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Bucks rumors: Giannis Antetokounmpo open to exploring trade out of Milwaukee

Originally posted on NBA on ClutchPoints | By Jason Patt | Last updated May 12, 2025 8:58 AM ET

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is “open-minded about exploring whether his best long-term fit is remaining in Milwaukee or playing elsewhere,” according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Giannis reportedly hasn’t made any firm decisions on his future, but he’ll sit down with the Bucks this offseason and ultimately make a choice from there.

The 2025 NBA Draft Lottery on Monday will bring a bit more clarity for teams around the league about their futures, and Antetokounmpo suitors are “expected to ramp up due diligence during combine week,” per Shams. Teams have been asking about Giannis’ trade availability for years, but now it seems as if there’s a real possibility of a trade.

That’s because the Bucks have hit a wall since winning the NBA title in 2021. Milwaukee has lost in the first round of the playoffs three straight years, including twice in a row to the Indiana Pacers. The Bucks’ flameout in the 2025 playoffs featured a season-ending Damian Lillard injury and an epic Game 5 collapse in which they blew a seven-point lead in the final minute, leading to a heated moment between Giannis and Tyrese Haliburton’s dad.

The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade speculation began immediately after that loss, and now it’s going to really kick into high gear with the confirmation that he’s thinking about going elsewhere. While this report doesn’t guarantee a trade will go down, this kind of thing coming out is usually the precursor to a deal.

Bucks in a tough spot with Giannis Antetokounmpo

Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Giannis is still playing some of the best basketball of his career at 30 years old, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists in 67 games to become an MVP finalist. But the championship core that previously surrounded Antetokounmpo is long gone, with Jrue Holiday sent packing in the Lillard trade that’s now officially a bust with his unfortunate injury and Khris Middleton sent to the Washington Wizards in the disastrous Kyle Kuzma deal. Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis are still around, but Lopez is a shell of himself as he ages.

With Lillard likely out for all of next season, little draft capital in tow and limited roster flexibility overall, the Bucks feel stuck. That’s why Giannis has to consider a trade elsewhere despite many thinking he could be a Milwaukee lifer.

The Bucks, of course, will want the world if trade talks move forward, and there should be no shortage of suitors even if he has a list. The Houston Rockets immediately come to mind after their own first-round loss, given they have the assets to make it work and are in position to make a big splash to get to the next level. The Oklahoma City Thunder would be fun to think about as well due to their treasure trove of assets, but any potential pursuit could be determined by whatever happens in the playoffs. Or how about teaming Giannis with Victor Wembanyama? The Cleveland Cavaliers would also be interesting if they go down to the Pacers as well.

There should be plenty of options for Giannis Antetokounmpo to consider. Buckle up.

This article first appeared on NBA on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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