Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks are on the brink of a trade.
This doesn’t imply that the two-time MVP will find a new team by Thursday’s deadline, but it signifies that franchises around the NBA are analyzing contracts and compiling draft choices to present appealing offers to Milwaukee.
As per league sources relayed by ESPN’s Shams Charania last week, four teams have emerged as prominent contenders for Antetokounmpo: the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Which of these teams can put together the most compelling offer? Who might facilitate the trade? Which superstar could join the Bucks? What other contenders could enter the fray?
NBA insiders Zach Kram and Kevin Pelton detail potential trade scenarios from the Warriors, Knicks, Heat, and Wolves—along with two wild-card trades—that meet Milwaukee’s desired criteria. also, NBA front office insider Bobby Marks, adopting the role of Bucks GM Jon Horst, evaluates each proposal and selects a frontrunner.
Jump to a Giannis trade:
Warriors | Knicks | Heat | Timberwolves
Two wild-cards | Verdict: Marks’ best deal
What every NBA franchise can offer Bucks
Warriors trade it all to create Giannis-Steph duo
Golden State Warriors receive:
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Myles Turner
Milwaukee Bucks receive:
Jimmy Butler III
Jonathan Kuminga
Brandin Podziemski
2026 first-round pick
2028 first-round pick
2030 first-round pick (if 1-20)
2031 first-round swap
2032 first-round pick
Golden State, capable of trading up to four of its first-round selections and featuring a reasonable matching salary in the injured Butler, has a straightforward route to a two-team deal that provides Milwaukee with young prospects, selections, and salary cap flexibility. Butler’s contract will expire next season and could regain value by the 2027 trade deadline if he recovers from an ACL injury.
This arrangement involves the Warriors also relinquishing two swaps and Podziemski to accommodate Kuminga’s trade request and secure Turner, potentially congestion in their frontcourt alongside Draymond Green and Al Horford; however, they would likely manage minutes carefully around Antetokounmpo’s recovery from another calf injury. — Pelton
Marks’ analysis: While no Giannis trades will be straightforward, this is the simplest as it involves no third party. The Warriors essentially allow Milwaukee to dictate the deal’s terms, excluding Stephen Curry. A further advantage for the Bucks would be the possibility of acquiring a fifth first-round pick if they can trade Butler at next year’s deadline.
2:05
Why Stephen A. wants to see Steph and Giannis team up
Stephen A. Smith discusses his desire for Giannis Antetokounmpo to join the Golden State Warriors before the NBA trade deadline.
Giannis to Knicks, KAT to Blazers in 3-team blockbuster
New York Knicks receive:
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Jrue Holiday
Portland Trail Blazers receive:
Karl-Anthony Towns
Mikal Bridges
Miles McBride
Milwaukee Bucks receive:
Jerami Grant
Matisse Thybulle
Guerschon Yabusele
2026 first-round pick (from Wizards via Knicks, top-eight protected)
2029 first-round pick (best of Bucks, Trail Blazers, and Celtics)
Return of 2030 swap rights (via Trail Blazers)
2030 pick swap via Knicks
2032 pick swap via Knicks
A trade involving Antetokounmpo heading to the Knicks is inherently complex. Reports suggest the Bucks want young talent and picks in return, yet the Knicks lack both significantly. New York’s top eight scorers are all 25 or older, and their only possible first-round pick is a top-eight-protected pick from the Wizards, which is unlikely to convert. (It will turn into second-rounders in 2026 and 2027.)
This setup checks multiple boxes. Not only would Antetokounmpo be sent to New York, but it would provide the Knicks with a perfect backcourt partner for Jalen Brunson and reunite Antetokounmpo with Holiday, together again after winning a title in Milwaukee. The Bucks would receive back two future picks, enhancing their draft equity following the previous Damian Lillard trade. This arrangement would also greatly strengthen the Trail Blazers’ roster as they aim for a playoff spot. McBride may quickly establish himself as their best guard, while combinations of Bridges, Deni Avdija, Towns, and Donovan Clingan could shine defensively and offensively.
