New Giannis Trade Rumors on 'Prime' Landing Spot Amid Buzz on Bucks Star's Future

The trade buzz connecting the Portland Trail Blazers and Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to grow, with Jake Fischer reporting the latest for the Stein Line newsletter on Saturday.

"When it comes to [Blazers governor Tom Dundon's] first NBA offseason in charge, I've heard from multiple league sources that the Blazers are expected to emerge as a prime trade suitor for Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo," Fischer wrote in part.

He added:

"...Yet sources have insisted this week that the Blazers are as interested in actually trying to land Antetokounmpo for themselves as other frequently mentioned suitors such as Miami, Minnesota, Golden State and New York.

"I'm also that Portland engaged in trade talks with Milwaukee as recently as the Tuesday before the league's annual in-season trade deadline (which always falls on a Thursday) before various interested teams finally conceded that the Bucks were not truly willing to part with Antetokounmpo even as they were already spiraling to a 32-50 finish."

Last week, Bill Oram of the Oregonian reported that the Blazers were "prepared to make a pitch" for the two-time NBA MVP and re-connect him with old Bucks teammate Damian Lillard.

"Having Lillard back, especially on a bargain $14 million contract, makes the Blazers better on the court, but it also gives the front office greater urgency to go all in and chase other stars," Oram wrote. "The Blazers are prepared to make a pitch for Giannis Antetokounmpo as long as he is willing to sign an extension but are not likely to limit their options to Lillard's former Milwaukee teammate."

The 31-year-old Antetokounmpo has played all 13 of his NBA seasons with the Bucks. He's a 10-time All-Star, nine-time All-NBA player and one-time NBA champion who made the league's 75th Anniversary Team.

Antetokounmpo averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists in an injury-shortened season that lasted just 36 games.

That season ended in a controversial fashion, as Antetokounmpo claimed he was good to return for the end of the regular season from a bone bruise and hyperextended left knee suffered on March 15. Milwaukee's medical staff did not clear him, per ESPN's Shams Charania.

"For somebody to come and tell me to not play or not to compete, it's like a slap in my face," Antetokounmpo told reporters on April 3, per Charania. "I'm available to play, but I'm not in the game. I'm available to play today. Right now. I'm available.

"So, I don't know where the relationship goes from there."

Given the trade rumors that have developed over the past year or so, the team's current struggles (they went 17-19 with Antetokounmpo and 15-31 otherwise) and Antetokounmpo's contract situation (he can be a free agent after the 2026-27 season), it's fair to wonder if a divorce is coming.

As far as his next potential destination goes, the Blazers rumors have been loud this past week. Portland makes sense, given this is a team on the rise that should get better next year with the return of Lillard, who was out this season with a torn Achilles.

The Blazers improved from 36-46 to 42-40 and earned the No. 7 seed in the playoffs. Deni Avdija developed into an All-Star, and Donovan Clingan averaged a double-double in his second NBA campaign.

Portland should only get better from here in the short-term, and adding Antetokounmpo would accelerate the process. The Blazers will have competition, of course, so we'll see where things go from there. It'll be an interesting summer, though, as the race for Antetokounmpo's services could be on.