A meeting has been set up between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bucks management that could affect the future of the franchise and possibly set off one of the hottest NBA trade sweepstakes in years. NBA insider Chris Haynes reports (Twitter video link) that Bucks officials contacted Antetokounmpo and his representatives Saturday morning, and the parties will get together “mid next week.”
It’s an event that could have huge ramifications across the NBA landscape if the team isn’t able to convince Antetokounmpo that he can compete for more championships in Milwaukee. There has been speculation for weeks that he might ask for a trade, and a report on Monday indicated that he has become open-minded about pursuing opportunities elsewhere.
The Bucks’ challenge of convincing Antetokounmpo that they can field a title-worthy team around him became more difficult after they were ousted in the first round for the third consecutive year and Damian Lillard was lost with a torn left Achilles. The injury may keep Lillard out of action for all of next season, but his $54.1MM salary will remain on the books and he holds a $58.5MM player option for 2026/27, making it difficult for the front office to acquire any more high-priced talent.
Rumors have been flying about Antetokounmpo’s potential next destination, with a report this week suggesting the Rockets and Spurs are in position to make the best offers for the two-time MVP. That came out before San Antonio moved up to second in Monday night’s draft lottery, creating another valuable trade chip that could be included in any offer. Houston is also awash in young talent and draft assets and may be willing to include All-Star center Alperen Sengun as part of a package to Milwaukee.
The Nets, Heat and Hawks have also been prominently mentioned as potential suitors, while the Pelicans could get involved either directly or as a third team to facilitate a deal because they have the ability to swap picks with Milwaukee in both 2026 and 2027 (top-four protected).
The Thunder are another team with a large collection of draft assets, and they could be motivated to make a play for Antetokounmpo if they fall short of a title after winning 68 games this season.
Antetokounmpo developed into one of the greatest players in franchise history after being selected with the 15th pick in the 2013 draft. He was the cornerstone of the 2021 team that brought Milwaukee its first NBA title in 50 years, but that group has largely been broken up with Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton already being traded away.
Anyone who trades for Antetokounmpo would be getting an all-time great who’s still in his prime without having to worry about re-signing him right away. At age 30, he’s a finalist for MVP honors this year after averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists in 67 games and shooting 60.1% from the field. He’s under contract for $54.1MM next season and $58.5MM in 2026/27 while possessing a $62.8MM player option for 2027/28.
Gotta trade him. No choice, even if he doesn’t demand it. Only way to hold together a competitive team long term. Not a fan of what San Antonio can offer as salary match though. Houston a little better if they throw in Sengun.
Tell you what, if I’m the Lakers I see if they’ll do Giannis for Luka straight up.
Giannis to GSW its the best move they can make, have Steph hand the reigns to Giannis and build around him, nonstop contention. Window stays open.
Raptors picks and young players plus he gets out of the us
Center — Brook Lopez
PF —- Jabari Smith Jr
SF —- Kyle Kuzma
PG —- Dame
SG —- Jalen Green
Cam Whitmore, #10 pick, a future #1
Bucks are rebuilt in one year. On one trade.
Portis, Prince, Trent Jr, Sims, Porter Jr, Connaughton
With that #10 pick you can draft a big or a PG.
Queen or Jakucionis ….. I do it.
What is the media’s love affair with Antetokounmpo trade speculation? There has been zero indication Giannis wants to leave or that the Bucks will trade him. This meeting is to simply ask his thoughts on team issues… and without Giannis, there is no team.
Maybe the fact that rumors have indicated that he’s open minded to pursuing opportunities elsewhere. Giannis himself head said he’s committed to staying in Milwaukee as long as he feels the team has a chance to win a championship.
There’s plenty of indications that this team has run it’s course.
The Bucks have been losing money the last two seasons trying to keep this team together and it would be hard enough to put together a contending roster with Portis being a potential free agent and Lopez being an outright free agent but now Lillard will be gone for most of or more likely all of next season to rehab so that they have virtually no chance next season.
The season after? An older Lillard coming off an ACL injury has a good chance of not being able to perform at the level he once did. There’s no one coming in as the Bucks have traded all their picks for years for Holiday and Lillard. Giannis is getting older, how much time does he got left as impact player?
Thompson, Gaford, 2025 no1 for GA salaries will match when first pick salary accounts for. Ofc Mavs might add a couple more picks but this is foundation of trade