The Milwaukee Bucks have no doubt fielded calls from multiple teams regarding a trade package for two-time league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak possibly being on the move is the number one storyline this trade deadline, and while no deal has materialized yet, the Miami Heat and the Golden State Warriors are rumored to be the two teams at the top of the queue. However, on February 3, a new team has tossed their hat in the ring – one of the Bucks’ division rivals.
Nov 17, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (18) and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) celebrate in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
Cleveland Cavaliers Targeting Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Milwaukee Bucks have reportedly waived away offers from teams like the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat. Determined to ensure a quality return package for one of the league’s most transcendent talents, general manager Jon Horst wants to acquire multiple strong young players and draft picks in exchange for the franchise legend. Miami and Golden State have been pegged as two teams who are able to make a compelling offer if they choose to go all-in.
However, the Cleveland Cavaliers are now emerging as a team that could make a drastic swing for Giannis. The Cavs have been near the top of the Eastern Conference for years now, but have dramatically underperformed in the playoffs. The front office is clearly looking to make moves, as they just dealt veteran wing DeAndre Hunter in a salary-shedding move days earlier. NBA Insider Brian Windhorst reported that the Cavs have already contacted Milwaukee to discuss an Antetokounmpo deal.
🚨 The Cavs have contacted the Bucks about Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Mavericks about Anthony Davis, per @WindhorstESPN
Cleveland is ACTIVE 😳
(Via @ESPNCleveland ) pic.twitter.com/1x6C4UUtVH
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 3, 2026
Desperate Cleveland Cavaliers Could Be the Team to Score Giannis Antetokounmpo
When James Harden agreed with the Los Angeles Clippers to put his name in the trade market, Cleveland was a team alleged to be sniffing around the 11-time All-Star. The Cavs could be looking to upgrade from the oft-hurt Darius Garland. Some have even labeled Ja Morant as a target for Cleveland. The fact that they have also inquired about Anthony Davis points to the Cavs being a team that is hellbent on making a move.
Oct 26, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard De’Andre Hunter (12) during the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
The Cavs have most of their own draft picks to trade and several quality players that they could use to make an attractive package for Milwaukee. NBA writer Kevin O’Connor thinks Cleveland is due for a big swing.
Shaking up the roster is the right path for the Cavaliers.
Garland is small and not durable.
Allen is a shrinking violet in the playoffs.
Mobley is great on D but still inconsistent offensively.
Mitchell is closest to a keeper. The East is open. Time to make some bold moves.
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnor) February 3, 2026
However, even if Milwaukee finds an appealing set of players and picks from Cleveland, there are some financial barriers in the way of a potential deal that Cleveland would need to address with some setup moves. O’Connor explains the impact of the dreaded second apron on Cleveland’s ability to add Antetokounmpo. In short – it’s possible if the Cavs can wiggle out some more salary prior to a deal with the Bucks.
The Cavs would need to get under the second apron in order to acquire either Giannis or AD. They are currently $13.8M over. Second apron teams cannot combine more than one player in a deal, or take back more salary than they’re sending out. That’s why they’d have to get under. https://t.co/PUKC5eexrr
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnor) February 3, 2026
Dealing Giannis within the division would be an unfortunate place for him to land, because Milwaukee would then have to face him four times per season moving forward. Yet, there’s a world where Cleveland can make the best offer and the Bucks feel like they have to pull the trigger.
Dec 20, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow us at@WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports,click here!