for a second title. The move impacted the title race, but for the Boston Celtics, who wound up with not just Holiday, but also Kristaps Porzingis as they constructed an elite roster that claimed the franchise's 18th championship."

""The new [ Collective Bargaining Agreement] caused a market correction," an Eastern Conference executive told ESPN. "Teams had to wise up." Trade season kicks into gear Monday, when most of the league's players become eligible to be moved. As teams take a closer look at their rosters and as trade buzz builds around Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis, our weekly trip around the Association examines the changing concept of superstar value."

In June 2023, the Suns acquired Bradley Beal after adding Kevin Durant, prompting owner Mat Ishbia to call it the NBA's next superteam. Three months later, the Bucks traded Jrue Holiday for Damian Lillard, affecting the title race while the Celtics acquired Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis and later won their 18th championship. Those trades significantly altered the league, but two years later the landscape has shifted. A new Collective Bargaining Agreement triggered a market correction, forcing teams to be more cautious. Trade season approaches as teams reassess rosters and potential moves around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis.

Read at ESPN.com