Two superstar targets! Lakers, Warriors, and Clippers signal pursuit: aiming for Jokic and Giannis in 2027

On September 17th Beijing time, The Athletic’s reporter Amick reported that the Warriors are “very aware” of Giannis and Jokic’s contract situations for the 2027-28 season (both will have player options then). The Warriors are not the only team pursuing these two stars; the two other California-based teams—the Lakers and Clippers—have also sent similar “pursuit signals.”

It is widely believed that Giannis is more likely to leave than Jokic. Over the past few years, rumors about Giannis possibly being traded have never ceased.

In this year’s playoffs, the Bucks once again exited in the first round. Afterwards, multiple insiders suggested that teams would likely seize the opportunity to pursue Giannis. However, no trade progress was made—Giannis clearly decided to stay in Milwaukee and will start the new season with the Bucks.

Nevertheless, Giannis remains a player the league must closely watch. Since the Bucks won the NBA championship in 2021, the team has struggled to build a championship-caliber roster around this perennial MVP candidate. Before Giannis exercises his player option and enters free agency, the Bucks are very unlikely to trade him—because if they do, they will demand a “sky-high package capable of changing the team’s future.”

The only scenario in which the Bucks might trade Giannis is if the “Greek Freak” himself applies pressure. Should the Bucks suffer another crushing playoff defeat in the future, it might push Giannis toward making such a decision.

As for Jokic, he has always been the “face of the franchise” for the Nuggets. The Nuggets recently won a championship, and Jokic has generally expressed satisfaction with his situation in Denver over the past few years.

The Lakers might believe that when Jokic’s contract expires, the presence of Doncic (both are international stars and close friends) could attract Jokic to join them. NBA history has many examples of stars teaming up later in their careers, and in today’s league, anything is possible—but for now, there is absolutely no risk of Jokic leaving the Nuggets.

Rumors linking the Clippers to Giannis and Jokic are not new. Earlier this offseason, The Ringer’s reporters Bill Simmons and Zach Lowe also mentioned that the summer of 2027 is the “target timeframe” for the Clippers to pursue these two superstars.

Do you think Jokic and Giannis will switch teams in the summer of 2027? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.