Vegas Reveals Odds for Raptors to Land Giannis Antetokounmpo This Offseason

The Toronto Raptors have chased Giannis Antetokounmpo for more than a decade.

In 2013, they tried to trade into the first round to draft him. In 2020, they kept max cap space open hoping he’d test free agency. In the years since, they’ve stayed ready, watching and waiting in case the NBA’s most dominant two-way player ever became available.

This summer could be that moment.

The Milwaukee Bucks have been eliminated in the first round three years in a row. Their big swing for Damian Lillard never quite worked out, and their roster is now aging and injured. Lillard is expected to miss the entire 2025 season with a torn Achilles. That has led to a growing belief around the league that Antetokounmpo could be moved, if not by request, then by the reality of Milwaukee’s situation.

If that happens, Toronto will make a call.

Team president Masai Ujiri hinted as much earlier this month, suggesting the organization would be ready for whatever unique opportunities arise this summer.

Of course, the Raptors won’t be alone. According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Golden State Warriors are currently the betting favourites to land Antetokounmpo at +800, followed by the Houston Rockets at +950 and the San Antonio Spurs at +1200. Toronto is listed at +5000, implying just a 2% chance.

Any serious Raptors offer would begin with Scottie Barnes, whose rookie max extension kicks in next season. Matching Antetokounmpo’s $54.1 million salary would likely require including either RJ Barrett or Jakob Poeltl, or a combination of younger players such as Gradey Dick and Ochai Agbaji. Beyond salary, Toronto would need to sweeten the deal with draft capital. The Raptors control all of their future first-round picks, including this year’s lottery selection, which currently sits at No. 7 heading into the draft lottery.

It’s not the strongest offer that could be made, but it’s not insignificant.

The bigger question might be what the Raptors would look like afterward.

Stripping the roster to land a superstar has its costs. A version of the team built around Antetokounmpo but without Barnes, at least one more rotation player, and future draft flexibility might raise the ceiling, but it could also leave Toronto stuck in the same tier Milwaukee is trying to escape. Good, but not good enough.

Still, if Antetokounmpo becomes available, the Raptors will be there.

They always are.

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