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Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Rumors – Giannis Trade Rumors, Exit From Bucks Speculations Escalate After Damian Lillard’s Injury

The Bucks are on the verge of first-round playoff elimination after trailing 1-3.

Image Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

The rumors of Milwaukee Bucks star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo’s trade have caught fire after the fifth-seeds found themselves on the verge of playoffs elimination for the third straight season. The 2021 Champions are trailing the NBA Playoffs 2025 first-round series 3-1 to the Indiana Pacers. While they had high hopes of making a comeback, All-Star point guard Damian Lillard’s season-ending injury put their dreams on the backseat.

There have been talks that the Greek Freak would be on the move following the season. While the 30-year-old has never shown any inclination towards leaving the franchise which embraced him 12 years ago, there have been whispers that he may not feel entirely satisfied with the direction they are moving in.

Milwaukee doesn’t own their first pick until 2031 and has least favorable first round swaps in 2026, 2028, and 2030. Moreover, it also doesn’t have any first in 2017 and 2029. In addition, stars including Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis, Taurean Prince, Gary Trent Jr. and Kevin Porter Jr. are all free agents.

Antetokounmpo secured eight All-NBA selections, two MVPs, a championship as well as a Finals MVP in the 2021 title run with the Bucks. Not only this, but he exceeded expectations, when he became a top-25 player of all-time. He made it clear in 2023 that he wouldn’t want to spend 20 years on the same team and not win another championship. For him, “Winning a championship comes first.”

However, Antetokounmpo signed another extension soon after, and the Bucks acquired Damian Lillard in a blockbuster trade acquisition. Unfortunately, they couldn’t develop a lethal chemistry and ended up with an underwhelming +4.7 rate this season.

Antetokounmpo, 30, would play several more seasons in the league. It is certain that it would be hard to imagine him spending the prime of his career with a team in disarray. He is an MVP caliber talent, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game this season, and would want to move to another team that could help him add more rings.

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Which Teams Emerge Favorites To Land Giannis Antetokounmpo This Summer?

With the rumors of Antetokounmpo’s potential move from the Bucks, several teams have emerged as favorites to land him. According to NBA Insider Jake Fischer, the San Antonio Spurs have come up as a strong potential landing spot for him as well as Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant. The franchise wants to acquire a strong contender around Victor Wembanayama.

Apart from them, a report by Brian Lewis in early April suggested that the Brooklyn Nets are keen on acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo. He wrote, “Multiple league personnel that have spoken with The Post say Giannis Antetokounmpo has been and remains Plan A for the Nets.”

Moreover, former NBA star Chandler Parson shared his opinion, stating that the Golden State Warriors should think of trading for Antetokounmpo. Appearing on FDTV, he said, “A team like Golden State, Giannis could go there.”

Apart from them, teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks and the Houston Rockets would wish to acquire Greek Freak to strengthen their roster.

Also Read: What’s the Largest Margin of Victory in NBA Playoffs History?

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Milwaukee Bucks

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.