Ranking Giannis' trade landing spots if Bucks decide to deal their star
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Ranking Giannis' trade landing spots if Bucks decide to deal their star
Lorenzo Reyes, USA TODAY·USA TODAY Sports
·
4 min read
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When it comes toGiannis Antetokounmpo, there's plenty of smoke for there to be concern about a fire.
The 30-year-old nine-time All-Star had been sidelined with a groin strain but has since returned. TheMilwaukee Bucks, however, are still struggling, limping out to a 9-13 record.
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Antetokounmpo scrubbed his social media accountsof almost every reference or photo from his time with the Bucks, sparking speculation about trade rumors. That was Tuesday. But on Wednesday, Dec. 3,ESPN reportedthat Antetokounmpo and his agent have begun conversations with the Bucks about Antetokounmpo's future and his fit with Milwaukee.
ESPN also reported that a resolution was expected in the coming weeks.
Since 2017, the NBA and Nike have teamed up to release City Edition jerseys for teams across the league. The idea was to celebrate the unique heritage of each city and connect with each fanbase on a more personal level. Check out this year's looks.
(Nike)
Atlanta Hawks
(Nike)
Atlanta Hawks
(Nike)
Atlanta Hawks
(Nike)
Boston Celtics
(Nike)
Boston Celtics
(Nike)
Boston Celtics
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Brooklyn Nets
(Nike)
Brooklyn Nets
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Brooklyn Nets
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Charlotte Hornets
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Charlotte Hornets
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Charlotte Hornets
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Chicago Bulls
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Chicago Bulls
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Chicago Bulls
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Cleveland Cavaliers
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Cleveland Cavaliers
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Cleveland Cavaliers
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Dallas Mavericks
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Dallas Mavericks
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Dallas Mavericks
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Dallas Mavericks
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Denver Nuggets
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Denver Nuggets
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Denver Nuggets
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Detroit Pistons
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Detroit Pistons
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Detroit Pistons
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Golden State Warriors
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Golden State Warriors
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Golden State Warriors
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Houston Rockets
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Houston Rockets
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Houston Rockets
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Indiana Pacers
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Indiana Pacers
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Indiana Pacers
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Los Angeles Lakers
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Los Angeles Lakers
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Los Angeles Lakers
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Memphis Grizzlies
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Memphis Grizzlies
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Memphis Grizzlies
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Miami Heat
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Miami Heat
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Miami Heat
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Milwaukee Bucks
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Milwaukee Bucks
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Milwaukee Bucks
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Minnesota Timberwolves
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Minnesota Timberwolves
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Minnesota Timberwolves
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New Orleans Pelicans
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New Orleans Pelicans
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New Orleans Pelicans
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New York Knicks
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New York Knicks
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New York Knicks
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New York Knicks
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Oklahoma City Thunder
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Oklahoma City Thunder
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Oklahoma City Thunder
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Orlando Magic
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Orlando Magic
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Orlando Magic
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Philadelphia 76ers
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Philadelphia 76ers
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Philadelphia 76ers
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Phoenix Suns
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Phoenix Suns
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Phoenix Suns
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Portland Trail Blazers
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Portland Trail Blazers
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Portland Trail Blazers
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Sacramento Kings
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Sacramento Kings
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Sacramento Kings
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San Antonio Spurs
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San Antonio Spurs
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San Antonio Spurs
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Toronto Raptors
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Toronto Raptors
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Toronto Raptors
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Utah Jazz
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Utah Jazz
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Utah Jazz
(Nike)
Washington Wizards
(Nike)
Washington Wizards
(Nike)
Washington Wizards
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1/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Since 2017, the NBA and Nike have teamed up to release City Edition jerseys for teams across the league. The idea was to celebrate the unique heritage of each city and connect with each fanbase on a more personal level. Check out this year's looks.
(Nike)
1/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Since 2017, the NBA and Nike have teamed up to release City Edition jerseys for teams across the league. The idea was to celebrate the unique heritage of each city and connect with each fanbase on a more personal level. Check out this year's looks.
