With the NBA trade deadline just around the corner, things are heating up across the league - and while several deals have already gone down, the biggest domino remains firmly upright: Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Milwaukee Bucks superstar is still the centerpiece of every front office’s dream scenario. Trading for a two-time MVP in his prime isn’t something that happens every day - or every decade, for that matter.
But as Thursday’s 3 p.m. ET deadline looms, the possibility, however slim, is still on the table.
Right now, the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves have emerged as the most aggressive suitors in what’s shaping up to be a high-stakes pursuit. Both teams have the assets and the urgency to make a serious push.
Golden State, still clinging to its championship window, sees Giannis as a potential bridge to its next era. Minnesota, meanwhile, is already surging and could vault into true contender status with a player of his caliber.
The New York Knicks and Miami Heat are also keeping tabs, lurking in the background. Both franchises have the market, the ambition, and the pieces to make something happen if the Bucks become open to talks. But as of now, the real drama may not fully unfold until the offseason.
That’s where the Los Angeles Lakers come in.
As things stand, the Lakers aren’t in the mix - not because they don’t want Giannis, but because they simply don’t have the tradeable assets to make a deal happen before the deadline. But that could change this summer. And if the Bucks decide to revisit their options after the season, league sources believe L.A. could become a very real threat.
The Lakers are playing the long game here. Their front office is reportedly resisting any moves that would add long-term salary before Thursday, keeping their books clean and their options open for the offseason. That strategy would give them the flexibility to absorb a massive contract like Antetokounmpo’s - or another high-level star - if one becomes available after the playoffs.
There’s also a strategic advantage for Milwaukee in that scenario. If they do decide to move Giannis this summer, dealing with a team like the Lakers - one with cap space and minimal salary ballast - could help them avoid taking back undesirable contracts. That’s no small thing for a franchise that would be entering a rebuild or retooling phase.
L.A.'s potential offer could include two future first-round picks, plus the rights to their 2026 first-rounder once the new league year begins. That’s not a king’s ransom, but paired with cap space and potential young talent, it could be enough to get a conversation started - assuming Giannis is open to the idea.
That’s still a big “if.” Antetokounmpo holds some leverage here.
He can opt out of his current deal in the summer of 2027, which means any team trading for him will want some assurance he’ll stick around. Whether the Lakers are on his short list remains to be seen.
What’s clear is that the Lakers are positioning themselves for a major swing. Under Jeanie Buss, the franchise has never been shy about chasing stars - and with Mark Walter now the majority owner, there’s potential for an even more aggressive approach to roster building. Pairing Giannis with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, who just returned from a 19-game absence, would instantly vault the Lakers back into the title conversation.
For now, it’s all a waiting game. The Bucks have a decision to make - maybe not by Thursday, but certainly by this summer. And if they decide to move on from their franchise cornerstone, expect the Lakers to be waiting in the wings, ready to pounce.