Trade rumors surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo continue to swirl as this season’s deadline approaches. Tension is rising in the Milwaukee Bucks locker room as the superstar’s growing uncertainty makes a trade more likely once Antetokounmpo officially requests it. Multiple teams are eager for the chance to add a two-time MVP and NBA Champion to their roster.
Despite widespread speculation, two teams stand out as the leading candidates to land Antetokounmpo. On Run It Back, reporter Sam Amick noted that the New York Knicks and Miami Heat are considered the most realistic destinations based on multiple reports linking the superstar to each franchise.
Sam Amick calls the Heat an "interesting" trade suitor for Giannis 🔥
"If the Knicks thing is too hard to execute… maybe he looks at Miami and tries to make that work."@sam_amick | @MichelleDBeadle | @boogiecousins | @ChandlerParsons | @TeamLou23 pic.twitter.com/YdElWHCOcO
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) December 9, 2025
“They have a lot of good things going for them. The culture is intact; we know the interest is there. I think Miami could be a great fit if the Knicks thing isn’t there,” Amick remarked.
Will Giannis Antetokounmpo leave Milwaukee?
Nov 17, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
Giannis Antetokounmpo has expressed interest in joining the New York Knicks, a preference he has held since last offseason, according to Sam Amick. The Knicks offer a massive market, business opportunities, and the chance to expand his presence in mainstream culture, making them an appealing destination.
Meanwhile, the Miami Heat present a strong secondary option, able to position Giannis as the centerpiece of their franchise if New York cannot assemble an offer that satisfies Milwaukee’s requirements.
Nov 10, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts against the Dallas Mavericks during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Milwaukee’s season has taken a downturn, and losing Giannis Antetokounmpo for multiple weeks leaves them with little chance of contending for a title. If the Greek Freak requests a trade, he is still expected to prioritize the Knicks as his top destination ahead of the February trade deadline.
“New York, as a market, Giannis and his business sense has looked at that in the past. It’s something that people kind of sleep on with him is that he’s one of those guys,” Amick continued. “Whether it’s a product of his upbringing or what it might be, he has no interest in leaving any money on the table and he wants the biggest profile off the court. New York checks all those boxes.”