Business
Giannis Trade Buzz Explodes as LeBron Eyes Homecoming
NEW YORK — With the 2026 NBA Draft Combine underway and free agency looming, the rumor mill has shifted into overdrive. After a chaotic 2025-26 season that saw major midseason deals and several teams missing the playoffs, front offices are aggressively reshaping rosters. The Milwaukee Bucks’ willingness to listen on two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo headlines the chatter, but LeBron James‘ uncertain future, Ja Morant’s availability and veteran stars like Kawhi Leonard and Donovan Mitchell are also fueling speculation.
Here are the top five trade and free-agency rumors circulating as of May 18, 2026:
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo on the Block After Bucks’ Playoff Miss
The biggest story dominating the league involves Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, who finished 32-50 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Milwaukee is now “open for business” on trade offers for the 31-year-old superstar, seeking young talent and a haul of draft picks, according to multiple reports.
Boston Celtics lead betting odds as the favorite destination at 21-28%, with fans dreaming of a superteam alongside Jayson Tatum. Other suitors include the Cleveland Cavaliers, who reportedly contacted Milwaukee before the February deadline, the Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat. A potential sign-and-trade or straight deal would require multiple first-round picks and a blue-chip prospect like Evan Mobley or Tyler Herro.
Antetokounmpo holds a player option and has not formally demanded a trade, but the relationship appears strained. Owner Jimmy Haslam wants clarity before the June 23 draft. Any deal would reshape the Eastern Conference landscape and likely spark a bidding war unseen since the Kevin Durant era.
2. LeBron James Weighs Free Agency Future, Cavs Homecoming Possible
LeBron James, fresh off exercising his player option, enters unrestricted free agency uncertain about his 24th season. The 41-year-old has not ruled out returning to the Los Angeles Lakers but is seriously considering other options, with Cleveland and Golden State emerging as top landing spots.
A return to the Cavaliers, where he won a title in 2016, carries strong narrative appeal, especially after Cleveland’s deep playoff run. However, salary-cap constraints could force a sign-and-trade or veteran minimum deal. The Warriors view James as a potential mentor for Stephen Curry’s final championship window, with their Olympic chemistry and Draymond Green friendship as key draws.
New York Knicks and even the Clippers have been mentioned, but cap issues complicate those paths. James prioritizes contention and family considerations. His decision will ripple across the league, potentially opening cap space for the Lakers to pursue other stars alongside Luka Doncic.
3. Ja Morant Trade Talks Heat Up as Grizzlies Embrace Rebuild
Memphis Grizzlies appear ready to move on from Ja Morant after another turbulent season and the acquisition of a high draft pick. The dynamic guard, once the face of the franchise, is drawing interest from several teams despite past off-court issues.

Potential suitors include the Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns and possibly the Chicago Bulls or Brooklyn Nets in multi-asset packages. Grizzlies could package Morant with their No. 3 pick in blockbuster scenarios to accelerate a full reset. Teams see his explosive athleticism as a high-upside gamble if paired with strong veterans and structure.
Memphis has already traded key pieces like Jaren Jackson Jr., signaling a new direction. Morant’s massive contract makes any deal complex, but executives believe his trade value could rise later in the offseason once draft and free-agency dust settles.
4. Kawhi Leonard’s Clippers Future in Doubt Amid Extension Talks
Kawhi Leonard’s situation with the Los Angeles Clippers remains murky. The 35-year-old delivered one of his strongest offensive seasons in years, but the team’s lottery finish and ongoing league investigation into alleged cap circumvention have raised questions about long-term commitment.
Clippers reportedly plan to offer an extension, yet many around the league believe trading Leonard for assets and draft capital makes more sense for a rebuild. Potential destinations include the Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons or Portland Trail Blazers. His two-time champion pedigree and two-way ability still command premium value despite injury history.
A move would free the Clippers to lean into their young core and high draft picks while giving Leonard a fresh start on a contender.
5. Donovan Mitchell Extension or Trade Decision Looms for Cavs
Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell faces a crossroads. With the team pushing deep into the playoffs, Mitchell’s elite scoring makes him a prized asset, but contract extension talks or a potential trade could define their offseason.
Mitchell has drawn interest leaguewide if Cleveland explores changes. Pairing him with a potential Giannis acquisition has been floated in mock trades. The Cavs must balance retaining core pieces like Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley while addressing roster needs.
Other notable rumors include Kevin Durant possibly heading to the 76ers, Paul George to the Rockets and various role-player swaps involving Michael Porter Jr. or Domantas Sabonis. Draft-night deals involving lottery picks could also accelerate bigger moves.
The 2026 offseason promises fireworks. With the salary cap rising and several stars eligible for new deals, expect aggressive maneuvering as teams position for the next title window. The Giannis saga alone could trigger a domino effect across the league.
