6 Potential Future Duos That Could Dominate The NBA Like Kobe Bryant And Shaquille O'Neal

When we think about dominant duos in NBA history, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal are one of the first pairs that come to mind. They were an unstoppable force that led the Lakers to multiple championships, and their chemistry on the court was unmatched. Today, we’re looking at potential future duos who could follow in their footsteps. These pairs of stars, if they ever joined forces, could run the league and make life miserable for their opponents. Let’s dive into some hypothetical duos that could one day become the next Kobe and Shaq.

1. Luka Doncic And Nikola Jokic

Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic are two of the most talented players in the NBA right now, and both bring a unique skill set that sets them apart. Doncic is an elite playmaker who can score at will, while Jokic is a master of controlling the offense with his passing from the center position. Their basketball IQs are off the charts, and imagining them sharing the floor is the kind of fantasy that makes NBA fans’ mouths water. With their ability to create plays for themselves and others, they could be an unstoppable force offensively.

On the offensive side, these two would be a nightmare for opposing teams. Doncic's ability to break down defenses with his drives and crafty ball handling would pair perfectly with Jokic’s exceptional passing and finishing ability. They could easily run one of the deadliest pick-and-roll or pick-and-pop combinations the league has ever seen. Defenders would constantly be forced into tough decisions, and that would open up plenty of opportunities for their teammates.

Defensively, while neither Luka nor Jokic is known for their elite defense, their size and intelligence would help them make up for it. They both have a knack for positioning and reading the game, which could result in them working well together to limit opposing teams’ scoring opportunities. Plus, their ability to control the tempo of the game with their offense could help cover any defensive shortcomings.

Beyond the stats and highlights, this pairing just feels right in terms of basketball chemistry. Both players excel at getting their teammates involved and making everyone around them better. They’re unselfish, smart, and highly skilled. Put them together, and you’ve got a duo that could redefine what it means to play team basketball in the NBA.

How could they play together in the future?

The idea of Luka and Jokic joining forces seems like a long shot, but it’s not impossible. A trade is highly unlikely given their franchise player status, but free agency could be a realistic avenue . Nikola Jokic is under contract with the Denver Nuggets until the summer of 2028, when he has a player option. Luka Doncic, on the other hand, is signed with the Dallas Mavericks until 2026, when he could also opt for free agency if things don’t go well in Dallas. While it’s tough to see either leaving their respective teams anytime soon, the possibility of them becoming free agents around the same time does open the door for a potential union, even if it feels like a stretch right now.

The most realistic path would be later in their careers when both could seek a change of scenery, possibly chasing a championship together. Either way, if this duo ever finds a way to share the court, it would be a momentous event for the NBA.

2. Devin Booker And Joel Embiid

Devin Booker and Joel Embiid could be a formidable duo, blending Booker’s elite perimeter shooting with Embiid's inside dominance. Booker has become one of the top scorers and shot creators in the NBA, while Embiid is arguably the best big man in the league, with an ability to score, defend, and pass at a high level. Their skill sets would perfectly complement each other, creating an inside-outside attack that would be incredibly hard to defend.

If they ever teamed up, they could exploit opposing defenses with pick-and-roll plays, where Embiid could either roll to the basket or pop out for a mid-range jumper, while Booker would thrive with more space on the perimeter. Their offensive synergy would be near impossible to stop, and defensively, Embiid’s presence in the paint would allow Booker to focus on what he does best offensively without being a liability.

How could they play together in the future?

The idea of Embiid and Booker joining forces could become a reality if the new Philadelphia 76ers' big three of Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey doesn’t live up to expectations. The 76ers took a big swing by acquiring George in the 2024 offseason, forming a new core around Embiid. However, if this experiment fails, and Philadelphia finds itself out of title contention, Embiid could be looking for a change. Embiid is guaranteed to be under contract until 2028 after his recent three-year, $193 million extension, but his frustration with playoff exits in the past has led to speculation about his long-term future with the team.

