Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks have been watching their season slip away, and Monday night’s setback against the struggling Washington Wizards dropped them to 9-13. They have fallen in eight of their last nine games, a run that has dragged the team deeper into trouble.
Antetokounmpo remained with the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason after a turbulent summer, but speculation about his future has flared up again. Recently, he removed all Bucks-related photos from his social media accounts, fueling the rumors.
On his podcast, Bill Simmons floated an idea that could allow Giannis to stay in the Eastern Conference while remaining a championship contender.
Giannis and Kuzma for Trae, Porzingis, the 2026 Pelicans 1st and 3 more firsts and a swap … maybe? pic.twitter.com/fVb5VOjECU
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) December 3, 2025
Simmons outlined a hypothetical trade involving multiple All-Stars that would shake up the Eastern Conference. In his scenario, the Atlanta Hawks would acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kyle Kuzma, while the Milwaukee Bucks would receive Trae Young, Kristaps Porzingis, a 2026 first-round pick, and a 2028 first-round pick.
Giannis Antetokounmpo with the Hawks?
Jan 17, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) is guarded by Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins (20), guard Trae Young (11), and forward De’Andre Hunter (12) during the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
The NBA insider actually suggested the Hawks could give up as many as four first-round picks to land former two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“If Atlanta got Giannis without giving up Jalen Johnson, or [Dyson] Daniels, or even [Zaccharie] Risacher. Could they keep their team which has this really cool identity right now?” Simmons said.
The Hawks have gone 11-6 without Trae Young this season, and many believe Johnson has emerged as the team’s top player even with the veteran guard back in the lineup. Adding Giannis to Atlanta’s already strong frontcourt could give them the defensive firepower to compete with the league’s elite teams.
Jan 17, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) attempts a shot against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and center Bobby Portis (9) during the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
For the Bucks, the deal would allow them to swap a potentially disgruntled star for another top-tier player. Kristaps Porzingis’ expiring contract would free up cap space quickly, and the draft picks could serve as building blocks around Trae Young and key contributors like Myles Turner and Kevin Porter Jr. Another advantage would come from offloading Kyle Kuzma’s $21.5 million salary.
It is a trade scenario that offers potential benefits to both teams but carries significant risk. Is Giannis truly unhappy in Milwaukee? Would the Bucks take a chance on an aging, injury-prone Trae Young? These questions may remain unresolved unless a blockbuster deal of this magnitude actually takes place.