Apr 29, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images It seems like Giannis Antetokounmpo trade scenarios will remain the talk of the NBA, even with the Finals in full swing.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the momentum for Antetokounmpo to request a trade away from the Milwaukee Bucks is quickly losing steam.
“The common belief among league insiders is that he will remain with the only franchise he’s ever played for,” Fischer reported.
The thought has been that unless Antetokounmpo orchestrates a trade out of Milwaukee, the Bucks would be inclined to keep their 30-year-old international superstar. But in the event the Greek Freak changes his mind and wants out?
These five teams actually make sense. And no, the New York Knicks didn’t make this list. It’s hard to see an NBA team willingly handing its franchise icon to a contending rival within the same conference—especially one that lacks draft capital.
1. Dallas Mavericks
This is the most obvious option. The Mavericks somehow rebounded from their disastrous Luka Dončić trade when they lucked into the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
This year’s draft class is headlined by Duke star Cooper Flagg. The Mavericks could shock the NBA world again and send Flagg to the Bucks in a deal for Antetokounmpo, helping Milwaukee expedite its rebuild with a generational talent.
Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison has repeatedly said the Dončić trade was about winning now. With Kyrie Irving coming off a knee injury and Anthony Davis perpetually injured, trading for Antetokounmpo would give the Mavericks a legitimate big three to try to capitalize on their current contention window in the West.
2. San Antonio Spurs
Jan 4, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dunks over San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images This is the second most obvious. The Spurs own the No. 2 overall pick. The issue? They don’t exactly need combo guard Dylan Harper, who has been the consensus No. 2 prospect behind Flagg in the 2025 NBA Draft.
The Spurs already have their own young backcourt with De’Aaron Fox and Devin Vassell. No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama has been as good as advertised during his first two seasons in the NBA.
In the post-Gregg Popovich era, it might be time for the Spurs to make an “all-in” move and land a proven NBA champion to pair with Wemby for years to come.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
Dec 17, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) during the 2nd quarter of the Emirates NBA Cup championship game at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images Let’s get absolutely bananas.
The Thunder entered the 2025 NBA Finals as massive betting favorites against the Indiana Pacers, who stole Game 1. If Oklahoma City loses this series, it would be a massive letdown. The Thunder were consistently the best team throughout the regular season and dominated the NBA playoffs.
But similar to the last time the Thunder cracked the NBA Finals, this is still a young team headlined by reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and youngsters Jaylin Williams and Chet Holmgren.
Despite being the best team in the NBA, the Thunder have a loaded cellar full of draft picks. If they get bounced in the Finals, maybe they take a long look in the mirror and decide it’s time to pull the biggest trigger this offseason has to offer.
But say they win their first championship? They have the bullets to build a dynasty by overwhelming Milwaukee with draft picks to bring Antetokounmpo to Oklahoma City.
4. Detroit Pistons
Mar 11, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Washington Wizards forward Corey Kispert (24) defends against Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) during the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images The Pistons were one of the NBA’s biggest surprises last season, finishing six games above .500 as the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference.
They took the Knicks to six games in the first round of the playoffs, as new head coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s team fought and clawed the same way they did all season.
But if you know anything about the NBA, it’s that young, overachieving teams tend to experience a little natural regression the following year. That would be disappointing for Pistons fans, who emerged from a rebuild but are still seeking playoff success.
Enter Antetokounmpo—an NBA champion who could help the Pistons accelerate their timeline and become a serious contender in the East.
5. Houston Rockets
Mar 4, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) reacts to a call in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images The Rockets have the perfect blend of assets to pull off an Antetokounmpo trade: young players, draft picks and a roster ready to contend.
Head coach Ime Udoka knows how to manage big stars, but the Rockets still don’t have one—despite spending much of the season as the No. 2 seed in the West. Adding Antetokounmpo to their young core would cement Houston as serious players and give them a shot at dethroning Oklahoma City.
