Giannis Antetokounmpo And Toronto Raptors Reportedly Have Mutual Interest

The NBA offseason rumor mill has officially reached full speed, and one of the most unexpected turns involves two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo reportedly having mutual interest with the Toronto Raptors. 

According to veteran NBA insider Doug Smith of the Toronto Star, both the Raptors and Antetokounmpo are intrigued by the idea of joining forces, a development that could spark the biggest trade of the summer. 

"I don’t know if it will happen but I do know there is mutual interest between Antetokounmpo and the Raptors. The wild card is the cost. But I also think the Raptors are uniquely placed to make an attractive offer that won’t ruin their franchise or roster." 

"I would make the case that a logjam at the wings makes them deep enough that if they had to pay even two out of Gradey Dick, Ochai Agbaji, Ja’Kobe Walter, RJ Barrett, Jonathan Mogbo would still leave enough to fill out a pretty good team with promising young players still developing."

"Plus, they have all their picks, so giving a first-rounder every year for, say, four years, leaves enough."

Toronto, long considered a sleeping giant in the superstar sweepstakes, appears uniquely positioned to make a compelling offer. Smith emphasized that the Raptors could potentially land Giannis without “ruining their franchise or roster,” thanks to their impressive collection of young talent and full control of future draft picks. 

Their depth at the wing is a key advantage, moving two of Gradey Dick, RJ Barrett, Ochai Agbaji, Ja’Kobe Walter, or Jonathan Mogbo still leaves the Raptors with a competitive group. 

Adding Giannis to a core that could still feature Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, and Brandon Ingram would instantly vault Toronto back into championship contention in a weakened Eastern Conference.

Antetokounmpo, who just wrapped up another dominant season averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists on over 60 percent shooting, has not formally requested a trade. 

However, ESPN’s Shams Charania recently reported that he is “open-minded” about a new destination for the first time in his career following the Milwaukee Bucks’ first-round playoff exit. 

The Bucks’ current situation is growing increasingly unstable, especially with Damian Lillard’s Achilles injury and an aging core. It’s not far-fetched to think Antetokounmpo could explore a fresh start.

Toronto’s interest in Giannis goes back over a decade. The franchise tried to trade into the 2013 draft to select him and preserved cap space in 2020 for a free agency run before he re-signed with Milwaukee. Now, the opportunity could finally be within reach, if the Raptors are willing to meet the Bucks’ expected steep asking price.

Any legitimate offer would likely require Scottie Barnes as the centerpiece, along with salary filler like RJ Barrett, plus multiple unprotected first-round picks. Toronto controls all of its future first-rounders, including the No. 9 pick in the 2025 Draft, which could headline a deal.

Yet Toronto will face stiff competition. The Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs are reportedly monitoring the Giannis situation closely. Houston could offer elite young talent and their recovered Brooklyn picks, while San Antonio could entice Milwaukee with a package built around Victor Wembanyama’s timeline. 

Another intriguing wrinkle in the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes is the Boston Celtics' sudden vulnerability following Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury. With Tatum’s long-term availability uncertain, the Celtics may be forced into difficult roster decisions this offseason. 

The Warriors, Knicks, and even the Lakers have been floated in various trade rumor circles.

Despite the long odds, the Raptors’ interest is serious. Brian Windhorst confirmed the franchise is hunting for a “big fish,” and few players fit that description better than Antetokounmpo. If Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster believe they can replicate the Kawhi Leonard blueprint from 2018, this could be their moment.

The odds remain uncertain, but if Giannis Antetokounmpo is truly available, Toronto is ready to make its move.