New Giannis Trade Rumors on Preferred Landing Spots, Influence on Deal amid Links to Contenders
In the wake of Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam saying earlier this week he hopes to have a resolution to the Giannis Antetokounmpo situation before the 2026 NBA draft, new details about the two-time MVP's future have come to light.
Per The Athletic's Sam Amick and Eric Nehm, Antetokounmpo could significantly influence where he ends up if he specifically cites a team or multiple teams that he would want to play for:
"Then there's this reality to remember, as well: Giannis' voice will play a pivotal part in the process. If he has a team (or two or three) he truly wants to play for, then that sort of endorsement would compel those front offices to feel comfortable putting even more on the Bucks' table."
As far as the potential landing spots for Antetokounmpo, Amick and Nehm's reporting did offer some hints as to where he may or may not be eager to go if the Bucks trade him.
The Boston Celtics were highlighted as a team that people within the league had "pegged" as one to watch in the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. The Orlando Magic, who have connections to Antetokounmpo via front-office executives Jeff Weltman and John Hammond, "inquired" about the 10-time All-Star prior to the trade deadline and could build a package around a young star in Paolo Banchero.
One team that doesn't appear likely to be in the running is the Portland Trail Blazers, which would mark a reunion between Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
According to Amick and Nehm, rival executives have expressed "significant skepticism" that the Blazers would appeal to Antetokounmpo because he would likely prefer a "true title contender" if he were to leave Milwaukee.
The Celtics' interest in Antetokounmpo is interesting not least of which because of what they would have to give up to make a deal, particularly in the wake of speculation about Jaylen Brown.
Despite recent comments from Tracy McGrady that Brown has a deep frustration with the organization, Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens told reporters on Wednesday there has been no indication from his talks with Brown that anything is wrong.
If the Celtics were to make a move for Antetokounmpo, it would almost certainly require them to include either Brown or Jayson Tatum. Since Tatum is generally regarded as their best player, Brown would seem likely to be their preferred option to put in an offer.
Any offer from the Magic would have to focus primarily on Banchero as the main piece because they still owe first-round draft picks in 2026, 2028, 2030 and a pick swap in 2029 to the Memphis Grizzlies from the Desmond Bane trade last summer.
Haslam, who has had an ownership stake in the Bucks since 2023, told reporters this week that the team intends to make a decision about Antetokounmpo's future prior to the draft because they have to figure out how they are going to build their roster for next season and beyond.
There has been no indication from Antetokounmpo at this point that he has requested a trade from Milwaukee. The Bucks are coming off a 32-50 record this season and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16.
Antetokounmpo only played in 36 games due to injuries. He averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game when he was on the court.
