While Giannis Antetokounmpo recently reiterated his desire to make things work with the Bucks, the rest of the league is preparing for the moment when Milwaukee signals it’s ready to start hearing offers for the star forward, Jake Fischer writes for The Stein Line (subscriber link).
According to Fischer, due to the widespread belief that any team acquiring Antetokounmpo would need to enter next season with championship expectations, executives around the league expect the two-time MVP to have a good amount of say in where he ends up, though there’s never a guarantee a surprise team doesn’t swoop in and land him.
Antetokounmpo recently turned 31 and is averaging 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game while hitting a career-high 43.5% of his threes this season. He will become extension-eligible on October 1, 2026, a significant factor that will likely play a part in how teams approach making offers for his services.
Of those potential suitors, Fischer cites the Knicks and Heat as organizations to keep an eye on when it comes to a real pursuit of Antetokounmpo’s services.
Here’s more from Fischer:
- There’s a belief that the Knicks stand apart as the team the 6’11” forward would most want to end up on, per Fischer, who confirms that the New York squad was the “temptation” that Antetokounmpo discussed during the offseason. He adds that the fanbase’s post-playoff victory gatherings have been endearing to Antetokounmpo, as they appeal to his love of European basketball and soccer supporter activity.
- As far as the Heat go, Fischer notes that Antetokounmpo’s management group got as far as doing due diligence on playing in states without income tax, including Florida and Texas (when Luka Doncic was still on the Mavericks), would impact his contract earnings. Once the Heat declined to include Kel’el Ware in Kevin Durant trade discussions this summer, and likewise refused to package Ware with Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic, and the 20th pick in the 2025 draft, it was assumed that they were doing so in order to be in a position to make the best possible offer should a younger top-end talent come available.
- Fischer also reports that the Heat have had internal discussions regarding Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant, who has missed 11 of the team’s last 12 games with a calf injury. He notes that Miami has signaled a willingness to include Andrew Wiggins in the right deal, and the lack of an extension for Tyler Herro could point to him being available in the right deal as well.
Mcbride towns and og for Giannis and portis
Makes sense for both teams.
Surely you have to be kidding.
Bucks can’t rebuild they traded all their picks
McBride porter og towns turner
With kuzma as their 6th man the might be the best front court in the league.
Gives milkwaukee and instant identity to build around
Bridges Brunson hart Giannis Mitchell can work until the off season
It’s as close to a win win as I can think of
Love trade scenarios that pretend the salary cap doesn’t exist.
That would be the core of the deal and would obviously require some minor cap work to get it within 110%
Love petty combative comments
Here Cole Anthony, Giannis and portis for McBride og and towns works
Or you can just do portis and Giannis for og and towns.
Both work.
He isn’t kidding- and don’t call him…
Don’t think it’d be great for Knicks . Losing OG really hurts their defense.
Also spacing would be tough. Brunson with the ball a lot surrounded by Hart, Giannis, and Robinson…
If I’m the Knicks I’d be more tempted by KAT for AD. Wouldn’t do it ultimately, too risky, but the ceiling potential there is tantalizing.
The Knicks would be great with AD for the 7-10 games that he’d play!
Yes but getting Giannis will really help the d
Milwaukee definitely regretting not accepting the Luka offer from the Mavericks now
Orlando would be such a cool landing spot.
The team looks better without Paolo is becoming more of a growing conversation and Giannas would be such a huge addition.
Paolo would also be a great piece to rebuild around for the Bucks.
Plus they could throw in Anthony Black and Jeff Howard or something like that but don’t have a ton of picks to give away cause of the Bane trade.
Black Rollins Kuzma Paolo Turner, that’s a good start to a rebuild for the Magic
Why? G’s lethal threes, free throws, and $54M contract—is he a top 10 player?
Knicks will do it, like they did with Marbury and Steve Francis
G’s lethal threes?
Giannis knows Knicks fans are big time fans and loyal. They are as crazy as soccer fans. Not since the Ewing days. Have they contended for a title. So everyone is hyped in NY.
Knicks don’t have anything Bucks would want. The only way I can see Giannis coming to Knicks. They would have to move Towns and OG to other teams. For young vets and picks. Then you can move those assets for Giannis. It would take a 4 team trade.
Teams best positioned for a Giannis trade. Are the Thunder and Spurs. I always thought Spurs would trade for him at draft.
For a second there I was worried we wouldn’t get our daily story on the possibility of Antetokounmpo being traded.
Giannis just can’t man up and ask for a trade. What a joke!