New Giannis Rumors on Bucks Trade, Potential Landing Spots Linking to Lakers, Celtics, Knicks & More

The bidding is open for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

Charania reported Monday the Bucks are willing to take calls again on the two-time MVP.

"There is expected to be a robust market for Antetokounmpo, and ownership and front-office officials expect to maintain their trade deadline asking price of a young blue-chip talent and/or a surplus of draft picks, sources said," the insider wrote.

Charania added that the Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers all made a run at Giannis before the 2026 deadline

During the introductory press conference for coach Taylor Jenkins, Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam told reporters a resolution on Giannis could arrive as early as the 2026 NBA draft in June.

"I just think before the draft is a natural time," he said. "Because if Giannis does play somewhere else, we've got to have a lot of assets. That's Jon's job to do. And if he's here, then you build the team differently."

Milwaukee hasn't resigned itself to losing one of the greatest players in franchise history, but that's the way the wind is blowing.

What remains to be seen is how the market for Antetokounmpo takes shape. A lot of teams will be interested, but far fewer will have a legit shot. Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Monday that "there may be about 10 teams that could truly make a run."

Charania cited what will be the toughest hurdle for the Bucks to overcome in terms of maximizing their return.

Antetokounmpo has a player option for 2027-28, so he's effectively on an expiring contract. A prospective suitor is much less inclined to give up a lot of valuable assets if it senses he doesn't plan on signing a long-term extension with them.

The Chicago Bulls, for example, have been cited as a theoretical candidate for the 10-time All-Star, and their hand got stronger when they received the No. 4 overall pick in the draft. Is Antetokounmpo likely to re-sign with a franchise that hasn't been a serious contender in more than a decade, though?

As long as at least two teams are in the mix, the Bucks can pit one general manager against the other to drive up the final price in a blockbuster swap.