League insiders caution that many rumors will evolve rapidly in the coming weeks. The draft in late June and free agency starting in early July will separate speculation from reality. For now, NBA Twitter and front offices remain glued to every report as the association’s biggest names potentially change uniforms.
Business
Perth Symphony Orchestra reveals new chair
A leadership transition coincides with Perth Symphony Orchestra’s strongest financial result in years.
Business
Vedanta Resources plans to relist; US likely; eyeing $100 billion
“I have a vision to get about $100 billion into India,” Agarwal said in an interview. “We have grown today only because of our listing in London… US is an option” to raise funds by listing Vedanta Resources, which was delisted from the London Stock Exchange in 2018.
India’s aatmanirbhar (self-reliance) push has led to the removal of obstacles for business but the Centre could do more.
“The government really wants us to be self-sufficient,” said Agarwal. To make things easier, it could move to “self-certification like in Canada, Australia and America. If you do not comply with rules, then there should be a hard penalty. That means faster execution.”
While aluminium may be the most coveted business for investors when Vedanta’s units get listed, its hydrocarbons division could be biggest in terms of revenue as the government makes exploration more friendly and viable. “Oil and gas, I have a feeling, will be one of the largest businesses for us,” said Agarwal. “We have offshore, onshore… gas. Government is now very positive. They give a long lease.”
Business
Soccer-Scotland’s Tartan Army switches sports for a day in Boston

Soccer-Scotland’s Tartan Army switches sports for a day in Boston
Business
Gold jumps 2% as US-Iran peace deal eases inflation fears, dents dollar

Gold jumps 2% as US-Iran peace deal eases inflation fears, dents dollar
Business
Gold ticks for Ora Banda, Minerals 260
Ora Banda Mining and Tim Goyder-chaired Minerals 260 have each taken development steps at their WA gold projects, amid a sustained period of strong prices for the metal.
Business
Nifty tops key 23,500 hurdle, can head to 24,500 on buying interest: Analysts
NAGRAJ SHETTI
SENIOR TECHNICAL RESEARCH ANALYST, HDFC SECURITIES
Where is Nifty headed this week?
Nifty witnessed an excellent breakout. A long bull candle was formed on the daily chart, which indicates a decisive breakout of the consolidation movement. Further sustainable upside from here could open the next upside targets of around 23,800 and 24,100 levels. Immediate support to be watched is at 23,300. Trading Strategies
Traders may buy Bank Nifty June futures around 56,900 or accumulate the 57,000 call option (June 30 expiry) at Rs 800-811. Maintain a stop loss at 56,000 on spot levels. On the upside, Bank Nifty could advance towards 57,700 initially and 59,200 thereafter.
TOP STOCKS BETS
BANK OF INDIA: Buy Rs 145, CMP Rs 145, Target Rs 154, Stoploss Rs 141
The stock has seen a sharp rally recently, and the current consolidation phase offers a buying opportunity, with RSI (Relative Strength Index) and volume indicators pointing to further upside.
BPCL: Buy at 302 , CMP Rs 302, Target Rs 317, Stoploss Rs 292
BPCL has rebounded sharply after a recent correction, with the chart indicating a key bottom reversal, supported by strong volumes and positive RSI signals
AgenciesSACCHITANAND UTTEKAR
VP- RESEARCH ( TECHNICAL & DERIVATIVES), TRADEBULLS SECURITIES
Where is Nifty headed this week?
Nifty closed above 23,500, signalling improving buying interest and a base formation in the 23,300– 24,000 range. While the trend remains weak, with ADX above 32, RSI has moved above 50, indicating a possible directional shift. A sustained move above the 23,800 resistance could push the index towards 24,000 and 24,420, while the 23,150–23,100 zone remains a key support area.
Trading Strategies
Since the Nifty50 has displayed a ‘Piercing Line’ formation on its weekly scale. It’s ideal to deploy fresh longs. Traders should accumulate Nifty up to 23,520 with a stop loss below 23,380 for a potential upmove towards 24,000 & 24,420, which could be seen in the coming weeks ahead.
BUY NIFTY – up to 23520 SL 23380 TGT 24000/24420. BUY BSE SENSEX- up to 74945 SL 74550 TGT 77100
TOP STOCK BETS
HDFC Bank CMP Rs 772, Buy Rs 772, Target Rs 840, Stoploss Rs 754
Weekly ‘Bullish Engulfing’ pattern with RSI displaying a strong positive divergence. A bullish crossover of its 5 & 20 EMA is another good sign for directional momentum.
UltraTech Cement CMP Rs 11,117, Buy Rs 11,180, Target Rs 11,588, Stoploss Rs 10,910
The stock has repeatedly defended the 10,700 support level, forming a strong double-bottom pattern that signals a potential reversal, with the stock likely to move towards 11,600 while 10,700 remains a key support zone.
