Every team in the NBA would love to add Giannis Antetokounmpo to their roster, but if the Milwaukee Bucks seriously explore trade options for their two-time MVP this offseason, two of the league’s most prominent franchises — the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks — may need help from the superstar himself to make a deal happen.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, speaking on Monday’s episode of Get Up, the Lakers and Knicks could be in the mix for Antetokounmpo even without offering the strongest packages. However, they would likely need the player’s direct involvement to sway the Bucks’ decision.
“He’s got two years on his contract,” Windhorst said. “That means he doesn’t have to work with the Bucks. A team that traded for him would know they have him for two years. But it would be better for all parties if the Bucks worked with Giannis, and then there would be a contract extension put in place when he was traded. If a team trading for him knew they were going to have him basically for the rest of his prime, their offer would increase.”
But Milwaukee’s position is complicated by their current lack of control over future draft picks.
“Milwaukee does not control their draft for the next five years,” Windhorst explained. “That means if you’re putting together a package of draft picks assuming Milwaukee will be bad, that’s not attractive. They need players back — and would also like picks, but not if you’re giving Giannis away to build a superteam.”
Windhorst pointed to San Antonio, Houston, and Brooklyn as teams with the player assets and draft capital that better fit what Milwaukee is looking for in return.
Los Angeles Lakers And New York Knicks Case For Giannis Antetokounmpo
As for the Lakers and Knicks?
“Could the Lakers make an offer? Yes. Could Giannis come in and say, ‘I am going nowhere but the Lakers?’ Yes. And if that happens, that would increase it. But I don’t think the Lakers or the Knicks could make an offer that’s in the top five or six. Because Giannis potentially has agency in this, then you would say his words would matter a lot,” Windhorst added.
That dynamic could be a critical factor in determining where Giannis plays next. Though the Bucks aren’t required to cooperate, it would be surprising if they didn’t involve their franchise player in any trade discussions. After all, Antetokounmpo has demonstrated consistent loyalty to the team, signing max extensions in both 2020 and 2023, and famously leading Milwaukee to its first NBA title in 50 years as Finals MVP in 2021.
His résumé is elite: two MVPs, a Defensive Player of the Year award, eight All-NBA selections, five All-Defensive honors, and nine All-Star appearances.
With that in mind, maintaining a respectful relationship is a likely priority for Milwaukee’s front office, even if they end up moving their most iconic player.
Adding to the intrigue, Shams Charania of ESPN reported that Antetokounmpo’s representatives, Giorgios Panou and Alex Saratsis, are expected to meet with the Bucks this offseason to evaluate their options. According to Charania:
“For the first time in his career, Antetokounmpo is open-minded about exploring whether his best long-term fit is remaining in Milwaukee or playing elsewhere.”
Any such discussions “start primarily with where he believes his long-term future lies, and whether there is a franchise outside of Milwaukee that is sensible for him.”
That sounds like a player who’s ready to at least consider a change of scenery.
A move to Los Angeles or New York would land him in a global market with championship ambitions. The Lakers, for example, could field a superteam with LeBron James, Luka Dončić (if acquired), and Giannis — a nightmare scenario for the rest of the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Knicks could form a fearsome trio of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Antetokounmpo that would immediately challenge Boston in the East.
That championship potential could be especially appealing given the uncertainty surrounding the Bucks’ roster. Damian Lillard may miss the entire upcoming season due to a torn Achilles. Key contributors like Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis, Taurean Prince, Kevin Porter Jr., Pat Connaughton, and Gary Trent Jr. all have player options or could depart in free agency. Even with Giannis, Milwaukee may not be in serious title contention next season.
That reality may ultimately force the Bucks’ hand. Trading Antetokounmpo would be a seismic decision — one no franchise takes lightly. But if Milwaukee is unable to build a viable contender around him, and if Giannis sees greener pastures elsewhere, a deal might be in everyone’s best interest.