'I Would Have Dallas Winning the West': Kevin Garnett Endorses Mavericks as Perfect Trade Fit for Giannis Antetokounmpo

Kevin Garnett has added fuel to one of the NBA offseason’s most speculative firestorms—advocating for the Dallas Mavericks as the ideal destination for Giannis Antetokounmpo if the two-time MVP leaves Milwaukee.

Speaking on the “KG Certified” podcast alongside Paul Pierce, Garnett dismissed popular chatter about San Antonio as the frontrunner, pointing instead to Dallas as a “perfect fit” for Antetokounmpo’s game, mentality, and championship ambitions.

“Giannis with P.J. Washington and the dogs they got there, I would love that,” Garnett said. “He fits their pedigree, too.”

Kevin Garnett Sees Dallas Mavericks as Title-Ready

Garnett emphasized the contrast between the Bucks and Mavericks, praising Dallas’ competitive culture and environment. Antetokounmpo is coming off a season averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.2 blocks, showing he’s still one of the NBA’s best players.

“Dallas is totally different from god damn Milwaukee,” he said. “That energy is going to be ‘woo’. Listen, I would have them winning the West.”

Pierce agreed, noting that the Mavericks’ win-now core presents a far more compelling short-term opportunity than the San Antonio Spurs’ young roster, which remains in development.

“Dallas is more ready to win now than San Antonio,” Pierce added.

The comments arrive amid reports that Antetokounmpo is at least considering options outside of Milwaukee. This follows another early playoff exit and looming uncertainty around the Bucks’ long-term viability.

The Mavericks are entering a critical offseason after a roller-coaster season that saw them fall short in the Play-In Tournament, despite a bold midseason trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis.

Dallas holds the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and is expected to select Duke star Cooper Flagg. But Garnett hinted that a more aggressive path—using that top pick as a trade chip—could immediately vault Dallas into the championship conversation.

“Wait till y’all see the Greek,” Garnett said. “Don’t worry about it. Wait till the Greek get here.”

Flagg posted averages of 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals as a freshman at Duke, earning National Player of the Year and solidifying himself as the consensus No. 1 prospect in the draft class. He is considered a potential franchise cornerstone, but Garnett’s comments reflect a belief that proven superstars win championships, not prospects.

The Mavericks, with veterans like Davis, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, and P.J. Washington, Garnett sees them as built to win now.

What Would a Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Cost?

Acquiring Antetokounmpo would not be simple. He is owed $54.1 million in 2025–26, meaning any trade would require significant outgoing salary. A direct swap of Davis for Giannis is a theoretical starting point, but it’s unclear if Milwaukee would entertain such an offer.

More complex scenarios involving multiple players, such as any of Thompson, Washington, Daniel Gafford, Caleb Martin, Max Christie, or Jaden Hardy, could be assembled, but they would likely gut Dallas’ depth. The Mavericks would also need to send multiple future first-round picks, including possibly relinquishing the chance to draft Flagg.

Garnett has also been vocal about the Mavericks’ unlikely lottery victory, calling the result “totally bogus” and suggesting teams like Charlotte or Washington were more deserving of the No. 1 pick. His frustration with the lottery’s randomness coincides with his promotion of Dallas as a ready-made contender—one that, in his eyes, should go all-in.

From Antetokounmpo’s perspective, Dallas offers multiple selling points: familiarity with head coach Jason Kidd, a deep veteran supporting cast, and a passionate fan base. However, regardless of trade speculation, Flagg is expected to be a Maverick.