.jpg)
4 hours ago
1
Entering the NBA offseason, there is perhaps no bigger story than the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Bucks are coming off another disappointing season, losing to the Pacers in the first round of the playoffs for the second-straight year. Since winning the NBA title in 2021, Milwaukee has won just a single playoff series while losing four-straight series, the last three coming in the first round of postseason.
Milwaukee's future is also complicated by the injury that Damian Lillard suffered in the playoffs. The veteran point guard tore his Achilles in Game 5 against Indiana, meaning he will be out for most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season. The Bucks also do not own the fate of their own first-round pick until 2031 due to past trades.
If the Bucks do trade Antetokounmpo, they will have to find a trade partner that can both afford the forward financially and has enough assets to give Milwaukee. So, even if every team in the NBA wants to explore a trade, only a select few likely has enough to get a deal done.
Here's a look at the latest rumors surrounding the Bucks and their star forward.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Giannis Antetokounmpo rumors tracker
Giannis 'open-minded' about exploring a trade this offseason
- Date: May 12
- Source: Shams Charania, ESPN
In the past, the Bucks forward has denied the possibility of potentially leaving Milwaukee, but that could change this year. ESPN's Shams Charania reports Antetokounmpo is at least "open-minded" about exploring his future both in Milwaukee and elsewhere, which is a new development in his relationship with the Bucks.
Charania expects teams to approach the Bucks as the offseason approaches, and Antetokounmpo will speak with his agents to discuss his future as well.
Giannis Antetokounmpo potential landing spots
The teams that are most-equipped to put together a package for Antetokounmpo have to have both trade assets and room financially. Here are a few of the teams most likely to make the trade.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder are coming off a 68-win regular season, but they still have more than enough assets to make a big trade. Oklahoma City owns a variety of draft picks that could entice the Bucks, and they have plenty of young players who could also help Milwaukee restart its rebuild.
Houston Rockets
Coming off a disappointing first-round exit, the Rockets may be compelled to make a splash move to try and take a big leap forward. Houston won 52 games during the regular season and has stocked young talent over the past few years, allowing them to potentially consolidate some of their young players for a star.
San Antonio Spurs
Giannis and Victor Wembanyama together? It could happen. The Spurs own most of their first-round picks moving forward and have talented young players besides Wembanyama who could go the other way to pair Antetokounmpo with their franchise center.
English (US)