Thirty games into the season, the Milwaukee Bucks face mounting pressure. They occupy 11th place in the Eastern Conference, and uncertainty surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s long term future has only intensified. Earlier this month, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Antetokounmpo and his agent planned to reassess his situation with the franchise, igniting fresh speculation around the league.
PFSN writer Brandon Austin later pointed to the Toronto Raptors as a possible destination if Milwaukee considers a major move. Not everyone agrees with that approach, however, as former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins urged Toronto to avoid a headline grabbing swing and instead pursue a more realistic path forward.
Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins has urged the Raptors to move away from any pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Speaking with Richard Jefferson and the Road Trippin crew on the podcast, Perkins pushed the Raptors toward a different target, suggesting they focus on Lakers guard Austin Reaves instead. Reaves is in the middle of a four year, $53 million deal he signed in 2023 and, in Perkins’ view, represents a more practical and attainable option for Toronto.
The Raptors should target Austin Reaves instead of Giannis Antetokounmpo
Dec 4, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) passes the ball away from Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) and guard Jamal Shead (23) in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
“I will wait, if I’m Toronto. Well, I’m trying to get Austin Reaves this offseason. I’m trying to go get Austin Reaves,” Big Perk remarked.
Reaves is putting together a breakout season, averaging 27.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.5 assists while establishing himself as the Lakers’ most reliable backcourt partner. Los Angeles previously tried to lock him up with a four year, $89.2 million extension, which he declined before agreeing to his current four year, $53 million contract. That gamble is paying off, as the 27 year old now holds a $14.8 million player option and has significantly raised his market value.
Nov 4, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) hangs off of the basket after dunking aginast the Toronto Raptors during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Recent seasons have shown how quickly big swings can backfire, even when a talent like Giannis Antetokounmpo enters the conversation. He still commands serious attention from front offices, particularly in an Eastern Conference that feels up for grabs, but history has sharpened the lesson.
The Raptors profile closer to a fringe playoff group than a true contender, and while Scottie Barnes continues to grow into a dynamic, do it all presence, building a roster that fully supports his style remains complicated and mirrors many of the same roster balance questions that follow Giannis.