The Milwaukee Bucks appear to have clarified their stance on a potential trade for superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo now that the 2025-26 NBA trade deadline has passed.
Antetokounmpo’s name has dominated trade rumors, raising questions about the future of his long tenure in Milwaukee. With the team struggling since their 2021 championship, it was easy to imagine him seeking a new environment to chase another title.
Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reported that three teams are expected to show the most serious interest in Giannis once trade discussions resume this summer.
The New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly the destinations Antetokounmpo would most like to join. Each franchise operates in a major market and has, at various points, been linked to pursuing Giannis as a prime target.
“People close to Antetokounmpo said the New York Knicks and Miami Heat are his preferred destinations, but he would not rule out the Lakers,” Turner wrote in his article.
Three teams at the top of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s list
Feb 4, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during warmups prior to the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Of the three, Miami was seen as the most likely to land Antetokounmpo this season. New York has long been considered his top choice ever since rumors of a potential move surfaced last summer. The Lakers, meanwhile, have been holding out hope for an offseason opportunity, when increased flexibility could give them a better shot at acquiring Giannis.
Most analysts agreed that the Lakers had little chance of landing Antetokounmpo at this season’s trade deadline unless they were willing to part with Austin Reaves. Los Angeles sees Reaves as a key piece of the team’s future and as a secondary star to pair alongside Luka Doncic.
Dec 31, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during warmups prior to the game against the Washington Wizards at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
The Heat chose not to make any significant roster changes before the trade deadline, maintaining their current squad as a dark horse in the Eastern Conference. According to reports, Miami wants to see how far this roster can go in the playoffs, but it’s evident that their championship window is limited.
The Knicks stepped out of the Antetokounmpo lottery this season, but another playoff disappointment could heighten the urgency for a move.
Milwaukee likely chose to extend the uncertainty into the offseason, hoping to benefit as other franchises reassess their strategies once the season concludes. When that time comes, Giannis’ three top destinations will have a renewed opportunity to pursue the two-time MVP.