NBA Summer Forecast: LeBron Joins 76ers as Davis Tops Trade Request List

The NBA Summer Forecast predicts Anthony Davis is the most likely star to request a trade as LeBron James joins the Philadelphia 76ers on a veteran minimum salary.

Anthony Davis leads the 2026-27 NBA Summer Forecast panel predictions for the next superstar to request a trade, receiving 10 points from insiders. The Washington Wizards center sits ahead of Kyrie Irving (four points), Kevin Durant (three points), and Zion Williamson (three points) in the voting. This forecast follows a summer where the Philadelphia 76ers signed LeBron James to a veteran minimum salary and acquired Jaylen Brown by trading Paul George. James, now 42, enters the season after his scoring average fell for four consecutive years to 20.9 points per game in 2025-26, a campaign where he recorded a career-low 27% usage rate. A panel of 18 experts predicts James will average less than 20 points per game this season, while five believe he will exceed that mark.

Roster Shifts and Trade Market Projections

The Golden State Warriors are the favorites to make a significant midseason move, earning nine points in the forecast. Executive Mike Dunleavy Jr. oversees a roster featuring Stephen Curry, who turns 39 in March, and Draymond Green, who signed a one-year, $27.7 million contract. The Warriors previously acquired Jimmy Butler via a midseason trade to reach the second round, but Butler is currently recovering from an ACL injury. Potential deadline strategies for Golden State include trading Butler’s expiring contract or building a package around Kristaps Porzingis. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat enter the season with Giannis Antetokounmpo after trading three first-round picks, Tyler Herro, and rotation players to the Milwaukee Bucks. The Heat also lost free agent Norman Powell, leaving the roster thin at lead guard.

Breakout Candidates and Surprise Teams

Indiana and Utah tied for the top spot among teams expected to make a major leap, each receiving 46 points. The Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards landed the top two draft picks, Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa, respectively. The Wizards also acquired Trae Young and Anthony Davis, signing Young to a four-year, $213 million extension. In San Antonio, sophomore Dylan Harper is the leading breakout candidate with 19 points. As a rookie, Harper averaged 11.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in 22.6 minutes per game, increasing his production to 14.1 points and 5.6 rebounds during the Spurs' run to the 2026 NBA Finals. Carter Bryant (three points) and Stephon Castle (two points) also received votes for breakout potential.

Championship Contenders and Franchise Stability

The panel predicts a ninth consecutive unique NBA champion, with 19 points favoring a new winner over five points for a repeat. The New York Knicks, the defending champions, added Jose Alvarado to their bench but face a potential $371 million five-year extension for Jalen Brunson if he waits until the 2028 offseason. In Los Angeles, the Lakers are built around 27-year-old Luka Doncic, who has two years remaining on his contract plus a $57.8 million player option for 2028-29. Despite ownership shifting to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger, 20 insiders believe Doncic will remain with the Lakers beyond this season. The Lakers and Heat are identified as the most likely teams to disappoint, with Los Angeles receiving 32 points and Miami 22 points in that category. The Detroit Pistons, coming off their first 60-win season in two decades, received 27 points as a potential disappointment following a Game 7 second-round exit.