Giannis Staying Put-for Now. But the Offseason Could Get Interesting.
The 2026 NBA trade deadline came and went without a blockbuster move involving Giannis Antetokounmpo. Despite reported interest from multiple teams, the two-time MVP made it clear: he’s staying in Milwaukee-for the rest of this season, at least.
That confirmation puts an end to any short-term drama, but it opens the door to a whole new round of speculation about what comes next. The Bucks may have held onto their franchise cornerstone at the deadline, but questions about his long-term future are only heating up.
The Lakers Are Lurking
Among the teams keeping a close eye on Giannis’ situation, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly at the front of the line. There’s buzz that the Lakers could be preparing a serious push this summer, potentially offering up to three future first-round picks (2028, 2031, and 2033) to land the Greek Freak.
And it’s not just about picks. There’s also chatter that Giannis has long been intrigued by the idea of playing alongside LeBron James.
According to reports, he’s viewed LeBron not just as a peer, but as a mentor-someone he could learn from as he enters the next chapter of his career. That kind of dynamic, especially with LeBron still playing at a high level, could be a powerful draw.
Other Suitors in the Mix
But Los Angeles isn’t the only team that could make a play. Giannis is said to have interest in teaming up with other stars, including Bam Adebayo in Miami and Anthony Edwards in Minnesota. So while the Lakers might be the loudest name in the rumor mill, they’re far from the only one.
And here’s the thing-Giannis doesn’t have a no-trade clause. That means if the Bucks decide it’s time to move on, they don’t need his approval to make a deal.
But that doesn’t mean teams will be lining up to rent him for a year. With his contract set to expire after next season, any team thinking about trading for him will want some assurance that he’s in it for the long haul.
Still Dominating the Game
For all the talk about trades and future destinations, let’s not forget-Giannis is still playing elite-level basketball. He’s averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game this season while shooting a career-best 64.5% from the field and an eye-popping 39.5% from three. That kind of efficiency, especially from a player who’s never been known as a sharpshooter, is a scary development for the rest of the league.
He may not be in the MVP conversation due to eligibility rules, but make no mistake-Giannis is still very much one of the most dominant forces in the NBA.
What Could Tip the Scales?
One potential wrinkle to watch: LeBron’s contract. If the Lakers can work out a team-friendly extension with James, it could create both the financial flexibility and the long-term vision needed to lure Giannis to L.A. And with Luka Doncic also reportedly in the mix as a potential future running mate, the idea of a Giannis-LeBron-Luka trio-however unlikely-has to be at least a little tempting.
The Bottom Line
Giannis is committed to finishing the season in Milwaukee, but the real drama may just be getting started. The Bucks will have major decisions to make this summer, and teams like the Lakers are already circling. Whether Giannis stays loyal to Milwaukee, joins forces with another superstar, or takes his talents to Hollywood, one thing’s for sure-the NBA offseason just got a whole lot more interesting.