On the other hand, the Phoenix Suns’ current big three of Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal hasn’t quite lived up to the hype either. If Phoenix continues to struggle despite having a star-studded lineup, the franchise may look to pivot and break up its core. In such a scenario, Booker could become available in a trade. Philadelphia, eager to appease Embiid and make another championship push, could look to move George or Maxey in a blockbuster trade for Booker in 2027, the last year of his deal. Also, since Embiid's deal includes a Player Option for the 2028-29 season, he could decline it and sign with the Suns as a free agent. Both teams are at a crossroads, and if things don’t go according to plan, a move involving these two superstars could be on the horizon.

3. Ja Morant And Victor Wembanyama

Ja Morant and Victor Wembanyama could form one of the most dynamic and electrifying duos in the NBA. Morant is already known for his high-flying, highlight-reel dunks, and relentless ability to attack the basket, while Wembanyama, standing at 7'4", brings a unique blend of size, shot-blocking, and shooting touch rarely seen in players of his height. Together, they would create an unstoppable inside-out game that combines Morant’s explosiveness and playmaking with Wembanyama’s elite rim protection and offensive versatility.

Morant’s ability to break down defenses and drive to the rim would open up easy opportunities for Wembanyama to dominate in pick-and-roll situations or find open shots on the perimeter. On the defensive end, Wembanyama’s presence in the paint would allow Morant to take more risks on the perimeter, knowing he has a shot-blocking giant behind him. This pairing would also thrive in transition, with Morant pushing the pace and Wembanyama running the floor, creating mismatches all over the court.

How could they play together in the future?

Ja Morant is currently under contract with the Memphis Grizzlies through the 2028 season, making it unlikely he would leave the team anytime soon. However, if Memphis fails to build a legitimate contender around him, it’s possible that he could seek a new opportunity down the road.

On the other hand, Wembanyama is early in his career with the San Antonio Spurs, and his rookie contract extends through the 2028 season as well. The odds of either player being traded are slim, but if one of their teams struggles to build a winning environment, the idea of them joining forces could become more feasible, potentially through a blockbuster trade or free agency years down the line.

Should they ever join forces, Morant and Wembanyama could redefine what a point guard-center duo looks like, blending speed, agility, and dominance on both ends of the floor. This pairing could dominate the NBA for years, leading a team to multiple deep playoff runs.

4. De’Aaron Fox And Anthony Davis

De’Aaron Fox and Anthony Davis would form a truly lethal duo, blending Fox’s speed, playmaking, and scoring ability with Davis’ dominance in the paint and versatility on defense. Fox is one of the fastest players in the NBA, known for his ability to get to the rim and create plays in transition, while Davis, a seven-time All-Star and one of the best two-way players in the league, can anchor a defense and provide elite shot-blocking while also being a reliable scorer.

On offense, Fox’s ability to attack the basket and create opportunities for teammates would mesh perfectly with Davis, who thrives as a pick-and-roll partner and is capable of finishing at the rim or stepping out to knock down mid-range jumpers. The two could form one of the deadliest pick-and-roll combinations in the league, with Fox’s speed putting pressure on defenses and Davis finishing plays with authority around the rim or stretching the floor with his shooting.

Defensively, this pairing would be a nightmare for opponents. Davis is an elite shot-blocker and rim protector, while Fox’s quickness and defensive intensity would allow him to harass opposing guards on the perimeter. Together, they could lock down opposing offenses, with Davis cleaning up mistakes at the rim and Fox applying pressure on the ball.

How could they play together in the future?

While De’Aaron Fox is under contract with the Sacramento Kings through the 2026-27 season, the Kings’ lack of sustained success could eventually lead to Fox exploring other options if they fail to contend for a title. Sacramento has shown improvements, but if they regress, a trade could become a possibility, much like when they dealt DeMarcus Cousins in 2017.

As for Anthony Davis, he is currently with the Los Angeles Lakers, and while he is a key piece of their roster, the Lakers have shown a willingness to make major moves if necessary. If the Lakers struggle to remain competitive in the coming seasons, or if they decide to retool their roster around LeBron James' eventual departure, Davis could become a trade candidate.

If Fox and Davis ever teamed up, whether through free agency or a blockbuster trade, they would instantly form one of the most dangerous duos in the league, combining elite defense and offensive versatility that could lead to deep playoff runs.

