RealGM

Giannis Antetokounmpo has not yet requested a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks, but he is "open-minded" to an exit and is in "fact-finding mode," sources tell The Athletic. Antetokounmpo is "discussing his situation with trusted confidantes while making it clear that he’s reading the room here," writes Sam Amick.

The medium-term future of the Bucks looked challenging given their ongoing salary, luxury tax and apron issues given their aging roster, but their short-term outlook took a massive hit in the first round when Damian Lillard suffered a torn Achilles. 

The Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs are considered two of the leading contenders to acquire Antetokounmpo given their ability to assemble an attractive trade package to offer the Bucks while also maintaining enough players around him to compete for titles. The New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets and Dallas Mavericks could be on the periphery. Similar to the Rockets and Spurs, the Oklahoma City Thunder could put together an attractive offer to the Bucks, but their level of interest is unknown and could be dependent on how their playoff run plays out.

Antetokounmpo signed an extension with the Bucks in 2023 following their trade for Lillard and he can become a free agent in 2026.

Via Sam Amick/The Athletic

What can Brooklyn even offer. They have like 5 players under contract.

NYK if they don’t win a chip this year, offering Towns plus whatever other assets is the best case for Giannis. He plays in a big market.

akula1488 wrote:NYK if they don’t win a chip this year, offering Towns plus whatever other assets is the best case for Giannis. He plays in a big market.

LOL why would bucks want the Kitty KAT for Giannis?? lol and Knicks have no picks. Ridiculous

Onlytimewilltel wrote:

akula1488 wrote:NYK if they don’t win a chip this year, offering Towns plus whatever other assets is the best case for Giannis. He plays in a big market.

LOL why would bucks want the Kitty KAT for Giannis?? lol and Knicks have no picks. Ridiculous

This. The Knicks talk is coming from delusional NYK fans, but it's clear as day that this franchise doesn't have anywhere near the required assets to get Giannis AND still compete.

After the draft lottery, it is 99% certain he's going to the Spurs. Fox, Wemby and Giannis will be scary.
Another interesting, but improbable destination is Philly - if they are willing to finally move on from Embiid and/or PG and stop with the "trust the process" bs.

If a player was really happy they wouldn’t have to think about staying or going. He’s just trying to find a subtle or least disrespectful way to exit.

Swift21 wrote:What can Brooklyn even offer. They have like 5 players under contract.

The most picks, the most cap space, the best city in the world. I guess nothing?

I'll give him some facts. His wife is a Lakers fan

JKiddy wrote:

Swift21 wrote:What can Brooklyn even offer. They have like 5 players under contract.

The most picks, the most cap space, the best city in the world. I guess nothing?

You have to compensate the Bucks. What the hell does Brooklyn having cap space do for them?

The Bucks are going to have plenty of teams offering them picks. But what young players can you include in with those picks is what will matter.

I think the Nets would give MIL 2 of Cam Thomas, Claxton, and Cam Johnson with 5 1sts of their choice and 2 swaps. Thats 7 1sts and 2 great players. He is an other wordly player. That is essentially 9 players for him.

JKiddy wrote:I think the Nets would give MIL 2 of Cam Thomas, Claxton, and Cam Johnson with 5 1sts of their choice and 2 swaps. Thats 7 1sts and 2 great players. He is an other wordly player. That is essentially 9 players for him.

If you give up two of those players what is Giannis even joining? Certainly not a title contender.

I have said this many times. The only way this works if if 3 things happen.

1) Giannis has to say BK or bust
2) Giannis has another player he wants to play with. Some people say it is Porzingis.
3) They would have to fill out the roster around Giannis, Cam Thomas, Porzingis, Clowney, Sharpe, DLO, Ziare Williams, Trenton Watford, Keon Johnson, Jalen Wilson, two rookies, and a new signing or 3 of vets on small contracts who just want to win.