Whether that enhancement, along with unloading Grant’s contract, justifies the additional draft assets is uncertain for the Blazers. Milwaukee must also weigh whether regaining control of its draft future is worth a diminished quantity of picks compared to a more favorable return from another franchise. New York would be simplifying its prior acquisitions of Towns and Bridges into one star in Antetokounmpo. Such a trade structure is vital for getting Antetokounmpo to Madison Square Garden and holds some appeal for all involved. — Kram
Marks’ analysis: This trade hinges on Milwaukee’s evaluation of reclaiming control of its 2029 and 2030 first-round picks. If those picks are deemed crucial for the organization’s future, there’s a potential path for the deal. yet, the challenge lies in the $70 million owed to Grant over the next two years and the fact that Milwaukee isn’t receiving a young player to build around. This trade appears more like a clean-up of Milwaukee’s earlier missteps from the Lillard trade in 2023.
Heat land their newest superstar
Miami Heat receive:
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks receive:
Tyler Herro
Terry Rozier
Kel’el Ware
2029 first-round pick
2030 swap rights
2031 first-round pick
While the Heat may not offer the most picks or the premier young talent to Milwaukee, they do possess a mix of both: two tradable first-rounders, a promising 21-year-old center in Ware, and a seasoned player in Herro—a one-time All-Star from Wisconsin. Miami could consider trading Jaime Jaquez Jr., a candidate for Sixth Man of the Year this season, but must ensure they retain enough core talent to compete alongside Antetokounmpo.
Miami’s opportunity to secure the two-time MVP might hinge on Antetokounmpo’s desire to go to South Beach, urging the Bucks to honor that preference. Such targeting rarely succeeds—as evidenced by Lillard’s move to Milwaukee instead of Miami—but the Heat’s lack of the best overall offer necessitates some favoring factor to clinch the deal.
It’s vital to mention that this proposal presumes the NBA will approve the usage of Rozier’s expiring contract in the trade, even in light of his ongoing federal charges related to illegal sports betting. An ESPN report highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Rozier’s tradeability but noted his presence on the roster as a sign the Heat might still view a trade as possible. — Kram
Marks’ analysis: This trade is viable only if Antetokounmpo’s camp signals that the Heat is his singular desired destination. The two unprotected first-round picks alongside Ware hold value, but unless the Bucks can convert Herro into multiple first-rounders in a separate transaction, it’s hard to envision Milwaukee trading for and then extending the former All-Star to a lucrative deal this coming offseason.
Wolves bring in Raptors, while Bucks get draft haul for Giannis
Minnesota Timberwolves receive:
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Thanasis Antetokounmpo
Gary Trent Jr.
Milwaukee Bucks receive:
RJ Barrett
Joan Beringer
Rob Dillingham
Julius Randle
Terrence Shannon Jr.
2026 first-round pick (via Raptors)
2029 first-round pick (via Raptors)
2028 first-round swap (via Timberwolves)
2030 first-round swap (via worse of Timberwolves and Spurs for worse of Bucks and Trail Blazers)
2027 second-round pick (via Cavaliers)
2030 second-round pick (via better of Timberwolves and Warriors)
2031 second-round pick (via better of Rockets and Suns)
Toronto Raptors receive:
Cole Anthony
Jaden McDaniels
This scenario underscores the improbability of Minnesota providing sufficient value for Giannis. The Timberwolves are unable to trade a first-round pick and possess just one unprotected swap available. Minnesota can send back quality players to match Antetokounmpo’s salary with starters McDaniels and Randle, while also clearing their recent first-round picks, none of whom are presently in their rotation.
To amass more draft assets, Milwaukee is rerouting McDaniels to Toronto for a couple of first-round selections. McDaniels’ modest long-term contract (averaging less than $27 million through 2028-29) fits well with the Raptors’ youthful core, given his capabilities as a 3-and-D player. Nevertheless, if this was all that was needed to procure Antetokounmpo, franchises not currently engaged would undoubtedly enter the mix—potentially in hopes of acquiring Antetokounmpo temporarily, akin to Toronto’s acquisition of Kawhi Leonard in 2018, which earned the franchise its first championship. — Pelton
Marks’ analysis: Even with Golden State responsible for significant trade assets, surpassing what Milwaukee stands to gain from Minnesota and Toronto seems highly improbable. This trade checks off critical boxes in terms of draft equity, youthful players on manageable contracts, and veterans who can help build or be dealt elsewhere.
