Giannis Antetokounmpo (Image Credits: Imagn)

Struggling East Franchise Reportedly Making Aggressive Push for Giannis Antetokounmpo as Interest Heats Up

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Afshan Khan | Last updated Mar 27, 2026 1:50 PM ET

Giannis Antetokounmpo will be a player to watch this summer.

Back in the 2026 NBA trade season, he stole the spotlight amid a flurry of trade rumors. Teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves and Miami Heat made bold moves to land the superstar, but in the end, it was all smoke and no fire, as Antetokounmpo remains a key player for the Milwaukee Bucks. However, the buzz hasn’t died down.

With the Bucks’ disappointing season, the whispers have intensified, especially after reports emerged suggesting the team might want him to sit out due to his recent injury. Yet, the “Greek Freak” is determined to return, pushing back against the team’s decision.

Interest from other teams is heating up, and the Orlando Magic are reportedly front and center, actively pursuing Antetokounmpo’s talents.

“I actually heard there’s a mystery team. I called around as part of this exercise to see who were potentially desperate places for Giannis to land. And somebody who knows stuff told me that Orlando has actually been very active in seeking out Giannis Antetokounmpo’s services,” NBA analyst Kirk Goldsberry said during a recent appearance on the Bill Simmons podcast.

The Orlando Magic have been “very active” in seeking out Giannis Antetokounmpo’s services, per @kirkgoldsberry

(Via @rBillSimmonsPod) pic.twitter.com/GfQOqn4psW
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) March 27, 2026

It seems like the saga that made a major stir in the 2026 NBA trade season will ultimately end in the offseason. Recently, the Bucks’ owner made it clear that Antetokounmpo must either sign the four-year, $275 million extension he is eligible for on October 1, or the team will trade him.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Future With the Bucks Remains Unclear

Amidst the swirling trade rumors surrounding Antetokounmpo before the trade deadline, the Bucks reportedly remain committed to keeping the Greek Freak on the team. However, recent reports suggest that the situation in Milwaukee is changing.

“There’s just not been a lot of communication between Giannis and the Bucks. And going into this offseason I think that’s what has to start to change,” Tim Bontemps said. “He’s still one of the five best players on the planet. … He’s still a guy that can be a massively important piece of a championship-level team in the league, but that situation is not going to be in Milwaukee.”

There is reportedly “not a lot of communication” between Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks regarding his future, per @TimBontemps

Bontemps adds that Giannis can still be a massive piece for a contender, but “that situation is not going to be in Milwaukee.” pic.twitter.com/HgRdv6YDd0
— NBA Base (@TheNBABase) March 26, 2026

Antetokounmpo is currently recovering from a knee injury. Meanwhile, the Bucks are struggling to secure the play-in spot, sitting at 11th place in the Eastern Conference standings. Looking ahead, they will face the San Antonio Spurs at Fiserv Forum.

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

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