Carmelo Anthony wants the Thunder to Mar 16, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reaches for the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) and forward Jaylin Williams (6) in the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Thunder unlikely to chase Giannis Antetokounmpo

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Nathan Yasis | Last updated Dec 15, 2025 9:08 AM ET

Boasting a deep collection of future draft picks and up-and-coming talent, the Oklahoma City Thunder seem poised to put together the strongest trade package for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Of course, as the defending champions with the league’s best record at 24–2 and heavy favorites to claim the 2026 Larry O’Brien Trophy, they don’t strictly need to acquire him to remain the most formidable team in the NBA.

NBA insider Marc Stein reports that the latest buzz around the league suggests Sam Presti and the Thunder front office share the same view.

Stein recently reported a “growing belief” that the Thunder are unlikely to join the league-wide pursuit of an Antetokounmpo trade this season if the Bucks put him on the block.

This aligns with Oklahoma City’s established approach, as GM Sam Presti has long avoided high-profile, in-season moves, pointing out last year that such transactions “always bring with them a lot of risk.”

The Thunder bows out of the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes

The reality is the Thunder are more than capable of repeating as NBA champions this season and remaining contenders for years to come, thanks to their star trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, an exceptionally deep roster, and a top-tier coaching staff.

Bringing Giannis on midseason would carry significant costs, requiring the Thunder to give up multiple draft picks and key players from their current top-seeded rotation, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s newly activated three-year max deal would push the payroll to around $175 million. Given these factors, the drawbacks of acquiring Giannis at this point far outweigh the potential benefits.

Nov 29, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after scoring his 21,000th career point in the third quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

According to Stein, Presti seems to share this view. Interestingly, the Houston Rockets and, perhaps the most intimidating potential destination outside of OKC, the San Antonio Spurs, are also on the anti-Giannis trade bandwagon.

As the NBA closely monitors the Greek Freak’s ties with the Bucks, the Thunder stand among the teams choosing to step away from the trade chase before it even fully begins.

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

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