"Giannis for Randle?": Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors catch fire after heartfelt moment with Anthony Edwards

The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors reignited, with the Timberwolves viewed as a potential landing spot. The buzz stirred online after Antetokounmpo and Anthony Edwards shared a heartfelt moment following the Bucks' 103-100 loss on Sunday. Antetokounmpo wasn't playing due to a calf injury, but he didn't miss the opportunity to congratulate his MVP rival.

While it didn't indicate anything certain, it was enough for fans to ponder if Antetokounmpo was sending a message about a potential chance to team up with Edwards in Minnesota.

Here's how fans reacted:

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The Timberwolves need an upgrade after falling short in the Western Conference finals for two consecutive years. Anthony Edwards has played at an MVP caliber level, but the support from two different co-stars in Karl-Anthony Towns (2024) and Julius Randle (2025) hasn't quite been there.

Giannis Antetokounmpo would definitely move the needle as Edwards' new co-star. However, a midseason trade would be highly unlikely. The Timberwolves don't have assets to entice the Bucks in a deal, especially as a landing spot not reported among Antetokounmpo's preferences.

Had that been the case, there would have been a puncher's chance for Minnesota to be in the race for the All-Star forward.

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Bucks desperately need co-star for Giannis Antetokounmpo after latest loss to Anthony Edwards and Co.

The Milwaukee Bucks slumped to their 18th loss and third in a row on Sunday. Playing without Giannis Antetokounmpo for the sixth straight game due to a calf injury, the Bucks lost despite a 16-point third-quarter lead.

Their need for a new co-star for Antetokounmpo is on the rise after this defeat, as it might be their best chance of convincing the superstar to stay. According to trade rumors, the Bucks have been linked with a move for Kings star Zach LaVine.

Here's what insider Chris Haynes reported on Friday:

"The Milwaukee Bucks are in desperate pursuit of trying to look out on the trade market to see if they can bring in a difference maker type of player ... one of the guys I've identified is Zach LaVine of the Sacramento Kings. He is one player they have done their homework on."

Zach LaVine is one of the more affordable targets for the Bucks, who only have one first-round pick to trade. Outside of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Myles Turner, they don't have lucrative contracts that would entice teams to give up an All-Star caliber player.

LaVine hasn't had the best of runs in Sacramento, but he's a respectable threat who can still produce at an All-Star level with the right pieces around him.

Edited by Arhaan Raje