5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander And Giannis Antetokounmpo

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Giannis Antetokounmpo would form an unstoppable force in the NBA, combining SGA’s craftiness and scoring ability with Giannis’ sheer physical dominance and versatility. Shai has established himself as one of the most complete guards in the league, capable of getting to the rim, drawing fouls, and orchestrating an offense. Giannis, a two-time MVP and one of the most feared players in the league, dominates on both ends of the floor with his ability to score in the paint, defend multiple positions, and push the ball in transition.

Offensively, Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to get into the paint and create would be the perfect complement to Giannis’ finishing prowess. SGA’s smooth ball-handling and patience in pick-and-roll situations would allow Giannis to either roll to the rim for easy finishes or pop out to use his improving jumper. With Giannis running the floor and SGA orchestrating the offense, they would thrive in transition, making it nearly impossible for defenses to keep up. Shai’s three-level scoring would space the floor for Giannis to dominate inside, while Giannis’ ability to attack the rim would open up driving lanes for Shai to exploit.

On the defensive end, this duo could terrorize opponents. Giannis, with his size, length, and athleticism, can guard all five positions and serve as an elite rim protector. Shai, although not known as a defensive anchor, has the length and agility to guard multiple positions, making this pairing a versatile and formidable defensive unit. Together, they could shut down opposing offenses while turning defense into quick points on the other end of the floor.

How could they play together in the future?

Giannis Antetokounmpo is currently under contract with the Milwaukee Bucks through 2026, and although he’s expressed his commitment to the franchise, recent comments about needing to see a championship-caliber team around him have raised some speculation about his long-term future with the team. If the Bucks fail to make deep playoff runs in the coming seasons, Giannis could explore other options when his contract nears its end.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, meanwhile, is locked into a long-term deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder until 2027, but if the Thunder’s rebuild doesn’t produce results soon, SGA might be looking for a way out. A trade scenario where Giannis moves to a younger, more promising team like the Thunder or SGA heads to a contender like the Bucks could bring this duo together.

Should they ever join forces, Shai and Giannis would instantly elevate any team to contender status, blending elite defense, scoring, and versatility in a way that few other duos could match. Whether through free agency or a blockbuster trade, this potential pairing is one that would dominate headlines and give opposing teams nightmares.

6. Trae Young And Zion Williamson

Trae Young and Zion Williamson would form a truly unique combination of power and finesse. Trae, with his elite court vision and deep shooting range, would stretch defenses to their limit. Zion, with his brute strength and explosiveness around the rim, would dominate the paint while Together, their contrasting styles could create a pick-and-roll attack that’s nearly impossible to stop. Whether Trae is launching deep threes or tossing lobs to Zion, opposing defenses would have a hard time keeping up.

In terms of chemistry, these two would fit like a glove on offense. Trae’s incredible ability to space the floor and Zion’s ability to finish in traffic would complement each other perfectly. Zion would command attention inside, leaving Trae open for long-range shots, while Trae’s shooting would force defenders out of the paint, giving Zion all the room he needs to feast at the rim. Together, they’d form an offense that could rank among the best in the league.

However, their potential defensive struggles would need to be addressed. Zion’s defensive potential is high when healthy, but his injury history complicates things. Trae, meanwhile, has always been a liability on that end of the floor. The right supporting cast would be crucial to cover their defensive weaknesses, but with their offensive firepower, they could still lead a highly competitive team.

How could they play together in the future?

There’s already precedent for Atlanta and New Orleans working together, with the Hawks recently sending Dejounte Murray to the Pelicans. This could open the door for future moves. If the Murray experiment doesn’t work out in New Orleans, there’s a possibility that the Pelicans could look to shake things up again, potentially moving Murray and targeting Trae Young.

On the other hand, Zion’s long-term future in New Orleans is uncertain due to his injury history. If the Pelicans don’t make significant progress in the next few years, it’s not out of the question for Zion to seek a new opportunity. The Hawks could make a bold move to pair Trae with Zion, especially if the franchise feels the need to revamp its core. Trae Young is under contract until 2026, while Zion’s deal keeps him in New Orleans through 2028, making any immediate trade unlikely, but it’s far from impossible as both teams evaluate their long-term futures

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