NBA Trade Rumors: Giannis Remains Nets' 'Dream Target' If Bucks Star Requests Move

The 13-25 Brooklyn Nets appear well on their way to a second straight losing season, which would have any squad dreaming of a brighter future.

And the Nets are reportedly dreaming of Giannis Antetokounmpo in that future.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported Sunday that sources around the league believe Antetokounmpo is Brooklyn's "dream target" and a possible landing spot should he ever request to leave the Milwaukee Bucks.

But that request hasn't come.

"Reminder: Someday depends on Antetokounmpo pushing the Bucks to trade him," Stein wrote. "... Something he has shown no known inclination to do. There remains zero expectation that the Bucks would even consider the notion of trading Antetokounmpo unless he pushed for it."

Antetokounmpo is under contract with the Bucks through the 2026-27 season with a player option for 2027-28. He already has a championship on his resume and is the major reason the team has been among the Eastern Conference's top contenders since Milwaukee selected him in the 2013 NBA draft.

Still, it is fair to wonder about the Bucks' long-term ceiling.

After all, Damian Lillard is 34 years old, Khris Middleton is 33 years old and Brook Lopez is 36 years old. The team is focused on the present but may not be in the best position to challenge for championships after Antetokounmpo's current contract expires.

Perhaps the eight-time All-Star will one day request a trade if that future becomes cloudier.

If he does, the Nets might be waiting.