If Giannis Antetokounmpo ever becomes available on the trade market - and that’s still a big if - don’t expect Oklahoma City, San Antonio, or Houston to be making the call. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, there’s a “growing belief” that none of those three teams will enter the Giannis sweepstakes, even if Milwaukee opens the door to offers.
And that’s a significant development for the Bucks, because those are exactly the kinds of teams that could’ve offered the kind of rebuild-defining package Milwaukee would want in return for their franchise cornerstone.
Let’s break this down.
The Asset-Rich Teams Are Bowing Out
If Milwaukee ever does decide to hit the reset button and move Giannis, the blueprint for a trade is clear: young, high-upside talent and a mountain of draft picks. That’s the currency of a superstar deal in today’s NBA, and OKC, San Antonio, and Houston have more of it than just about anyone.
- San Antonio could’ve dangled blue-chip rookies like Dylan Harper or Stephon Castle, along with a stockpile of future picks.
- Houston has intriguing young pieces like Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun - both of whom are already making waves - plus a healthy draft stash.
- Oklahoma City might be sitting on the deepest war chest in the league, including players like Jalen Williams or Chet Holmgren and a seemingly endless supply of first-rounders.
Any of those offers would’ve given Milwaukee a legitimate head start on a post-Giannis rebuild. But here’s the thing: all three of those franchises are trending upward - and fast.
Why These Teams Are Comfortable Standing Pat
Start with San Antonio. They’ve got Victor Wembanyama back in the mix and are starting to see the early outlines of something special.
Wemby isn’t just the future - he’s already changing games. The Spurs don’t need to mortgage that future to chase another star just yet.
Over in Houston, the Rockets are playing with confidence. They believe they can hang with anybody, and with the young core they’ve assembled, they might be right. Adding Giannis would be a seismic move, but it could also disrupt the chemistry that’s starting to click.
And then there’s OKC, sitting near the top of the standings with only two losses. The Thunder are ahead of schedule, plain and simple.
They’ve built something sustainable, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way and Holmgren fitting in seamlessly. Integrating a superstar like Giannis sounds great on paper, but in practice, it’s a delicate balance - especially when the current formula is working this well.
What This Means for Milwaukee
With those three teams stepping back, the Bucks’ potential trade market shrinks - and that’s not ideal. Sure, teams like the Knicks, Heat, and Warriors might still be interested, but they don’t have the same volume of young talent and draft flexibility. That matters a lot if Milwaukee is forced to consider a future without Giannis.
Right now, though, the Bucks are maintaining that Giannis is not on the market. They’re operating as if they want to keep him - and understandably so. He’s the face of the franchise, a two-time MVP, and still one of the most dominant forces in the league.
But the pressure is mounting.
Milwaukee’s recent 45-point loss to the Brooklyn Nets wasn’t just a bad night - it was a warning sign. If the team keeps sliding and Giannis doesn’t see a path forward, the conversation could shift quickly. The Bucks might want to hold on, but at some point, it’s not just about what the team wants - it’s about what Giannis believes is possible.
For now, the Bucks are holding the line. But with fewer suitors and more losses, the stakes are only getting higher.