Could the once unthinkable trade happen? It could, and here are five options that make it possible.
The Milwaukee Bucks’ roster and championship aspirations have eroded since they captured the franchise’s first NBA Championship in 50 years during the 2020-2021 NBA Playoffs. Two disappointing first-round exits and baffling coaching decisions have led to difficult questions about the roster’s future. A report from CBS Sports via Bill Reiter suggests that Antetokounmpo could request a trade if the current situation persists. This comes despite his record-setting contract extension over the offseason. The report also mentions that “teams are circling,” given Antetokounmpo’s franchise-altering talent.
Below, we’ll break down five trade packages that could work under CBA rules for Giannis and the Bucks.
5. Dallas Mavericks
Dereck Lively II (photo courtesy Dallas Morning News)
Pairing Giannis with Luka is tantalizing. Few duos could rival their combined potential. Doncic offers Giannis the spacing, elite playmaking, and clutch shot-making that Damian Lillard was expected to provide for the Bucks. In return, Giannis would bring Dallas a third superstar, proving scary for the NBA.
Potential Trade Package: Milwaukee receives Dereck Lively II, Naji Marshall, Daniel Gafford, PJ Washington, Maxi Kleber, and pick swaps in ’25, ’26, and ’31, and Dallas receives Giannis Antetokounmpo, Marjon Beauchamp, Delon Wright.
Pros for Milwaukee: The Bucks gain a young star in Lively, valuable role players in Washington and Gafford, and a wing player in Marshall who could address spacing and defense. Kleber’s expiring contract would also provide flexibility.
Cons for Milwaukee: Washington and Gafford are under contract for two more years, meaning no immediate cap relief. The picks offered may not be plentiful or particularly valuable, and while Lively is promising, he might not be as attractive as other players.
Due to these reasons, Dallas ranks as the least favorable destination for Antetokounmpo.
4. Golden State Warriors
Andrew Wiggins (photo courtesy Last Word on Sports, USA Today)
The Warriors have long been linked to Giannis, and acquiring him would be a no-brainer. Pairing Curry with a downhill force like Giannis would elevate Golden State’s back to contender status.
Potential Trade Package: Milwaukee receives Jonathan Kuminga, Brandon Podziemski, Andrew Wiggins, and DeAnthony Melton, two unprotected firsts in 2025 and 2027, plus pick swaps in 2026, 2029, and 2031, and Golden State receives Giannis Antetokounmpo and Marjon Beauchamp.
Pros for Milwaukee: Kuminga and Podziemski offer intriguing potential. Wiggins’ contract could be manageable, and Melton may provide value. The picks could become increasingly valuable as Golden State’s core ages.
Cons for Milwaukee: Kuminga remains a project, and the Bucks have struggled to develop young talent. The picks may not be as attractive as those from other offers.
3. Miami Heat
Nicola Jovic (photo courtesy Sun Sentinal)
Despite skepticism surrounding Pat Riley’s ability to acquire top-end talent after the Damian Lillard situation, Miami remains an attractive destination. A frontcourt featuring Giannis and Bam would be formidable, as both are elite defenders and skilled playmakers. With Jimmy Butler still performing at a high level, the Heat could offer a competitive package.
Potential Trade Package: Milwaukee receives Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic, Tyler Herro, Kelel Ware, Haywood Highsmith, Kevin Love, Alec Burks, two unprotected firsts in 2029 and 2031, and pick swaps in 2026, 2028, and 2030. Miami receives Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Pros for Milwaukee: Jaquez looks like a future star, while Jovic has shown promise. Herro would attract interest from contenders needing shooting, and Highsmith is an elite wing defender.
Cons for Milwaukee: This route would make it impossible to tank effectively. Herro’s contract would weigh heavily, and the short-term picks may not be valuable.
2. Brooklyn Nets
Ben Simmons (photo courtesy Yahoo! Sports)
While the Nets might prefer to retain their picks and build carefully, acquiring Giannis is too significant an opportunity to overlook. Brooklyn remains an attractive free-agent destination with high-level NBA starters like Nic Claxton and Cam Johnson. Despite the lack of immediate star power, their wealth of draft assets could be a draw.
Potential Trade Package: Milwaukee receives Jalen Wilson, Noah Clowney, and Ben Simmons, 2025 unprotected first via OKC, MIL’s own unprotected 2025 first, 2026 unprotected first, 2027 unprotected first via NYK, 2028 unprotected first via PHX/PHI, 2029 unprotected first via NYK, and 2031 unprotected first via NYK. Brooklyn receives Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Pros for Milwaukee: This trade provides an abundance of unprotected picks—potentially nine—that could be valuable. Clowney and Wilson could develop into solid players, and Simmons’ expiring contract would help Milwaukee shed significant salary.
Cons for Milwaukee: The players received might not be as enticing, and while acquiring picks is advantageous, the lack of young stars limits long-term potential.
1. Houston Rockets
Jabari Smith (photo courtesy Sports Illustrated)
This trade would alter the league’s landscape, and its complexity makes it less likely. Houston boasts a treasure trove of young talent, including a newly extended star in Alperen Sengun, alongside Jalen Green, who is coming off a breakout season. Ime Udoka, known for his defensive acumen, would fit well alongside Giannis.
Potential Trade Package: Milwaukee receives Reed Sheppard, Jabari Smith Jr., Fred VanVleet, Cam Whitmore, Tari Eason, and Jock Landale, along with several unprotected first-round picks in 2025, 2027, 2028, and 2030, and Houston receives Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Marjon Beauchamp, Chris Livingston, amd Tyler Smith.
Pros for Milwaukee: Jabari Smith appears to be a long-term solid starter, while Reed Sheppard shows promise. This package rivals Brooklyn’s, offering substantial draft assets and cap relief. Letting VanVleet walk after his contract expires would free up significant salary space.
Cons for Milwaukee: This deal represents a complete teardown of the championship core, which could be hard to stomach. Smith may not develop into an All-NBA player, and losing Giannis and Middleton would be a monumental shift for the franchise.
In conclusion, the thought of Giannis leaving Milwaukee is hard to comprehend. He has been a loyal franchise cornerstone, and the Bucks would demand a king’s ransom for one of the best players in the world. However, the possibility of a trade demand grows increasingly likely. Whether the Bucks decide to retool around Giannis or tear it all down, significant changes appear on the horizon for Milwaukee and the rest of the NBA.
