New Giannis Trade Rumors Reveal Surprising Team That Expressed Interest at 2026 NBA Deadline

The Orlando Magic reportedly considered loading up for their playoff run by acquiring Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported Wednesday the Magic "expressed interest" in Antetokounmpo ahead of the February deadline.

"It's unclear how far the talks progressed between both sides," Scotto wrote.

Those exploratory talks took place in the wake of "heightened expectations" following the franchise's acquisition of former Memphis Grizzlies star Desmond Bane last June, Scotto noted.

The Magic weren't the only team that reportedly considered making a bid for Antetokounmpo amid reports the Bucks were considering trading him at the deadline.

In January, ESPN's Shams Charania named the Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors as "serious suitors" for Antetokounmpo.

Antetokounmpo ultimately stayed put at the deadline, although Charania reported the Bucks "will be open to trade talks" this summer.

Any team interested in acquiring Antetokounmpo would likely need to be able to send some young stars to Milwaukee.

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported in March that the Warriors offered the Bucks four unprotected first-rounders for Antetokounmpo, but the Bucks were more interested in "younger building blocks such as VJ Edgecombe of the Philadelphia 76ers or Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers."

That could mean the Magic would need to offer at least one young player like Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner or Anthony Black in order to appeal to the Bucks.

Antetokounmpo is only signed through the 2026-27 season with a player option for the following campaign, so any franchise willing to give up significant assets would likely need to get some guarantee Antetokounmpo would be willing to sign an extension there.

Whether Antetokounmpo would agree to a new contract in Orlando could depend on what the franchise's direction looks like after the 2026 postseason.

NBA insider Jake Fischer previously predicted Orlando would move on from coach Jamahl Mosley after an underwhelming regular season, although the Magic have since advanced out of the play-in tournament and gained a 3-1 first-round series lead over the Detroit Pistons.

How deep Mosley is able to lead the Magic in the playoffs could potentially impact both his job security and the likelihood Antetokounmpo might view them as a contender when considering his options this offseason.

For now, the Magic will focus on Game 5, which is set to tip off Wednesday night at 7 p.m. ET in Detroit.