Is Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks looking to make a change? Explore 3 possible options and potential trade deals

Trade rumors ignited after news broke that Giannis Antetokounmpo was reconsidering his time in Milwaukee, coinciding with a calf injury just three minutes into a recent game. While minor, the incident underscored the sense that a pivotal decision is approaching for the franchise.

This offseason, Giannis reportedly asked the Bucks to explore a trade with the New York Knicks, though no agreement was reached. Sources indicate that should he opt to leave, a wider range of teams beyond New York will become contenders. The Knicks, despite their allure, offer limited assets, potentially including:

• Bucks receive: Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, 2030 & 2032 draft swaps, seven second-round picks
• Knicks receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kyle Kuzma, Thanasis Antetokounmpo

Other configurations could include swapping players or redirecting Towns to a third team. Regardless, New York lacks the depth of trade assets necessary to immediately build a competitive roster around Giannis.

At 31 and under contract through 2026-27, Giannis could leverage the possibility of leaving in 2027 to influence his destination. Yet, no no-trade clause exists, meaning team owners Wes Edens and Jimmy Haslam would play a decisive role in any transaction. Edens, who guided Giannis growth and oversaw the franchises rise, retains primary control through 2028, while Haslam holds a minority stake and has witnessed the teams gradual depletion of talent under previous decisions.

Three Potential Paths for the Bucks

Path 1: Strategic Win-Win

Similar to past trades like Paul George to the Clippers, Milwaukee could satisfy Giannis preferences while securing significant assets. Example scenarios include:

• Giannis to Spurs: Bucks receive Dylan Harper, Devin Vassell, Kelly Olynyk, and multiple future first-round picks; Spurs get Giannis, Thanasis, and the 2025 second pick.
• Giannis to Rockets: Bucks receive Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Fred VanVleet, Dorian Finney-Smith, and future draft picks; Rockets acquire Giannis, AJ Green, and Thanasis.

These options would combine immediate talent with long-term draft capital, though market appeal may vary depending on Giannis preferences.

Path 2: Farewell with Respect

Here, Milwaukee prioritizes sending Giannis to his preferred destination even at a discounted return. Hypothetical trades could include:

• To the Warriors: Bucks get Jimmy Butler, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, plus multiple future first-round picks; Warriors acquire Giannis, Kuzma, and Thanasis.
• To the Lakers: Bucks get Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht, and draft assets; Lakers receive Giannis, Cole Anthony, and Thanasis.
• To the Heat: Bucks receive Tyler Herro, Kelel Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Terry Rozier, and future picks; Heat acquire Giannis, Thanasis, Bobby Portis, and Gary Harris.

While these moves ensure Giannis lands where he wants, the returns may be modest compared to what other franchises have exchanged for superstar talent.

Path 3: Cold Business

Milwaukee could prioritize rebuilding over sentiment, focusing on extracting maximum value rather than placating Giannis. Possible trade examples include:

• Acquiring top draft picks: Bucks get Trae Young and multiple future first-round picks; Hawks receive Giannis and Thanasis.
• Acquiring a proven star: Bucks receive Jaylen Brown, Payton Pritchard, and several draft assets; Celtics acquire Giannis and Thanasis.
• Maximalist approach: Bucks acquire a mix of established players and numerous draft picks from teams like the Jazz, Nets, or Thunder; Giannis heads to these rebuilding franchises.

This path risks alienating fans and appearing ruthless but could replenish Milwaukees assets and position the team for a long-term rebuild.

Conclusion

The Bucks face a pivotal choice: aim for a mutually beneficial trade, honor Giannis preferences while accepting lesser returns, or take a hard-nosed approach to secure future assets. Historical precedent shows that bold, decisive actionwhile often criticized initiallycan lead to long-term success, leaving Milwaukee with the opportunity to shape its own path rather than waiting for Giannis decision.

Author: Lucas Grant