Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee is officially a conversation - and not the kind Bucks fans were hoping for. With the team off to a rocky 9-13 start and sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference, Milwaukee is staring at a potential crossroads. And when a franchise player like Giannis is involved, that crossroads can quickly become a trade block.
Let’s be clear: if the Bucks move on from the two-time MVP, it’s not just a roster shake-up - it’s a full-scale rebuild. That means young talent, draft picks, and a long-term vision replacing the win-now mentality that’s defined this team for the better part of a decade.
The good news for Milwaukee? Giannis still holds maximum value.
The league knows what he brings - elite defense, all-world athleticism, and the kind of two-way dominance that shifts the balance of power wherever he lands.
So where could he go? Let’s dive into five potential trade destinations that not only make basketball sense, but also have the assets to make a deal work.
1. New York Knicks - The Big Apple Dream
This is the blockbuster everyone’s buzzing about. Giannis in New York would be a league-wide spectacle, and the Knicks have the pieces to make it real.
A deal centered around Karl-Anthony Towns and a high-level wing like OG Anunoby or Mikal Bridges could give the Bucks a fast-track rebuild. Toss in a stack of picks and maybe a contract or two - think Bobby Portis or Kyle Kuzma - and you’ve got a framework.
For the Knicks, pairing Giannis with Jalen Brunson would instantly give them one of the most explosive duos in the league. Even if they part with some key pieces, a core of Brunson and Antetokounmpo puts Madison Square Garden back in the center of the NBA universe.
2. Dallas Mavericks - A Luka-Giannis Power Duo
Imagine Luka Dončić and Giannis on the same team. That’s not just fun - that’s terrifying for the rest of the league. And surprisingly, the Mavericks might be able to swing it without touching either Luka or LeBron James, thanks to a collection of expiring contracts and intriguing young pieces.
A trade package could be built around Austin Reaves - who’s blossomed into an All-Star this season, averaging 28.1 points, 6.6 assists, and 5.7 rebounds - plus a hefty stack of picks and swaps. Milwaukee could also take on the expiring deals of Gabe Vincent ($11.5 million) and Rui Hachimura ($18.2 million), giving them cap flexibility next summer. Jarred Vanderbilt’s contract (two years, $25 million) might need to be absorbed to make the math work, but it’s a manageable piece.
For the Bucks, Reaves would be a fascinating building block, especially with free agency looming. They’d get first dibs on locking him up long-term.
3. Golden State Warriors - One Last Dance in the Bay
The Warriors’ dynasty is aging out, but a move for Giannis could breathe new life into the franchise. A deal here wouldn’t be simple - it might even require a third team - but it’s not out of the question.
Golden State would likely need to part with young talent like Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and Moses Moody, plus a collection of draft picks to get Milwaukee’s attention. The challenge?
Matching salaries. While Draymond Green is probably off-limits, another big contract - like Jimmy Butler’s - would need to be moved.
The catch: Butler’s $111 million remaining deal might be too much for a rebuilding Bucks team to take on, meaning a third team would have to step in to absorb that salary.
Still, if the Warriors want to reload around Steph Curry for one final title run, Giannis is the kind of player who makes that dream more than just nostalgia.
4. Brooklyn Nets - The Wild Card
The Nets have never been shy about swinging for the fences, and after two straight seasons without a playoff berth, they’re due for a shake-up. Giannis might not be thrilled about joining a team near the bottom of the East, but Brooklyn has the assets to make a compelling offer.
In this scenario, Milwaukee would receive Michael Porter Jr., Nic Claxton, and a war chest of draft picks. That gives the Bucks a solid frontcourt pairing with Claxton and Myles Turner anchoring the paint, and Porter Jr. providing offensive upside on the wing.
From a financial standpoint, Milwaukee could stay below the luxury tax threshold - a key consideration in a rebuild. And if they decide to go full teardown, Claxton, Turner, and Porter all hold significant trade value on their own.
5. San Antonio Spurs - A Bold Leap Forward
Let’s get wild. The Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox, have arrived earlier than expected. Adding Giannis to that mix wouldn’t just make them a playoff team - it could vault them into true contender status in the Western Conference.
The centerpiece of a deal here would be rookie guard Dylan Harper, with Devin Vassell and another contract (Keldon Johnson makes sense) heading to Milwaukee. The Bucks might also push to include Stephon Castle in the package. If Castle is in, this might be one of the cleanest deals available - no picks even necessary.
For Milwaukee, Harper and Castle would provide a dynamic young backcourt to build around, while Vassell and Johnson offer immediate two-way production. It’s a future-focused move, but one that could pay off quickly.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just about trading a superstar - it’s about reshaping a franchise. If the Bucks decide to move Giannis, they’re hitting the reset button in a major way. But with the right deal, they could set themselves up for long-term success while giving Antetokounmpo a shot at another title run elsewhere.
Whether it’s the bright lights of New York, the Luka pairing in Dallas, or a bold play in San Antonio, the league is watching. Because when a player like Giannis hits the market, everything changes.