Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Top Destinations for Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Next Chapter If He Decides to Leave Milwaukee

Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The Milwaukee Bucks were knocked out of the first round of the playoffs by the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 Playoffs in back-to-back seasons. The Pacers were by far a better team and it was clear the the Pacers were the higher seed than the Bucks for a reason. The Bucks traded for Damian Lillard, and sent Jrue Holiday to the Boston Celtics, but that has not proved to be fruitful so far mainly because of the Bucks’ history with injuries come postseason. Last season we saw the Bucks battle the Pacers without Giannis Antetokounmpo, and this season Damian Lillard suffered a torn Achilles injury which ultimately ended the Bucks’ championship hopes yet again.

Shams: Giannis Antetokounmpo open-minded about exploring whether best long-term fit is remaining in Milwaukee or playing elsewhere.
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) May 12, 2025

The Bucks have tried everything, and handed out all of their future assets in order to build a championship team around Antetokounmpo. However, nothing has seemed to work for them so far. After the Pacers knocked off the Bucks in the first round, there were a lot of questions about their franchise player, Antetokounmpo’s, future with the team moving forward. And now, according to NBA Insider, Shams Charania, Giannis, for the first time in his career, is open to playing elsewhere to pursue his second NBA championship.

Also Read: 2025 NBA Draft- What Are The Five Best Suited Teams For Cooper Flagg?

So today we’ll discuss the top teams that Antetokounmpo could play for next. So without further ado, let’s get right into it.

Which Teams Could Antetokounmpo Play Next?

Here are the top teams the Antetokounmpo could play for next;

Houston Rockets

The Rockets make a lot of sense for Antetokounmpo to join as they are a team that is just a couple or one player away from making a deep postseason run. The Rockets have some quality young players and draft assets that they could trade in exchange for the Greek Freak. The trade could include Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Dillion Brooks, and a couple of draft picks in exchange for Antetokounmpo.

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs are also in a similar situation, the team could trade away players such as Jeremy Sochan, Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes and multiple picks in exchange for the Greek Freak. Pairing Wembanyama alongside Antetokounmpo could potentially create some of the most devastating front courts we’ve seen in a long time.

The San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets are teams to watch for Giannis Antetokounmpo, per @WindhorstESPN

(🎥 @GetUpESPN ) pic.twitter.com/33GKTpNafB
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 12, 2025

Brooklyn Nets

The Brooklyn Nets have a lot of draft assets because of the Kevin Durant trade that took place a few seasons ago. The Suns have given away most of their draft picks to the Nets in exchange for Durant, and the Bucks could be interested in hearing out the Nets if they plan on rebuilding. However, the Nets do not have quality players to bring in a talent like Antetokounmpo, and it will certainly be difficult to land a player with that much of star power.

New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans control the next three drafts for the Bucks. If the Bucks hope to rebuild by drafting players, they could try to talk to the Pelicans and get whatever they owed the Pelicans back. There is also a possibility that the Pelicans offer Zion Williamson and a couple of more players, with some draft assets to convince the Bucks to give away their best player.

Shams Charania joins ESPN's 'Get Up' to break the news that Giannis Antetokounmpo is open to exploring his options outside of Milwaukee.

"He is the biggest domino in the NBA right now. He's a 30-year-old in the prime of his career. His potential availability is something all 29… pic.twitter.com/6MeMPKH8nB
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 12, 2025

The lottery results tonight will play a huge role in the teams that could be interested in acquiring Antetokounmpo. There is also a major chance that nothing ever happens and Giannis tries to stick with the Bucks for another season, since he is contractually still tied with the Bucks. However, since Giannis has stated previously that he will not be able to sleep peacefully without winning another championship, and he is at the pinnacle of his prime, it is highly possible that Giannis moves to a different team to have a better chance to compete for a championship.

Also Read: Giannis Antetokounmpo Open-Minded About Leaving Bucks for the First Time in His Career

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Milwaukee Bucks

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Eric Divakaran

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I cover the National Football League and things cannot get better than that. I always dreamed to play football or basketball professionally since I’m built like a Running Back. But now that I can’t, since I’m technically in the “Unc” age, I thought why not pick a career in sports industry? So here I am, doing what I love, and hoping that the Commanders win the Super Bowl. I give love to players when it’s due, but can be critical about their performances at the same time. Enough about me, now let my articles do all the talking.