Giannis Antetokounmpo has etched his name into Milwaukee Bucks history, serving as the franchise’s all-time leader in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, triple-doubles, and playoff victories. Selected as the 15th pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, Giannis has remarkably transformed from a lanky teenager into an unstoppable force, almost akin to a modern-day Shaquille O’Neal. His impact was undeniable when he led the Bucks to the 2021 championship, delivering an unforgettable 50-point performance in Game 6 and hitting a staggering 17-of-19 from the free-throw line, skillfully overcoming his earlier struggles from the charity stripe that playoff season. This sheer determination has fueled his journey, rendering him one of the most feared competitors in the league.
However, the path forward appears increasingly complex for Giannis and the Bucks. In recent seasons, the realities of modern NBA team-building have collided with Giannis’s unyielding will. Injuries hindered his participation in the first-round playoff series in both 2023 and 2024, leading to frustrating playoff exits and catalyzing substantial organizational changes. Head coach Mike Budenholzer was let go in 2023, and co-star Jrue Holiday was traded for Damian Lillard. Furthermore, Khris Middleton’s exit, swapped for Kyle Kuzma in February, represents a desperate attempt to reignite the team’s competitive edge. Despite these efforts, the results have been disheartening.
The Bucks’ latest playoff disappointment came in a nail-biting Game 5 against the Pacers, where a late collapse served as a bitter low point. With Milwaukee leading by four in the final minute of regulation and by seven in overtime, they ultimately fell to a 119-118 defeat, marked by costly turnovers and defensive lapses. Although Giannis delivered an extraordinary triple-double—30 points, 20 rebounds, and 13 assists—his all-encompassing effort couldn’t mask the fact that the team leaned heavily on role players who simply weren’t enough in that critical moment.
As the Bucks now approach the offseason, they face significant challenges in constructing a competitive roster around Giannis. With an absence of future draft picks and promising prospects, the mountain is steep. Adding to this uncertainty, Lillard’s recovery from a torn Achilles looms large, and with Middleton’s departure, the Bucks lack established, valuable veterans to facilitate a trade that could reshape their future. All of this raises an increasingly pertinent question: Is it time for Giannis to consider a departure from Milwaukee?
At just 30 years old, Antetokounmpo remains an immensely dominant force, having averaged 30 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists per game in the 2024-25 season, with two years plus a player option left on his recent extension. That very willpower that propelled the Bucks to their 2021 triumph could now push Giannis to explore opportunities with more competitive teams. Should he voice a desire for a trade, it would not only reshape the fortunes of his career but also redefine the competitive landscape across the league.
With that backdrop, let’s dive into potential trade scenarios that could align with Giannis’s aspirations and the Bucks’ rebuilding efforts.
Orlando Magic
The proposed deal has the Bucks acquiring Franz Wagner, Jonathan Isaac, Jett Howard, and a collection of future first-round picks. The Magic could leverage Giannis as a transformative piece, pairing him with developing stars in their own right. This could position Orlando as an immediate contender, creating a team formidable enough to contend for championships in the coming seasons.
Atlanta Hawks
This scenario presents the Bucks with young talent in Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher, and additional draft capital. While not the most glamorous offer, it provides Milwaukee with the opportunity to pivot and reshape their future while complementing a talent like Trae Young with Giannis’s elite skills.
Detroit Pistons
A deal that would see Giannis heading to Detroit could involve Jalen Duren, Jaden Ivey, and Ron Holland, alongside a handful of future picks. For the Pistons, this represents a chance to take a monumental leap, putting a generational talent beside emerging stars like Cade Cunningham.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets might offer Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and a couple of future first-rounders. With an eye on building around Giannis, Houston could create a competitive roster marked by its youthful energy and potential.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder seem a dark horse in this race, potentially offering a package centered on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander among other young talents. Such a pairing could unlock a formidable new era for both franchises, creating championship aspirations with Giannis in Oklahoma City.
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs would need to offer a mix of young prospects and draft picks for Giannis, but pairing him with Victor Wembanyama could yield a dynamic duo that changes the game defensively and offensively.
Indiana Pacers
Lastly, a trade that sends Giannis to the Pacers could see him join forces with an impressive young cast led by Tyrese Haliburton. In this scenario, Giannis wouldn’t just find offensive support but could be part of a contending team with a balanced roster.
As discussions around Giannis’s future heat up, it’s clear that his trajectory—whether it continues in Milwaukee or ventures elsewhere—will leave significant ripples throughout the league.