Wild card: Philly offers its star rookie
Philadelphia 76ers receive:
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks receive:
Paul George
VJ Edgecombe
2028 first-round pick (from Clippers)
2030 first-round pick
The 76ers may decline to include Edgecombe in any deal, given the promising start to the No. 3 pick’s career. They could choose to build around Edgecombe and Maxey for their future backcourt. even so, GM Daryl Morey has consistently pursued stars, and he might not shy away from the chance to create a contender featuring arguably three of the East’s best players. With good health, Antetokounmpo, Maxey, and Joel Embiid could lead Morey to his inaugural Finals appearance and the 76ers to their first conference finals since 2001.
This deal would also place the 76ers beneath the luxury tax threshold and open a roster spot to convert one of the team’s valuable two-way players (Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker) into a standard contract.
As for Milwaukee, the calculations here equal Edgecombe and one pick for Antetokounmpo, followed by a second pick to accommodate the two years and $110.7 million left on George’s contract after this season. even with being suspended for 25 games for violating the NBA’s drug policy, George is trade-eligible. His absence might even work to Milwaukee’s advantage if they were looking to minimize losses through the rest of the season after trading Antetokounmpo.
This might not match the pick return from other teams, but Edgecombe’s potential is hard to overlook. The 20-year-old rookie is showcasing averages of 15.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, making him a strong building block for Milwaukee. — Kram
Marks’ analysis: Do the Bucks value Edgecombe’s upside enough to accept the entire remaining salary owed to George? If so, Edgecombe and two unprotected first-rounders would represent a substantial return for Antetokounmpo. With George serving the suspension, Milwaukee would find financial and roster relief, enabling them to sign a player. For the 76ers, a trio of Maxey, Antetokounmpo, and Embiid positions Philadelphia as a championship contender presently, though at the expense of its future.
Wild card: Cavs propose package built around Mobley
Cleveland Cavaliers receive:
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Thanasis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks receive:
Lonzo Ball
Evan Mobley
Jalen Wilson
2031 first-round pick (via Cavaliers)
Brooklyn Nets receive:
Max Strus
2030 swap (via Cavaliers)
2032 swap (via Cavaliers)
Mobley, last season’s Defensive Player of the Year and an All-NBA player at just 23 years old, has been pivotal to Cleveland’s future. yet, given the Cavaliers’ present fragility, could they consider trading him to team Antetokounmpo with fellow All-NBA first-teamer Donovan Mitchell?
since Cleveland is already over the second luxury tax apron, trading for a player of Antetokounmpo’s salary requires shedding at least $14 million. The Cavaliers achieve this by trading Strus to Brooklyn, which can absorb more salary using cap space. Milwaukee would acquire two players on expiring contracts (Ball has a team option for 2026-27), a 2031 unprotected first-round pick, and a fresh cornerstone in Mobley. — Pelton
Marks’ analysis: This trade scores high for creative maneuvering, considering Cleveland’s adjustments to comply with the salary cap. Financial factors aside, Mobley provides Milwaukee with a star to build around. yet, for such a deal, Cleveland would need assurance that Antetokounmpo would commit to an extension in October.
Marks’ verdict: Bucks get their franchise player … in Edgecombe
Each of the six trades presents a convincing case.
Golden State’s offer of four unprotected first-round picks is hard to decline, especially with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green nearing the ends of their careers. The trade involving Minnesota and Toronto rebuilds Milwaukee’s draft equity lost in past trades, while offering three former first-round picks and established players like RJ Barrett and Julius Randle for a rapid turnaround. and, acquiring a former Defensive Player of the Year in Mobley provides a solid foundation for any rebuild.
Yet only one of these trades allows Milwaukee to acquire a top-tier prospect under a rookie contract: the Sixers’ offer featuring Edgecombe.
Retaining Antetokounmpo in the East and assuming the hefty contract obligations of George isn’t enticing, but landing Edgecombe, along with two future unprotected first-round picks and likely a lottery selection in the upcoming draft, would set Milwaukee’s rebuild on a positive trajectory. (mainly: except if the Bucks are regaining their future picks from Portland, there’s little reason to undergo a full reset.)
