Former NBA champ names shock team as fit for Giannis Antetokounmpo

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Former NBA champion names shock team as strong fit for Giannis Antetokounmpo

By Adam Taylor | Last updated Sep 16, 2025 8:16 AM ET

Giannis Antetokounmpo has spent the summer being linked with a potential move away from the Milwaukee Bucks. The two-time MVP is reportedly disheartened with the franchise's recent struggles.

Despite working through three coaches in recent years, the Bucks have been eliminated in the opening round of the playoffs in each of the past three seasons. Yet, despite rumors linking him with a move away, Giannis remains in Milwaukee.

Nevertheless, former NBA champion Mario Chalmers has weighed in on what team would make the most sense should Giannis ask for a trade. And, despite Chalmers being a Miami Heat champion, the former guard sees the Toronto Raptors as the most logical landing spot for the dominant forward.

“I don't know, I just don't see Giannis fitting, I don't want to say ‘Heat Culture,' but just the Heat team,” Chalmers told Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson in a recent interview. "...(The Toronto Raptors are) more active, more of an up-and-down team. They got a bunch of young hungry guys that like to run and get up and down, and that’s Giannis’ game."

Giannis is unlikely to leave Milwaukee in the near future

Despite his clear frustrations with the Bucks' recent struggles, Giannis will likely remain loyal to Milwaukee. He's been with the team for his entire career and will go down as arguably the greatest player in franchise history.

Giannis will be aware of his legacy with the Bucks. As long as the front office continues to make moves that show Giannis it's serious about being a contender, he will likely continue to lead the franchise.

This past summer, Milwaukee's leadership made their commitment clear, as they waived and stretched Damian Lillard's contract to sign Myles Turner in free agency.

Of course, if Milwaukee continues to fall short in the postseason, Giannis may be forced to look elsewhere. He's been vocal of his desire to continue competing at the highest levels. And, at age 30, he doesn't have much of his prime left.

Therefore, the Bucks can't rest on their laurels. They must continue building toward being a contending team. Otherwise, Giannis could be tempted by a move away. Either way, though, the Raptors are highly unlikely to emerge as a legitimate landing spot.

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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