(Nike)
2/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Atlanta Hawks
(Nike)
3/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Atlanta Hawks
(Nike)
4/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Atlanta Hawks
(Nike)
5/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Boston Celtics
(Nike)
6/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Boston Celtics
(Nike)
7/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Boston Celtics
(Nike)
8/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Brooklyn Nets
(Nike)
9/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Brooklyn Nets
(Nike)
10/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Brooklyn Nets
(Nike)
11/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Charlotte Hornets
(Nike)
12/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Charlotte Hornets
(Nike)
13/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Charlotte Hornets
(Nike)
14/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Chicago Bulls
(Nike)
15/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Chicago Bulls
(Nike)
16/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Chicago Bulls
(Nike)
17/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Cleveland Cavaliers
(Nike)
18/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Cleveland Cavaliers
(Nike)
19/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Cleveland Cavaliers
(Nike)
20/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Dallas Mavericks
(Nike)
21/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Dallas Mavericks
(Nike)
22/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Dallas Mavericks
(Nike)
23/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Dallas Mavericks
(Nike)
24/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Denver Nuggets
(Nike)
25/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Denver Nuggets
(Nike)
26/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Denver Nuggets
(Nike)
27/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Detroit Pistons
(Nike)
28/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Detroit Pistons
(Nike)
29/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Detroit Pistons
(Nike)
30/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Golden State Warriors
(Nike)
31/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Golden State Warriors
(Nike)
32/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Golden State Warriors
(Nike)
33/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Houston Rockets
(Nike)
34/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Houston Rockets
(Nike)
35/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Houston Rockets
(Nike)
36/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Indiana Pacers
(Nike)
37/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Indiana Pacers
(Nike)
38/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Indiana Pacers
(Nike)
39/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Los Angeles Lakers
(Nike)
40/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Los Angeles Lakers
(Nike)
41/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Los Angeles Lakers
(Nike)
42/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Memphis Grizzlies
(Nike)
43/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Memphis Grizzlies
(Nike)
44/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Memphis Grizzlies
(Nike)
45/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Miami Heat
(Nike)
46/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Miami Heat
(Nike)
47/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Miami Heat
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48/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Milwaukee Bucks
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49/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Milwaukee Bucks
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50/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Milwaukee Bucks
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51/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Minnesota Timberwolves
(Nike)
52/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Minnesota Timberwolves
(Nike)
53/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Minnesota Timberwolves
(Nike)
54/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
New Orleans Pelicans
(Nike)
55/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
New Orleans Pelicans
(Nike)
56/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
New Orleans Pelicans
(Nike)
57/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
New York Knicks
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58/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
New York Knicks
(Nike)
59/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
New York Knicks
(Nike)
60/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
New York Knicks
(Nike)
61/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Oklahoma City Thunder
(Nike)
62/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Oklahoma City Thunder
(Nike)
63/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Oklahoma City Thunder
(Nike)
64/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Orlando Magic
(Nike)
65/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Orlando Magic
(Nike)
66/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Orlando Magic
(Nike)
67/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Philadelphia 76ers
(Nike)
68/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Philadelphia 76ers
(Nike)
69/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Philadelphia 76ers
(Nike)
70/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Phoenix Suns
(Nike)
71/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Phoenix Suns
(Nike)
72/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Phoenix Suns
(Nike)
73/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Portland Trail Blazers
(Nike)
74/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Portland Trail Blazers
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75/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Portland Trail Blazers
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76/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Sacramento Kings
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77/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Sacramento Kings
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78/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Sacramento Kings
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79/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
San Antonio Spurs
(Nike)
80/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
San Antonio Spurs
(Nike)
81/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
San Antonio Spurs
(Nike)
82/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Toronto Raptors
(Nike)
83/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Toronto Raptors
(Nike)
84/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Toronto Raptors
(Nike)
85/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Utah Jazz
(Nike)
86/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Utah Jazz
(Nike)
87/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Utah Jazz
(Nike)
88/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Washington Wizards
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89/90
Nike shows off NBA’s popular 'City Edition' uniforms. See them all
Washington Wizards
(Nike)
90/90
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Washington Wizards
(Nike)
Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, is a singular talent, unstoppable in transition and freakishly athletic for someone his size. Any potential trade may involve multiple teams and will certainly be an exchange of significant assets.
One thing to note: the NBA trade deadline is Thursday, Feb. 5, though some Antetokounmpo deals may be easier to execute over the offseason, when draft picks become available to trade.
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In the meantime, here's a look at possible trade destinations forGiannis Antetokounmpo:
According toa different ESPN report, Antetokounmpo already asked for a trade and specifically asked to be sent to the Knicks. While that may be his preferred destination, the Bucks would be under no obligation to facilitate a deal to New York. Still, Antetokounmpo is wildly talented, so the Knicks could theoretically intensify any potential offer, should the interest be mutual.
Any deal for Antetokounmpo would likely involve forward-centerKarl-Anthony Townsand would make the Knicks a legitimate threat to win the Eastern Conference — more than they already are. The bigger issue is New York's salary cap situation, as it has little breathing room under the punitive second apron.
Perhaps a more likely scenario is across the East River. No team has been amassing draft capital more than the Nets, who have at least 12 first-round selections over the next seven drafts. Given the state of the Bucks' roster, draft picks might be the most appealing asset, anyway, and the Nets have the salary cap flexibility to accommodate Antetokounmpo.
