The Magic expressed interest in Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo ahead of this year’s trade deadline, reports Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, confirming remarks that Kirk Goldsberry made on The Bill Simmons podcast last month. Goldsberry stated during that podcast appearance that Orlando had been “very active” in pursuing Antetokounmpo.
While Scotto doesn’t specify just how serious the Magic’s interest was, he notes that Antetokounmpo was originally drafted in Milwaukee by then-GM John Hammond, who currently serves as a senior advisor in Orlando. Hammond and Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman have long prioritized length and size when considering roster moves, Scotto adds.
It remains to be seen whether the Magic will revisit a potential Antetokounmpo trade this summer — the team’s approach to the offseason figures to hinge in part on how their playoff run ends. For what it’s worth, Scotto hears from league sources that Antetokounmpo and new Bucks head coach Taylor Jenkins are believed to have a good relationship.
Here are a few more highlights from Scotto’s latest round-up of NBA intel:
- Scotto is the latest to confirm there’s a strong belief in league circles that the Mavericks are eyeing Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly as a top candidate to run their front office. The Wolves have registered interest in locking up Connelly to a contract extension that keeps him in Minnesota for the foreseeable future, Scotto reports.
- If the Bulls end up hiring Timberwolves general manager Matt Lloyd to run their front office, watch out for Wolves assistant Micah Nori to emerge as a strong candidate for Chicago’s head coaching job, Scotto advises. Lloyd is rumored to be a finalist and a frontrunner to become the Bulls’ new head of basketball operations.
- The Wizards intend to promote their G League head coach, Cody Toppert, to an assistant role on Brian Keefe‘s staff for the 2026/27 season, according to Scotto. Toppert has some prior experience as an NBA assistant coach in Phoenix under Igor Kokoskov.
- As the Lakers make front office changes under new team owner Mark Walter, they’re looking to add at least one assistant general manager and possibly another high-ranking executive, per Scotto. Those execs would presumably work under president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka, who is expected to remain in his current role.
- The Pacers intend to promote director of college scouting Mike Born to help fill the void in the front office created by the departure of senior vice president of player personnel Ryan Carr earlier this year, league sources tell Scotto.
Magic salary matching for Giannis
Suggs
Banchero
Bitadze
Should Magic do it?
The salaries match, indeed; but why will Milwaukee do that? Milwaukee wants assets if they decide to trade for Giannis, at least 6 or 7 first-round picks, and Orlando cannot offer that. I think OKC has all the assets to offer for Giannis, a bunch of first-round picks, and very good players including everybody on the roster not named SGA or Chad. If OKC can gat get Giannis will be a super super team.
Even though okc has all the firepower, they won’t do that. They are dominant without Giannis and breaking up the team’s dynamic would leave a big question mark on the team’s potential.
Giannis rumors are worse than a reality tv show. Endless nonsense gossip. That they just can’t stop milking.
I can see it Now
After G try’s to squeeze his way onto a team like the Knicks with little assets and it doesn’t work the new narrative will be He loves Mil, will never ask for a trade BUT (Ofc theres a BUT) he will want to test free agency for the first time
Meanwhile, on a hunch that a little birdie squawked in there ear 3rd team will quietly start clearing Cap for G in summer 27
Mil walks with NOTHING and this grift is finally complete
All organic of cource, and at the new presser G lauds Mil and says it was a really hard decision (eye roll)
I said it as soon as noise on Giannas started…
Paolo Suggs Goga and a fist for Giannas and Turner
Since then tho Wendell has kinda taken off as their starting centre and maybe they don’t care for Turner.
Think it would be a really good start for the Bucks, Paolo gets his own team and is a future star, Suggs and Rollins is a very nice backcourt. You get out of Turners contract and get a first rounder.
For the Magic
Black Bane Franz Giannas Turner/Carter
But I mean depends how these playoffs go. They are going to upset the Pistons, you win the next series or push it to game 7 then maybe you say nah we are cool with our young core and don’t want him
No one is giving 7 FRP for GA. Giving up 4-5 always seems to end up neutral at best for oft injured old players.
Completely agree. It’s like Al said..these rumors just keep coming until they finally trade Giannis.