ESPN's Shams Charania reported Monday that the Milwaukee Bucks are actively seeking trade offers for star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. The long-rumored trade cycle that has hung over the NBA may finally be approaching its conclusion.
Antetokounmpo will be eligible for a contract extension in October. Bucks owner Wes Edens has stated the team will either extend him or trade him, while fellow owner Jimmy Haslam has set the NBA Draft as the preferred timeline for resolution.
If Antetokounmpo does not signal a willingness to extend in the coming weeks, a trade appears likely. The draft order is set, and the league is gathered in Chicago for the NBA Draft Combine.
What Are the Bucks Looking For?
Four key factors determine an ideal trade partner:
1. Championship capability by 2027: Antetokounmpo is 31 and has shown injury concerns. This is a win-now move, not a long-term project.
2. Eastern Conference preference: The Athletic's Sam Amick reports Antetokounmpo prefers remaining in the East.
3. Significant return: The Bucks want a top young player, multiple draft picks, or a present-day star in his prime.
4. Extension assurance: No team will trade for him without knowing he'll stay.
Team-by-Team Trade Likelihood Rankings
28. New Orleans Pelicans
Further east than Sacramento, but they have nothing to trade. They control none of their own first-round picks until 2033. Devin Booker is a bad contract. Zion Williamson would be the best they'd offer, but they're in the West and not a contender.
26. Memphis Grizzlies
It was a promising concept when they had Jaren Jackson Jr. given how well he and Antetokounmpo could've fit together. Now, the Grizzlies are full steam ahead into a rebuild. They're years away from appealing to a veteran star.
25. Chicago Bulls
Similar situation to the Grizzlies—they're starting over. Antetokounmpo isn't seeking a rebuilding project. They spread "we didn't want you anyway" rumors last winter as damage control.
24. San Antonio Spurs
One of the few teams that falls into "feasibly could, probably won't." The Spurs have the assets. Antetokounmpo would probably sign off on playing for them even in the West if winning is his true goal.
But even Victor Wembanyama seems against this move. "I know Brian Wright knows who we are and trusts the process," he said after San Antonio's first-round victory. They've been consistent in wanting to build internally.
23. Oklahoma City Thunder
Same logic applies for the Thunder as the Spurs, with added context: if the Thunder lose to the Spurs in the playoffs, they might consider drastic moves to prepare for future Wembanyama matchups. He's already beaten them four times this season.