After more than a decade as the face of the Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo may be nearing the end of his run in Wisconsin. The two-time MVP and 2021 NBA champion is reportedly open to a new chapter, and for the first time in years, Milwaukee seems willing to listen.
With the Bucks underperforming this season and the February 5 trade deadline looming, league sources say trade talks around Giannis have picked up serious steam. While nothing is imminent, the buzz is growing louder-and so is the list of teams gearing up to make a run at one of the league’s most dominant forces.
Let’s break down the four teams that have emerged as serious contenders in the Giannis sweepstakes-and why each one could make a compelling case to land the Greek Freak.
New York Knicks: Ready for the Spotlight
The Knicks have been circling this opportunity for a while. Trade discussions reportedly took place last offseason, and New York hasn’t backed off since. The Knicks have the assets, the market, and the motivation to make a blockbuster move-and Giannis would be the kind of franchise-altering addition that instantly shifts their trajectory.
Pairing Giannis with a roster that already includes established contributors would elevate New York into the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference. He brings elite two-way impact, playoff experience, and the kind of star power the Knicks haven’t seen in decades. With Madison Square Garden as the backdrop, Giannis could become the centerpiece of a team with legitimate NBA Finals aspirations.
San Antonio Spurs: A Star Duo in the Making
San Antonio might not be the first name that comes to mind in a superstar trade, but don’t sleep on what the Spurs can offer. They’ve got a treasure chest of future first-round picks, a stockpile of young talent, and, most importantly, Victor Wembanyama.
The idea of Giannis teaming up with Wembanyama is tantalizing. That’s two generational talents sharing the floor-one entering his prime, the other just beginning his ascent.
Add a dynamic playmaker like De’Aaron Fox into the mix, and suddenly the Spurs go from rebuilding to contending in the Western Conference. San Antonio has the flexibility and long-term vision to make a bold move like this-and the pieces to pull it off.
Houston Rockets: Doubling Down on a Power Play
The Rockets already made waves by acquiring Kevin Durant, signaling they’re done waiting for the future-they want to win now. Adding Giannis to that equation? That’s a full-on superteam in the making.
A Durant-Giannis tandem would be a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses. Size, scoring, switchability, rim protection-they’d have it all.
And Houston’s front office has the ammo to get it done, with a mix of young talent and draft capital that could rival any offer on the table. If the Rockets are serious about making a title run in the near term, this is the kind of move that could put them over the top.
Toronto Raptors: Building for Now and Next
Toronto has quietly assembled one of the league’s most intriguing young cores, and they’re not shy about making bold moves. With players like Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley in the fold, the Raptors have the foundation to make a compelling offer-without gutting their future.
Giannis would give Toronto the superstar centerpiece they’ve been missing since Kawhi Leonard’s one-year title run. His presence would not only elevate their playoff ceiling but also bring balance to a roster that’s already deep, versatile, and defensively sound. With multiple future first-round picks and a front office known for calculated aggression, the Raptors are a dark horse-but a very real one.
What’s Next for Giannis and the Bucks?
A Giannis Antetokounmpo trade would be one of the most seismic shifts the NBA has seen in years. He’s not just a superstar-he’s a culture-setter, a leader, and a once-in-a-generation talent. The Bucks built their identity around him, and his departure would mark the end of an era.
But if Milwaukee is truly open to moving him, the offers will come-and they’ll be massive. Whether it happens before the deadline or in the offseason, the league is watching. And four teams-New York, San Antonio, Houston, and Toronto-are already lining up, ready to reshape the NBA landscape if they land the biggest prize on the market.