Giannis Antetokounmpo might not have a no-trade clause in his contract, but make no mistake-he holds plenty of leverage if the Bucks ever decide to explore moving their franchise cornerstone. With free agency looming as early as 2027, any team thinking about making a run at the two-time MVP has to weigh the massive cost of acquiring him against the risk that he could walk in just a couple of years. And yet, that hasn’t stopped some teams from quietly dreaming.
One of those teams? The Minnesota Timberwolves.
According to league sources, Antetokounmpo has reportedly had the Wolves on his mind for a while now. The idea of teaming up with Anthony Edwards-one of the league’s brightest young stars-has real appeal. While Minnesota doesn’t currently have a tradable first-round pick to dangle, it’s clear that if Giannis were to become available, the Wolves would be ready to talk.
That’s a notable shift from their stance just a year ago. When Kevin Durant hit the trade block, Minnesota was unwilling to include forward Jaden McDaniels in any package.
Fast forward to now, and it sounds like the calculus could change if Giannis is the prize. The Wolves have been cautious about moving their high-salary rotation players while looking for backcourt help this season, but a player like Antetokounmpo forces a different kind of conversation.
McDaniels and others could be on the table.
Of course, Minnesota wouldn’t be alone in the race. Philadelphia is another team that could emerge as a serious player, though they haven’t reached out to Milwaukee yet.
Still, the Sixers are reportedly on Giannis’ radar. There’s a connection there-he and Tyrese Maxey both train with Drew Hanlen, a detail that might not mean much on its own, but in the world of NBA relationships, it’s worth noting.
The Heat and Knicks have also been linked to Antetokounmpo in the past. Miami was reportedly high on his list back in 2020 when his future in Milwaukee was uncertain, and he had interest in New York as recently as last summer.
But making a trade work now would be a tall order for either franchise. Around the league, there’s a sense that the Knicks may have missed their window.
Pulling off a deal at this stage would likely require a complex, multi-team framework-something that’s always easier said than done.
As for the Bucks, there’s growing chatter that they might be testing the waters-gauging what kind of return Antetokounmpo could command before potentially opening up the bidding this summer. That’s when more teams will have access to tradable first-round picks, and the market could truly heat up.
One general manager put it plainly: “They’re asking for the moon-all of your young players and all of your draft picks.” That’s the kind of price tag you put on a generational talent.
Not every team is biting. The Atlanta Hawks, for instance, are reportedly staying out of the sweepstakes.
Despite having some valuable assets-like forward Jalen Johnson and a favorable 2026 first-round pick-the Hawks are signaling that they’re taking a long-term approach. There are also questions about how Giannis and Johnson would fit together on the floor, which adds another layer of hesitation.
So, where does that leave things? Right now, it’s mostly whispers and positioning.
But if the Bucks ever decide to seriously entertain offers for Antetokounmpo, expect the landscape to shift quickly. Teams like Minnesota and Philadelphia are already on the radar, and others will surely follow.
Because when a player of Giannis’ caliber is even possibly available, the league listens. And some teams start dreaming big.