The Milwaukee Bucks have tried to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo as happy as possible. They have made various trades throughout the year in order to build a contender around him. They succeeded once by trading for Jrue Holiday, as that helped them win the title in 2021.
Since then, the Bucks made a massive trade for Damian Lillard and decided to sign Myles Turner, buying out Lillard in the process. Neither of those moves has worked. Currently, Milwaukee sits 12th in the Eastern Conference standings.
Antetokounmpo recently suffered another calf injury, effectively ending any shot they have of making the playoffs. Now, Antetokounmpo has made a major decision about his future in Milwaukee.
GettyMilwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo looks to pass the ball. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Giannis Antetokounmpo Wants to be Traded from the Bucks
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Antetokounmpo is ready for a new home. Charania notes that Antetokounmpo is ready to be traded either before the trade deadline or in the offseason, and the Bucks have started listening to offers from other teams.
Antetokounmpo would be a massive piece to be moved at the deadline. He is still one of the best players in the NBA, even though he has struggled to stay healthy this season. It would take a massive haul from a team to land him, and Milwaukee has some leverage in that regard.
This season, the Bucks have the eighth-worst offense in the league. It’s clear that the team they have built around Antetokounmpo hasn’t worked well. Trading him and starting a rebuild is the best way for the franchise to move forward, even if they don’t have many of their own draft picks.
Milwaukee has pick swaps owed to other teams in 2026. 2027, 2028, and 2030. That is why they will need some major draft capital in any trade that includes Antetokounmpo. The Bucks will search for young stars and draft capital, which only a few teams can deliver.
GettyMilwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Bucks Will Wait for a Massive Offer to Part Ways With Giannis Antetokounmpo
There are a few teams that could immediately become interested in Antetokounmpo. The Knicks, Spurs, Thunder, and Warriors are all teams that would be interested in bringing him in. The Thunder could decide to stand pat, as they are already the title favorites.
San Antonio has the best package of young players and draft capital, but they are also already a title contender. Antetokounmpo has talked about his affinity for New York, so the Knicks would be a logical destination. Any team that trades for him wants to make sure he will sign an extension.
The Bucks waited as long as they could to keep Antetokounmpo. He is the face of the franchise and brought them their first title in 50 years. Trading him will be painful for the organization and the fan base, but it is the best path forward for both parties at this point.
Antetokounmpo will likely have some say in where he ends up.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Makes Massive Decision About His Bucks Future