Giannis Antetokounmpo has spent his entire thirteen year career so far in Milwaukee and delivered the franchise only their second NBA title in history in 2021.
Just five years on from that historic title run and it seems like Antetokounmpo's patience for another NBA championship is running thin. The Bucks's are currently the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference and are an alarming 1-5 when the Greek sensation has not been on the court this season.
Let's take a look at the five most realistic trade packages that could potentially come Milwaukee's way if the two-time former MVP decides to push for a move elsewhere.
Detroit Pistons Receive:
Milwaukee Bucks Receive:
Tobias Harris
Jaden Ivey
Ausar Thompson
Bobi Klintman
3 Unprotected First Round Picks (2027 DET, 2029 DET and 2031 DET)
7 Second Round Picks
obias Harris #12 of the Detroit Pistons defends Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. - Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images.
First up the side currently sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons. JB Bickerstaff has completely transformed the culture in Detroit since his arrival in the July of 2024, the Pistons are built on pure determination and a desire to reach the pinnacle of the sport. This clearly aligns with Antetokounmpo's current mindset.
Despite already having an balanced and cohesive roster, the opportunity to add one of the best players in the sport does not come around very often so the Pistons front office might see this as the perfect time to go all in.
In this mock trade, the Bucks get two expiring contracts of the Veteran Tobias Harris and the exciting young guard Jaden Ivey alongside the #5 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Ausar Thompson who is beginning to blossom into an extremely impressive two-way player at the highest level.
The three first-round picks do not project to be particularly valuable as you would expect a team led by the "Greek Freak" and Cade Cunningham to be ever-present at the top of the East for years to come.
Atlanta Hawks Receive:
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Jericho Sims
Amir Coffey
Milwaukee Bucks Receive:
Zaccharie Risacher #10 of the Atlanta Hawks drives around Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks - Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images.
The Atlanta Hawks have the unique advantage of immediately handing Milwaukee their own firsts for the next two years. This would be crucial for the Bucks as any Antetokounmpo trade would signify a full-scale rebuild.
While the 2027 pick is excepted to be a solid asset, the 2026 Swap projects to be the best asset in this package with the New Orleans Pelicans currently sitting 3-21. The worst record in the entire NBA.
The No. 1 pick in the 2024 Draft, Zaccharie Risacher has endured a difficult start to his sophomore campaign but still has prominent upside for a Bucks side bereft of young talent.
Kristaps Porzingis's $30 million contract falls of the books at seasons end, this would allow pretty much complete cap flexibly next off-season something that is perfect for a franchise effectively starting over.
Miami Heat Receive:
Milwaukee Bucks Receive:
Tyler Herro
Davion Mitchell
Kel'el Ware
Kasparas Jakučionis
3 Unprotected First Round Picks (2028 MIA, 2030 MIA and 2032 MIA)
4 Second Round Picks
Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat shoots over Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at Fiserv Forum - Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images.
The first two packages presented Milwaukee with mostly salary filler, young prospects and draft assets while this proposition offers up a collection of more well-established players all under contract for at least the next two seasons.
For the Bucks this package might be the best of both worlds. 2025 All-Star, Tyler Herro is just coming back from an ankle injury but has consistently averaged over 20 points a game over the last five years. The former Kentucky guard would potentially combine with the Bucks's breakout star, Ryan Rollins to create an extremely interesting backcourt for the future in Wisconsin.
Kel'el Ware exceeded all expectations last campaign as a rookie, the athletic big uses his monstrous 7ft4 wingspan to dominate the rim and has even took a step forward offensively so far this season.
Despite having only played one minute of NBA action so far, Kasparas Jakučionis might have the highest up-side of any asset in this package. The Lithuanian impressed many during his lone season at Illinois with his remarkable vision, excellent ball handling ability and positional versilbility.
San Antonio Spurs Receive:
Milwaukee Bucks Receive:
Stephon Castle
Keldon Johnson
Harrison Barnes
Carter Bryant
2 Unprotected First Round Picks (2027 ATL and 2032 SAS)
1 First Round Pick Swap (2030 Best DAL or MIN)
Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball against Harrison Barnes #40 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum - Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images.
Giannis and Victor Wembanyama. Wow. For the Spurs, aqqurring a player of Antetokounmpo's pedigree while keeping hold of DeAaron Fox and Dylan Harper would elevate the franchise into instant title contention and maximise their window while Wemby is still on his rookie deal.
The 2025 Rookie of the Year, Stephon Castle is already averaging over 17 points per game in Texas and could be the next "face" of the franchise for Milwaukee post Antetokounmpo if his upwards trodjectory continues.
Keldon Johnson and Harrison Barnes are both productive and experienced NBA players who the Bucks could potentially flip for further draft assets or younger pieces if Milwaukee's GM Jon Horst favours a complete rebuild.
The #14 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Carter Bryant is a very productive catch and shoot player and has also displayed his suffocating defensive abilities at Arizona and in his limited role with the Spurs this season.
Boston Celtics Receive:
Milwaukee Bucks Receive:
Boston Celtics SG Jaylen Brown is defended by Milwaukee Bucks Forward Giannis Antetokounmpo in the third quarter - Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images.
With Boston's star Jayson Tatum out for the season with a torn achilles. The 2024 Finals MVP, Jaylen Brown has exploded as a "Number 1" option as the 29 year-old is currently averaging a career best 29.1 points and 4.9 assists per game.
The Celtics's could see this as the perfect opportunity to "sell high" on Brown and add a generational talent like Giannis to accompany a fully-fit Tatum at the beginning of the 2026/27 season.
If Giannis desires a "big market" destination, an All-NBA calibre player plus two first rounders is most likely the best return Milwaukee can hope for in today's market.
Despite currently sitting at an impressive 15-9 record, there is still real possibility that an injury affected Celtics squad could miss out on the post season for the first time since 2014. If so, an additional ticket in the unpredictable Draft Lottery could yet bear fruit for the Bucks.
What trade is best for Milwaukee?
head coach Doc Rivers of the Milwaukee Bucks (R) speaks with General Manager Jon Horst (L) during a press conference at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin - Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images.
Having ran through five of the most intriguing potential Giannis trades, I believe that the package from the Hawks would be the most beneficial for Milwaukee in the long term.
In truth no potential trade would fully carry the same value to the Bucks as Antetokounmpo does but receiving a former #1 pick and a realistic shot at the first pick in next years loaded draft alongside three further first rounders is close to the maximum possible return.
Each member of the so called “big three” prospects in the class of 2026 would be an extremly valuable starting building block for a new-look franchise in Milwaukee.