If Giannis Antetokounmpo is truly on the move - and all signs suggest the Milwaukee Bucks are at least listening - the Chicago Bulls might be one of the most intriguing teams poised to benefit. Whether they’re in the mix to land the two-time MVP or simply positioned to play the role of power broker in a blockbuster deal, the Bulls have options. And in a league where flexibility and timing are everything, that’s not a bad place to be.
The Giannis Situation: A Turning Point in Milwaukee
Let’s start with the obvious: Giannis is once again at the center of the NBA rumor mill. After a tough season in Milwaukee, the 2021 NBA champion reportedly sat down with the Bucks’ front office to discuss his future. No trade request was made, but the conversation was serious - a mutual exploration of whether it still makes sense for both sides to continue this partnership.
Now, according to league insiders, the Bucks are taking calls. Whether a deal happens before the trade deadline or during the offseason, teams are circling - and Giannis, still very much in his prime, is drawing the kind of league-wide interest you’d expect for a player of his caliber.
Why the Bulls Are in a Unique Spot
Chicago, who reportedly missed a real shot at Giannis not long ago, might have another crack at it. And this time, they’ve got more than one path to come out ahead.
First, there’s the third-team scenario. The Bulls have a handful of players on expiring contracts - a valuable currency in today’s NBA.
Nikola Vucevic ($21.48 million), Zach Collins ($18.08 million), Kevin Huerter ($17.99 million), Jevon Carter ($6.81 million), and Dalen Terry ($5.40 million) could all be moved to help facilitate a larger deal. Add in Coby White ($12.89 million) and Ayo Dosunmu ($7.52 million), who are among the more attractive trade assets on the roster, and the Bulls have the kind of pieces that could help grease the wheels of a Giannis trade - even if he’s not headed to Chicago.
If the Bucks decide to send Giannis to a contender - names like the Warriors, Heat, and Timberwolves have all been floated - the Bulls could walk away with draft picks or veteran talent in return. That’s a win in its own right, especially for a team still looking to retool.
Or... Go All-In?
Of course, there’s another route. Chicago could make a bold move and try to land Giannis themselves. They’ve got the assets to at least make the conversation interesting.
The Bulls own a protected 2026 first-round pick and three first-rounders between now and 2028. They’ve also got Matas Buzelis, a high-upside prospect who, along with Josh Giddey, has been labeled as “untouchable” by the front office. But let’s be honest - if Giannis becomes a real possibility, that untouchable label might start to peel off.
Pairing Giddey with Antetokounmpo would instantly give Chicago one of the most dynamic duos in the league - a blend of size, playmaking, and versatility that could reshape the franchise’s trajectory overnight. It’s the kind of swing that doesn’t come around often, and if the Bulls want to fix what many saw as a missed opportunity last offseason, this could be their moment.
The Big Question
Will the Bulls seize it?
That’s the million-dollar question. Chicago’s front office has been cautious in recent years, sometimes to a fault. But with a generational talent potentially on the table and a roster that’s flexible enough to pivot in either direction, they’re in a rare position of leverage.
Whether they act as a facilitator or a full-fledged suitor, the Bulls are in the room - and in the NBA, that’s where the game changes.