SOMIL MEHTA
HEAD OF RETAIL RESEARCH, MIRAE ASSET SHAREKHAN
Where is Nifty headed this week?
Despite the ongoing global uncertainties, the Nifty held firmly above the 61.8% retracement level and formed a strong base around 23,100. A positive weekly close and a bullish crossover in the daily momentum indicator point to strengthening upward momentum. The recent low of 23,070 remains a key support level, while a decisive move above the 20-DMA and 40-DEMA levels of 23,532 and 23,676, respectively, could further strengthen bullish sentiment and lift the index towards 24,100 in the coming days.
Trading Strategy
Buy NIFTY Futures at current levels or on dips, SL – 23,070 on a closing basis. Target – 24,100 – 24,500
TOP STOCKS BETS
KEI Industries Buy at CMP Rs 5,374 Target Rs 5,600– 5,800, Stoploss Rs 5,120
The stock has broken out of its earlier trading range and a triangular consolidation pattern above the 40-day EMA, with Friday’s decisive breakout and a bullish hidden divergence on the daily RSI signalling a continuation of the uptrend after a brief consolidation phase.
HDFC Bank: BUY at CMP Rs 771, Target Rs 810–830, Stoploss Rs 740
Despite recent underperformance, HDFC Bank is well placed for a recovery as the Nifty Private Bank index has registered both short- and medium-term breakouts, while the stock has broken out of a falling wedge pattern, supported by positive divergence on the daily RSI and a bullish crossover in the daily momentum indicator.
Business
US Justice Department clears Paramount’s acquisition of Warner Bros

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Business
While Everyone Was Focused On SpaceX, I'm Buying Gold Miners
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Business
SP Group seeks more time to repay bonds nearing maturity
“The SP Group has scaled down the fundraise size and sought another two-month extension on ₹14,300 crore of maturing bonds, as delays in executing the debt raise force the conglomerate to seek additional time from creditors,” said a person close to the matter.
The group, which was planning to raise ₹28,500 crore in two tranches, has reduced the first part to about ₹22,000 crore from ₹25,500 crore, another person said.
Agencies
Shapoorji Pallonji Group has reduced its ₹28,500 crore refinancing by ₹3,500 crore and is seeking a two-month extension on ₹14,300 crore of maturing bonds. Delays in debt raising, initially impacted by rising hedging costs, are forcing the conglomerate to negotiate more time with creditors. The refinancing, arranged by Deutsche Bank, is now expected to close later this summer.
The refinancing is being arranged by Deutsche Bank under the SP Group’s Project Ascent fundraising and refinancing programme. The first part of the deal, initially expected to be priced by the end of May, is now likely to close around June 30 or by mid-July, according to people aware of the matter.
The second tranche is likely in September, the second person said.
The delay in fundraising has resulted in the Mistry family-controlled group seeking additional time from existing creditors.
An SP spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.The conglomerate had earlier secured a two-month extension on repayment of ₹14,300 crore of bonds issued by its Goswami Infratech unit, from April 30 to June 30. It is now planning to seek another two-month extension, as it works to complete the fundraising deal, the people said.
Separately, the group has sought bondholder approval to extend a temporary relaxation of a key loan-to-value (LTV) covenant on Porteast Investment’s 19.75% notes until September 30 from July 15, ET reported last week. Prospective lenders have sought greater certainty that the Porteast bonds will not face covenant pressure while the refinancing is being completed.
The refinancing plans were disrupted earlier this year, after Reserve Bank of India measures on the offshore foreign exchange market led to a sharp increase in hedging costs. Hedging costs had surged to more than 5% from around 2.5-3%, making the economics of a large offshore borrowing unattractive and delaying the fundraising exercise.
Market conditions have since improved. According to debt capital market bankers, hedging costs for private sector borrowers have eased to around 3%, although they remain significantly higher than the roughly 1.5% available to eligible state-owned companies under the RBI’s dollar-rupee swap facility.
In April, Porteast bondholders approved a temporary increase in the LTV threshold to 40% from 34% after the group cited heightened market volatility. Under the bond terms, an LTV ratio above 34% for five consecutive trading days would trigger an event of default.
The covenant has come under pressure following a decline in the shares of Tata Consultancy Services, which account for roughly half of the collateral backing the Porteast notes, and a general decline in other Tata Group listed stocks due to the geopolitical situation.
Both the Goswami and Porteast debt facilities are secured against SP Group’s 18.38% stake in Tata Sons. The Goswami and Porteast bonds, originally issued at yields of 18.75% and 19.75%, respectively, have since increased to as high as 21.75%.
Business
AMG Boston Common Global Impact Fund Q1 2026 Commentary
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