As rumors swirl around Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s potential trade, speculation intensifies about unexpected NBA trade destinations for Giannis Antetokounmpo beyond the typical contenders. While conventional teams like the Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, and San Antonio Spurs are often cited, lesser-anticipated franchises might emerge as serious bidders if Giannis requests a move.
Marc Stein of The Stein Line highlighted the growing interest among teams ready to pitch offers, regardless of whether they appear on Giannis’s expected trade preference list. This suggests the possibility of surprising trade scenarios that could swiftly reshape the league.
Detroit Pistons’ Bold Moves Could Alter Eastern Conference Power Balance
The Detroit Pistons, coming off a strong season and near upset in the playoffs, face a choice between cautious rebuilding and aggressive acquisition. Targeting Giannis Antetokounmpo would create an exceptional core alongside Cade Cunningham, combining defensive strength with versatile offensive leadership. The duo would cover the team’s primary scoring and playmaking roles, providing a rare foundation to build a championship-level team.
The Pistons have a wealth of young talent and draft assets to offer in trade talks. Players like Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson, Ron Holland II, and Jalen Duren, as well as the team’s control over multiple future first-round picks, give Detroit substantial bargaining power. Additionally, their flexible salary structure avoids sending problematic contracts to Milwaukee.
Although negotiations could be complicated by the potential contract extensions for Ivey and Duren, Detroit has options to enhance their appeal by regaining Milwaukee’s own future first-round picks, which currently belong to New Orleans and Portland through multiple swap rights extending into 2030.
Memphis Grizzlies Have Assets to Build a New Western Conference Contender
If Milwaukee trades Giannis without reclaiming their own draft picks, acquiring young cornerstone players becomes essential. The Memphis Grizzlies could capitalize on this by offering Jaren Jackson Jr. or Ja Morant as trade pieces. However, incorporating Damian Lillard into the equation complicates Morant’s inclusion, especially if Lillard misses another season due to injury.
The Grizzlies can sweeten any trade package with numerous first-round draft picks and promising young players such as Zach Edey, Jaylen Wells, Cam Spencer, and GG Jackson II. They also hold sufficient salary flexibility to meet trade-matching requirements.
Imagining a lineup with Giannis, Desmond Bane, and either Jackson or Morant elevates Memphis into a formidable Western Conference threat. Though Morant’s dynamic playmaking would boost transition offense, a Jaren Jackson Jr.-Giannis frontcourt offers a physically imposing presence. Complemented by players like Scottie Pippen Jr. and Bane, Memphis could attract free agents seeking a competitive team environment.
Philadelphia 76ers’ Aggressive Pursuit Hinges on Draft Assets
The Philadelphia 76ers’ potential offer for Giannis Antetokounmpo would likely center on the No. 3 pick in the upcoming draft and other significant assets. Although reports suggest the Sixers intend to retain a top position in the 2025 draft, their president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey, is known for ambitious moves.
Philly’s trade strategy could involve moving multiple first-round picks, including the No. 3 selection, to assemble a compelling package. This might involve younger talent like Jared McCain and possibly a Quentin Grimes sign-and-trade. However, balancing contracts remains critical; Tyrese Maxey’s salary cannot serve as the primary anchor, and the hefty contracts of Joel Embiid and Paul George present challenges.
If Giannis seeks to leave Milwaukee, a bold trade incorporating Embiid is conceivable despite injury concerns. Acquiring Embiid alongside high draft picks could offer Milwaukee a new franchise cornerstone while preserving their long-term draft control, albeit with some risk.
“If there is a trade in Philadelphia’s future involving the No. 3 pick in the draft, don’t expect the 76ers to move down very far on the 2025 draft board. League sources maintain that the Sixers are determined to add a dynamic young talent to their core after the tremendous fortune they enjoyed in the May 12 draft lottery.”
—Marc Stein, NBA Insider
Portland Trail Blazers Would Consider a Radical Approach to Rebuild
The Portland Trail Blazers stand out as a franchise willing to take extraordinary measures by pursuing Giannis aggressively, potentially offering their entire young core and draft assets. Currently caught in a liminal space between mediocrity and serious contention, Portland views Giannis as a transformational figure who could dramatically improve the team‘s defense and provide an unstoppable offensive leader.
Portland’s asset pool includes promising players such as Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, Donovan Clingan, Toumani Camara, and Scoot Henderson, with no individual deemed untouchable. Draft pick compensation is complicated by an existing lottery-protected pick owed to Chicago through 2028, but the Blazers’ control over Milwaukee’s future pick swaps (2028-2030) presents a strategic advantage that could tip the scales in trade discussions.
Toronto Raptors Could Emerge as the Most Intriguing Dark Horse
Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri has long admired Giannis as a potential cornerstone and is known for bold decision-making. The Raptors possess the No. 9 draft pick this year and maintain control of all subsequent first-round picks, enhancing their capacity to assemble a competitive trade package. Several mid-tier prospects like Gradey Dick, Ochai Agbaji, Ja’Kobe Walter, and Jamal Shead add flexibility to their offers.
However, the Raptors face a critical dilemma regarding Scottie Barnes, who will begin his max extension next season. Should Toronto decide to keep Barnes off the table, their path to securing Giannis would require creative maneuvers, potentially involving draft pick swaps from New Orleans and Portland. If willing to include Barnes alongside the No. 9 pick and other assets, Toronto could position themselves as a formidable surprise suitor in this high-stakes trade market.
Unexpected Trade Scenarios Could Reshape the NBA Landscape
Should Giannis Antetokounmpo request a trade, the ripple effects will extend far beyond the usual favorites, with teams like Detroit, Memphis, Philadelphia, Portland, and Toronto poised to make compelling offers. Each franchise brings unique assets and strategic advantages that could redefine power dynamics in both conferences.
Detroit’s youth and salary flexibility, Memphis’s combination of star talent and draft depth, Philadelphia’s willingness to leverage high-value picks, Portland’s readiness to gamble everything, and Toronto’s blend of prospects and veteran contracts create a dynamic trading environment filled with surprises. These moves would not only impact the Bucks but also signal a new era of competition with potentially seismic shifts coming to the NBA’s top contenders.
As negotiations evolve, Giannis’s decision will be a pivotal moment, with these unexpected trade bids demonstrating the league’s eagerness to attract a once-in-a-generation talent and the lengths they are willing to go to secure his services.