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Bucks Star Giannis Antetokounmpo's Ideal Trade Destination Revealed

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Dible | Last updated May 12, 2025 11:38 PM ET

The Milwuakee Bucks' postseason ended against the Indiana Pacers earlier this month the same way it has the past two years: with a first-round playoff loss and NBA fans everywhere wondering if the upcoming summer will finally spell the end for Giannis Antetokounmpo's time with the franchise.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, who reported from the NBA draft lottery on Monday, May 12, the time has finally come for serious trade discussions involving Antetokounmpo -- a two-time MVP and NBA champion who will play the 2025-26 campaign at 31 years old.

Charania dubbed the next few months as "the summer of Giannis," adding that the draft lottery in Chicago will double as a summit for teams potentially interested in putting together trade offers for the nine-time All-Star who, for the first time, is open to a move.

And while Charania didn't name specific names when it comes to the teams who present as top contenders for Antetokounmpo, he did identify two specific franchise traits that revealed the ideal landing spot for the superstar.

The two things Charania mentioned specifically were: 1) The opportunity for long-term winning, as Antetokounmpo has already acknowledged that the most important thing for him and his legacy is a second championship ring, and 2) Playing alongside another elite-level star.

Those options narrow down the field considerably, especially when factoring in salary cap realities, trade restrictions due to the new two-tiered apron system and the fact that several of the league's 29 franchises that struggle to piece together viable trade packages for one of the top 3-5 basketball players in the world.

Bobby Marks of ESPN named the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets as the two most equipped teams to make a deal for Antetokounmpo, saying each franchise "fits all the requirements: draft assets, young players, sizable contracts and a win-now roster even after trading for Antetokounmpo."

The Spurs have a the truest future star, with former No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama set to enter his third season in 2025-26 after a blood clot in his shoulder cut his sophomore campaign short. Wembanyama would have likely been an All-NBA selection as well as Defensive Player of the Year at just 21 years old had he played enough games to qualify for those awards.

Marks also named the Oklahoma City Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, Memphis Grizzlies and Detroit Pistons as "wildcards" to get into the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. All five teams can offer long-term winning and a superstar/potential superstar sidekick for the Bucks' big man -- if not two such players, depending on the hypothetical trade deals.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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