Giannis Antetokounmpo Open-Minded About Leaving Bucks For First Time

[RealGM Wiretap]

For the first time, Giannis Antetokounmpo is open-minded about leaving the Milwaukee Bucks. Antetokounmpo has made no firm decisions about requesting a trade from the Bucks, but is open to exploring if his best fit could be playing elsewhere.

Rival teams have reached out to Milwaukee over the years, but have always been shut down as to the availability of Antetokounmpo. With all 30 teams gathered in Chicago for the annual NBA Draft Combine, teams are expected to do due diligence around possibly trading for the Bucks superstar.

Antetokounmpo and his representatives are expected to meet with Milwaukee's leadership to discuss the future. The main concern for the Bucks star is team's ability to compete for championships, or if that ability is better for him with another team.

The Bucks have Antetokounmpo under contract through at least the 2026-27 season, as his new three-year extension will kick in with this coming season, with a player option for the 2027-28 season. Antetokounmpo is set to be on the book for a projected max salary of $54.1 million for next season.

Via Shams Charania/ESPN

[shrink]

Houston or OKC? Any other places make more sense?

[Monty2]

Raptors.

[ecuhus1981]

Giannis wants Brooklyn, and Brooklyn want him. Their bid would not feature a marquee player or pick, but they could assemble an offer based on capspace and a sheer volume of future assets. Something like Clowney/Whitehead, 6 1sts and lowering MIL's payroll, plus probably rerouting Cam Johnson and Claxton to a 3rd team for additional assets.

Miami I feel is in 2nd place, as far as Giannis' desire. Riley will not offer Bam or Tyler, he wants to combine them with GA. Still, a Ware/Jaquez/expirings offer has some serious appeal.

Houston might offer Sengun. OKC might offer Chet (though that seems less likely). Spurs could cobble together an offer, but I don't think it'll include Castle. No one else I see really getting serious for him this summer.

[Melwing]

Still, a Ware/Jaquez/expirings offer has some serious appeal.

*Tim Allen 'Home Improvement' grunt of confusion*

[purpleswordfish]

Nobody is mentioning the most important piece here: Giannis would likely be bringing Thanasis with him. That's a game changer.

[t-rexCity]

Nobody is mentioning the most important piece here: Giannis would likely be bringing Thanasis with him. That's a game changer.

I think Giannis is just the bait.

[Barcs]

We'll give you Josh Hart and a first.

[njknicks]

Spurs or Rockets will land Giannis

OKC under Presti historically / notriously cheap when trying to keep a core intact ( they will have same issues keeping current core together as they did with Harden / Russ / KD ). It’s why they are hoarding draft picks because they will not be able to financially keep current core together long term.

Nets constant roster churning / inability to hold onto marquee talent ( Giannis wants stability & chance to compete for a title ).

Rockets / Spurs would have to gut their roster but can offer probably the best talent package & still have the talent to compete.

[TheCage4]

IF, and I still feel like it's still a big IF, Giannis goes to another team...I think it will all depend on what the Bucks are looking for in return. Teams like OKC and Brooklyn can offer more draft assets than most, but Houston may be able to offer the fullest package of both picks and players.

It will be an interesting offseason. If Giannis goes, the NBA may as well relocate the Bucks.

[NoStatsGuy]

Giannis wants Brooklyn, and Brooklyn want him. Their bid would not feature a marquee player or pick, but they could assemble an offer based on capspace and a sheer volume of future assets. Something like Clowney/Whitehead, 6 1sts and lowering MIL's payroll, plus probably rerouting Cam Johnson and Claxton to a 3rd team for additional assets.

im wondering how you get the idea, that he wants brooklyn? The article literally saying he wants to compete for championships.

[beefymajesto]

Still, a Ware/Jaquez/expirings offer has some serious appeal.

*Tim Allen 'Home Improvement' grunt of confusion*

Also scratching my head on this, don't see the "serious appeal".

[akula1488]

I would trade Lebron + Austin Reaves + 1st 2 round picks for Giannis.

[ecuhus1981]

Giannis wants Brooklyn, and Brooklyn want him. Their bid would not feature a marquee player or pick, but they could assemble an offer based on capspace and a sheer volume of future assets. Something like Clowney/Whitehead, 6 1sts and lowering MIL's payroll, plus probably rerouting Cam Johnson and Claxton to a 3rd team for additional assets.

im wondering how you get the idea, that he wants brooklyn? The article literally saying he wants to compete for championships.

We are reading tea leaves in Brooklyn. This is no concrete information. However:

1) Vegas odds have Brooklyn as the likely destination for Giannis, IF Milwaukee trades him this offseason. Betting outlets know something.

2) Giannis worked out in Brooklyn last fall with no direct ties to the team, and was spotted in Brooklyn with his family less than 12hrs after the Bucks' elimination from the playoffs this season. His actions would seem to indicate he wants Brooklyn.

[RiotPunch]

FAKE NEWS

[TheNotoriousLIV]

Bucks probably wouldn't want to take that much salary but a Giannis-KAT swap with maybe Deuce and 2026 1st from Washington and pick swap of the other 1st would be intriguing. Giannis goes somewhere that factors to be a contender for the time being, and Milwaukee stays pretty competitive with a KAT/Lillard combo.

[Melwing]

Lillard combo.

Guys, who's gonna tell him?