The Milwaukee Bucks are facing a turbulent offseason as Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors intensify, with the Greek star potentially leaving Wisconsin after recent roster moves failed to secure his commitment. As of early April 2025, despite efforts like acquiring Myles Turner, tensions have risen, making it increasingly likely that Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP, could be traded to another franchise seeking his dominance.
While the Bucks still hope Giannis will start the upcoming season in Milwaukee, insiders emphasize a high probability of a trade depending on the team’s competitiveness and strategic direction. This uncertainty has set off a search for viable suitors, with the New York Knicks initially appearing as strong candidates but ultimately unlikely to meet Milwaukee’s demands.
Why the Knicks Are Unlikely Trade Partners for Giannis
Early speculation linked the Knicks to a potential deal involving Karl-Anthony Towns’ contract, aiming to build around Antetokounmpo in New York’s lucrative market with an already competitive core. However, according to Bleacher Report’s Three Cone, the Bucks prefer accumulating draft capital and young talent over acquiring win-now players, which the Knicks lack in significant quantity.
If I’m the Bucks and I’m trading Giannis, then I don’t really want back win-now players. Maybe they do, but I don’t really want win-now players. I want draft capital and I want young players, which the Knicks really don’t have either of,
he said on Bleacher Report’s NBA Daily.
The ideal trade would resemble the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for Paul George swap, allowing Milwaukee to reset with a focus on future assets. The Knicks could potentially try to amass draft capital to entice the Bucks, but a core sacrifice of their current players is improbable, as it would counteract the point of acquiring Antetokounmpo. Consequently, the Knicks are ruled out as likely trade partners at this stage.
Potential Frontrunners Contending for Giannis Antetokounmpo
Several NBA teams now emerge as leading candidates to acquire Giannis, blending promising young players with ample draft assets to meet Milwaukee’s rebuilding criteria. Among these, the Houston Rockets stand out after a major offseason trade, notably acquiring Kevin Durant, who remains an offensive menace despite the shift in team dynamics.
The Rockets retain valuable trade assets from previous deals and remain open to moving most of their young core, barring Amen Thompson. Three Cone highlights Houston’s ability to provide enticing pieces for the Bucks.
I think the Rockets should absolutely consider it. Again, they just made the deal for Kevin Durant, so it feels like they don’t really have assets, but they only give up one of those Suns assets in the deal for Kevin Durant. They’ve got two left. And you take a look at Phoenix. I think those are super super intriguing assets,
he pointed out.
The Phoenix Suns, meanwhile, resemble Milwaukee in that they face a rebuilding phase after losing Durant themselves, with a roster unlikely to compete immediately. They could be willing to part with key assets that would appeal to the Bucks, who are seeking lottery-caliber picks if they lose their franchise player.
In the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia 76ers present a less straightforward option. A potential trade centered on Paul George and Jared McCain might interest Milwaukee, but given George’s underwhelming statistics last season, the likelihood of the Bucks accepting him as part of a package seems slim. This makes the East’s direct competitors a less probable destination for Giannis.
Eastern and Western Teams With the Best Shot at Giannis
While few franchises have both young talent and draft capital to match Milwaukee’s demands, some stand out as capable contenders. Among Eastern Conference teams, the Atlanta Hawks top the list. Led by Trae Young, Atlanta could dramatically improve with Giannis on board, creating an Eastern powerhouse.
If you can bring in Giannis and run out a lineup of Trae, Dyson Daniels, I don’t really care who with the three. Giannis and Kristaps Porzingis, that is immediately my favorite in the Eastern Conference,
Three Cone assessed.
The Hawks would have to trade significant assets in the deal, including All-Star forward Jaylen Johnson and former top pick Zaccharie Risacher. Although costly, such sacrifices would position Atlanta as a leading contender, particularly in a conference primed for disruption next season.
On the Western side, the San Antonio Spurs present a compelling yet ambitious trade partner. With a young, talented roster highlighted by Victor Wembanyama—a generational prospect reshaping the franchise—San Antonio could form a historically dominant frontcourt pairing if they acquire Giannis.
The trade package is pretty simple. It’s like Devin Vel, it’s Harrison Barnes, it’s probably Stephon Castle in that deal. You have Hawks picks going forward, which could be really valuable. You’ve got your own first-round picks. You’ve got a million swaps. Like, you can throw everything in for this trade package,
Three Cone outlined.
Alongside Wembanyama, adding Antetokounmpo and a dynamic leader like De’Aaron Fox would give the Spurs a roster capable of rapid ascent in the competitive East despite being a Western franchise, with a tandem of exceptional athletes that could overwhelm opponents defensively and offensively alike.
The Stakes and What Giannis Means for Any Team
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s presence has previously lifted the Bucks to unexpected championships, with his rare combination of size, speed, and skill defining the modern NBA superstar. His potential trade represents not just a major shift for Milwaukee but a seismic change for whichever team acquires him next.
The Greek Freak arrives with a relentless will to win once more, prepared to dedicate himself fully to championship contention. Any club willing to sacrifice core players and assets for Giannis is making a high-stakes gamble, but one with the potential to tip the balance of power across the league.
As the rumors unfold, the basketball world watches closely to see which franchise will convince the Bucks to part ways with their cornerstone, and whether this blockbuster move can rewrite the NBA’s competitive landscape.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Giannis Antetokounmpo 7/0?
A. Giannis Sina Ougko Ugo Antetokounmpo, born on December 6, 1994, is a professional basketball player from Greece playing for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA. Standing 213 cm tall, he is known as the “Greek Freak” because of his unique blend of height, speed, and ball-handling abilities.