Giannis, DeMar DeRozan's Top Trade Landing Spots After 2025 NBA Draft
The first round of the NBA draft saw exciting prospects like Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper officially land with their respective teams.
But much of the attention could soon be diverted from the rookies to a pair of star veterans that might be on the move this offseason.
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo and Sacramento Kings' DeMar DeRozan have been in trade rumors for much of the summer, and with the first round of the draft now complete, we have a better idea of where they could end up. Here's a look at some of the top landing spots for Antetokounmpo and DeRozan.
Giannis Antetokounmpo's Top Landing Spots
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Brooklyn Nets
If there is one team loaded with draft picks while also having the cap space to land a star, it's the Brooklyn Nets.
The Nets have three first-round picks in 2027, two in 2029 and a pair in 2031, plus an abundance of second-rounders to sweeten a possible deal. Their offer to Milwaukee could be even more enticing, considering the team can take all of Antetokounmpo's contract without the Bucks having to take on any additional money.
The Nets, whose roster has an average age of just over 24 years old, could also send Milwaukee some young players to kickstart the rebuilding process.
Miami Heat
Whenever a star is potentially on the move, the Miami Heat are usually among possible suitors, and this is true this offseason.
The Heat took a hit last year when they lost Jimmy Butler after the disgruntled star forced his way out, but Miami could return to being a contender by making a splash and trading for Antetokounmpo.
Along with a handful of enticing young players like Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware and more, Miami owns first-round picks in 2026, 2028, 2029, 2030 and 2031. Throwing together a deal featuring some talent and future assets would surely be enough to bring Antetokounmpo to South Beach.
DeMar DeRozan's Top Landing Spots
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Miami Heat
The Miami Heat were in the mix for Kevin Durant but reportedly didn't have a big enough offer to land him over the Houston Rockets.
Still, the hope of adding a veteran isn't lost for the Heat.
Whatever offer Miami had prepared for Durant would presumably be enough to persuade the Sacramento Kings to part ways with DeRozan, a player similar in age to Durant but not quite of the same level.
DeRozan reportedly was perceived as a backup plan for teams interested in Durant, so it wouldn't be surprising for the Heat to make a move in hopes of forming a playoff-caliber roster.
Atlanta Hawks
Since their conference finals run in 2021, the Atlanta Hawks have been caught in a string of mediocrity, with a pair of first round appearances and a few trips to the play-in tournament over the last few years.
One thing they lack is a scoring option alongside Trae Young, and DeRozan could fill that void.
DeRozan's ability to create shots on his own would take some of the pressure off Young to facilitate the offense by himself. Having DeRozan would also help Atlanta's offense stay afloat when Young isn't on the court.
Atlanta doesn't have a wealth of picks to trade away, but it does own first-rounders every year for the next six drafts. A couple of those, plus a few young players, could be enough to get DeRozan in a Hawks uniform.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies lost some offense when they sent Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic, but they could get some back by trading for DeRozan.
Memphis has strong scoring options in Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., but could benefit by adding another scoring threat to the wing. DeRozan, adept at creating shots off the dribble and scoring from midrange, would give the Grizzlies a layer to their offense that they don't already have.
Memphis got a slew of picks in return for Bane, and whether the team wants to use those picks as trade assets is to be determined. If the Grizzlies are hoping to make a trade to stay competitive in the West, DeRozan should be viewed as a target.
