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Unexpected NBA Team Predicted to Go After Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Apr 1, 2025 8:28 PM ET

Giannis Antetokounmpo has solidified himself as a legendary Milwaukee Bucks player and one of the NBA’s all-time greats. Since being drafted 15th overall in 2013, the Greek-Nigerian superstar has amassed an NBA championship, two MVPs, a Defensive Player of the Year award, and several All-Star and All-NBA selections.

Now in his 12th season, Antetokounmpo is delivering another elite campaign, averaging 30.2 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 5.9 assists while shooting an efficient 60.1% from the field. However, a new report from Brian Lewis of the New York Post suggests the Brooklyn Nets are closely monitoring his situation and could make a major move.

"Multiple league personnel that have spoken with The Post say Giannis Antetokounmpo has been and remains Plan A for the Nets," Lewis reported. "If Antetokounmpo gets traded elsewhere this summer, that may make GM Sean Marks’ path simple—tanking for another year and building through the lottery."

Antetokounmpo is in the fourth year of a five-year, $228 million contract signed in 2021 but has already agreed to a three-year, $175 million extension that kicks in next season. While the Bucks have not indicated a willingness to move their franchise cornerstone, speculation suggests his future could hinge on Milwaukee’s postseason performance.

The Brooklyn Nets’ ‘Plan A’ is to go after Giannis Antetokounmpo, per @NYPost_Lewis pic.twitter.com/PscUouYNXu
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 1, 2025

The Bucks have struggled with consistency this season, despite pairing Antetokounmpo with Damian Lillard. They currently sit 6th in the Eastern Conference (40-36) and face a major challenge with Lillard sidelined indefinitely due to a blood clot.

Since winning the 2021 championship, Milwaukee has failed to reach the Eastern Conference Finals, suffering back-to-back first-round exits. With the playoffs looming, the team will be under immense pressure to break through this year, potentially shaping Antetokounmpo’s long-term future in Milwaukee.

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

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