Giannis, Raptors Reportedly Have 'Mutual Interest' amid NBA Trade Rumors
If Giannis Antetokounmpo officially requests a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks, the Toronto Raptors reportedly could be near the top of his wish list.
According to Doug Smith of the Toronto Star, there is "mutual interest" between Antetokounmpo and Toronto.
Smith noted the Raptors are "uniquely placed to make an attractive offer that won’t ruin their franchise or roster."
ESPN's Shams Charania previously reported the 30-year-old was "open-minded" about exploring a change of scenery for the "first time in his career" following Milwaukee's first-round exit in the 2025 playoffs.
On Sunday, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported Toronto is "looking for a big fish" on the trade market during the offseason.
If the Raptors are truly attempting to make a blockbuster acquisition, a potential swap for Antetokounmpo fits the bill.
While the Bucks have failed to advance beyond the second round of the playoffs in all four years since their 2021 championship victory, the two-time MVP has remained one of the league's top players on both ends of the floor.
Antetokounmpo averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 60.1 percent from the field in 67 regular-season appearances during his 2024-25 campaign. It marked the third straight year in which he recorded over 30 points per game.
The Raptors have enough young talent to make a serious offer for the nine-time All-Star if he asks for a move, including Gradey Dick, Ochai Agbaji, Ja’Kobe Walter, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. They also have control over all of their future first-round picks, headlined by the No. 9 overall choice this year.
As Antetokounmpo contemplates a potential future outside of Milwaukee, he's reportedly interested in the Raptors.
