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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 19: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on January 19, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Bucks will have at least four teams likely aggressively going after Giannis Antetokounmpo on the trade block this summer. Antetokounmpo only has one year left on his contract for next season, and the Bucks co-owners have admitted there will be a trade if he doesn’t sign an extension. This past trade deadline saw many teams interested before Giannis and Milwaukee agreed to finish the season together.
NBA insider Kirk Goldsberry named four teams that he forecasts to be strongly interested in trading for Antetokounmpo this offseason:
“So, there are 16 teams, they think they’re in it, two weeks later, there’s eight teams that are out. That’s where I think the Houston’s, the Orlando’s are going to merge. The Knicks, Cleveland, that’s the group I’m looking at.”
Goldsberry named the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, and Houston Rockets as the main teams he expects to go after Giannis. Orlando is the least likely to contend in the playoffs and are already likely planning to put together offseason trade offers. New York, Cleveland, and Houston have strong goals for the playoffs. Any of them losing early will see a need for a risky move in the offseason to improve their title chances.
Teams Are Missing From Giannis Sweepstakes
The teams interested in Giannis during the regular season trade deadline will likely also still have hope in the offseason. However, Goldsberry didn’t name a handful of teams that have been in trade talks already with Milwaukee before they decided against a trade now.
The Minnesota Timberwolves were reportedly the favorites to land Antetokounmpo this past deadline until they realized the Bucks weren’t serious about a quick move. Minnesota trading some of their assets for role players to boost this season’s playoff run likely prevents them from sending an ideal trade package to Milwaukee.
The Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers both have viewed Giannis as a dream target to pair with their current superstars, but both teams lack assets for a blockbuster trade. Pat Riley’s Miami Heat has been a favorite in the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes since the trade rumors started and should be mentioned since they have young prospects and draft picks to trade.
Giannis Could Drastically Change NBA Landscape
Any of the four teams mentioned by Goldsberry would change the balance of the NBA by adding Antetokounmpo. Giannis has reportedly viewed the Knicks as a top option and would become Eastern Conference favorites pairing him with Jalen Brunson.
Houston would sacrifice some youth in favor of pairing Antetokounmpo with Kevin Durant, but they could have some greater risks by losing their depth. Cleveland would have the same issue of having to trade Evan Mobley since the Bucks have viewed him as a top target for Giannis.
Orlando is the most surprising team, but they can either trade Paolo Banchero or Franz Wagner as an established young star since they’ve struggled to play well together. Milwaukee will have some strong options to add young proven talent and draft picks. The franchise must pick the right trade to make their rebuild a smoother process.