In April, Brooklyn also became the first team in NBA history to use five picks in the first round of a draft, so the Nets could offer any current rookies that Milwaukee may find intriguing.
To make it happen, the Spurs have plenty of talented guards that could entice Milwaukee.Stephon Castlewon Rookie of the Year last season and No. 2 overall selectionDylan Harperhas flashed through his first six weeks of the season. San Antonio also has De'Aaron Fox. Still, that won't be nearly enough, as the Spurs would also need to include valuable draft capital.
Oct. 26: The Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg dunks the ball past the Toronto Raptors' Sandro Mamukelashvili at the American Airlines Center.
(Jerome Miron, Imagn Images)
Oct. 26: The Washington Wizards' Cam Whitmore dunks the ball against the Charlotte Hornets at Capital One Arena.
(Rafael Suanes, Imagn Images)
Oct. 26: The Brooklyn Nets' Michael Porter Jr. dunks in front of the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama at Frost Bank Center.
(Daniel Dunn, Imagn Images)
Oct. 25: The Denver Nuggets' Christian Braun dunks the ball against the Phoenix Suns' Grayson Allen at Ball Arena.
(Christopher Hanewinckel, Imagn Images)
Oct. 24: The Memphis Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson Jr. dunks against the Miami Heat at FedExForum.
(Petre Thomas, Imagn Images)
Oct. 24: The Miami Heat's Bam Adebayo dunks over the Memphis Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson Jr. at FedExForum.
(Petre Thomas, Imagn Images)
Oct. 22: The New York Knicks' OG Anunoby goes up for a reverse dunk against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
Oct. 22: The Utah Jazz's Lauri Markkanen dunks against the Los Angeles Clippers at Delta Center.
(Rob Gray, Imagn Images)
1/8
Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents
Oct. 26: The Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg dunks the ball past the Toronto Raptors' Sandro Mamukelashvili at the American Airlines Center.
(Jerome Miron, Imagn Images)
1/8
Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents
Oct. 26: The Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg dunks the ball past the Toronto Raptors' Sandro Mamukelashvili at the American Airlines Center.
(Jerome Miron, Imagn Images)
2/8
Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents
Oct. 26: The Washington Wizards' Cam Whitmore dunks the ball against the Charlotte Hornets at Capital One Arena.
(Rafael Suanes, Imagn Images)
3/8
Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents
Oct. 26: The Brooklyn Nets' Michael Porter Jr. dunks in front of the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama at Frost Bank Center.
(Daniel Dunn, Imagn Images)
4/8
Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents
Oct. 25: The Denver Nuggets' Christian Braun dunks the ball against the Phoenix Suns' Grayson Allen at Ball Arena.
(Christopher Hanewinckel, Imagn Images)
5/8
Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents
Oct. 24: The Memphis Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson Jr. dunks against the Miami Heat at FedExForum.
(Petre Thomas, Imagn Images)
6/8
Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents
Oct. 24: The Miami Heat's Bam Adebayo dunks over the Memphis Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson Jr. at FedExForum.
(Petre Thomas, Imagn Images)
7/8
Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents
Oct. 22: The New York Knicks' OG Anunoby goes up for a reverse dunk against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
8/8
Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents
Oct. 22: The Utah Jazz's Lauri Markkanen dunks against the Los Angeles Clippers at Delta Center.
This is an interesting case. Typically, when a player like Antetokounmpo becomes available, just about every team shows some interest. The Rockets have plenty of intriguing young pieces likeAmen ThompsonandJabari Smith Jr.to entice the Bucks. The question is whether Houston would already want to revamp its win-now build withKevin Durantas the centerpiece.
This might be more of an under-the-radar candidate, but the Hawks do have some young assets like last season's No. 1 overall selectionZaccharie RisacherandJalen Johnson, though Atlanta also may be looking to move on from veteran point guardTraeYoung.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) defends Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) Nov 15, 2025 at Fiserv Forum: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Antetokounmpo has said he wants to compete for NBA titles, and pairing him alongsideLuka Dončićcreates a dynamic threat. But the Lakers don't have very many assets to ship — at least not now. Aside fromAustin Reaves, they lack young assets to send. They are also unable to offer multiple first-round draft picks until the offseason.
The field
As mentioned above, pretty much every team would want a player like Antetokounmpo. Teams that are currently competitive but maybe a star away – teams such as thePistons,Timberwolves,Cavaliers,Mavericksand Heat – may consider packaging their assets in an offer. Still, the ESPN report makes clear that anything related to Antetokounmpo's future will involve an ongoing conversation with Milwaukee. Because the Bucks, undoubtedly, do not want to move him and likely won't, unless he asks out and makes things a little messy.
