The 2025 NBA draft concluded its first round with notable young players like Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper joining their new teams. However, the offseason focus is shifting toward two star veterans, Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks and DeMar DeRozan of the Sacramento Kings, both of whom are heavily linked to trade discussions. This article explores the most likely destinations for these players as teams position themselves for major moves.
Potential Destinations for Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Brooklyn Nets emerge as a prime candidate for acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo due to their wealth of draft assets and cap space. By 2027, Brooklyn holds three first-round picks, along with extra first-round selections in 2029 and 2031, and numerous second-rounders available to enhance a trade offer. This flexibility would allow them to absorb Antetokounmpo’s contract fully, enabling Milwaukee to avoid taking on extra salary. Additionally, the Nets’ relatively young core, with an average age just over 24, could provide promising players to Milwaukee to help with rebuilding efforts.
Miami Heat are also a notable suitor. After the departure of Jimmy Butler, Miami is seeking to reestablish itself as a contender. The Heat possess a collection of young talents including Tyler Herro and Kel’el Ware alongside first-round picks spanning 2026 through 2031. Combining current players and future picks might create an appealing package to bring Giannis to South Beach, keeping Miami competitive in the coming years.
Top Teams for DeMar DeRozan to Join
Among teams interested in adding experienced scorers, the Miami Heat remain active. After failing to secure Kevin Durant, Miami could turn toward DeRozan as a veteran option close in age and talent, though not at Durant’s superstar level. DeRozan’s presence could help Miami maintain its playoff aspirations, especially considering he was reportedly viewed as a secondary target following Durant’s availability.
The Atlanta Hawks are another potential destination. Since making the conference finals in 2021, Atlanta has experienced mediocrity, often exiting in the first round or falling to the play-in tournament. Trae Young leads the team but lacks a consistent complementary scoring presence. DeRozan’s proficiency in creating shots and scoring independently would relieve some offensive pressure from Young and provide offensive stability when Young is off the floor. Atlanta’s accumulation of first-round picks over the next six drafts, coupled with some young talent, could facilitate a trade for DeRozan.
The Memphis Grizzlies, after trading Desmond Bane to Orlando, have a scoring gap that DeRozan could fill. Memphis boasts strong offensive weapons in Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., but adding a wing scorer with DeRozan’s midrange skill and shot creation would layer their offense effectively. With Memphis acquiring multiple draft picks from the Bane trade, these assets might be leveraged in a deal to acquire DeRozan and bolster their chances in a competitive Western Conference.
Trade Talks Set the Stage for Significant Offseason Moves
With the 2025 NBA draft laying the groundwork for franchise futures through young talent, attention is quickly turning to the fate of seasoned stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and DeMar DeRozan. Their possible relocation could reshape conference dynamics and team strategies. Meanwhile, franchises like the Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat, Atlanta Hawks, and Memphis Grizzlies look to balance promising youth with proven veterans.
The success of any potential trades depends heavily on teams‘ willingness to exchange draft capital and young players to position themselves for immediate contention. For Milwaukee and Sacramento, moving their stars signals different priorities—whether rebuilding or retooling—over the next several seasons. Fans and analysts alike will be monitoring the fallout as these negotiations evolve throughout the offseason following the draft.