Four potential trade destinations for Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo hasn't demanded a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks, but this summer, Milwaukee reportedly had discussions about a deal with the New York Knicks. The two-time MVP is reportedly keeping his options open about leaving his only NBA team.

If the Greek Freak is serious about leaving the Bucks, here are four NBA teams who could make a move for the superstar forward.

New York Knicks have asked about Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Knicks and Bucks reportedly already talked about Antetokounmpo heading to the Big Apple, where he'd pair with Jalen Brunson on a team that reached the Eastern Conference Finals last season. Any trade would likely have to involve incumbent big man Karl-Anthony Towns, both as a salary and positional match.

The problem is that the Bucks should be looking for draft picks and young, affordable talent in an Antetokounmpo deal, and Towns turns 30 in November. The Knicks used most of their tradable first-round picks to acquire Mikal Bridges last summer, meaning they're short on draft ammunition — unless a third team is willing to trade draft capital for Towns.

Atlanta Hawks have an unique bargaining position

The Atlanta Hawks have a number of young players who could interest the Bucks, from 2024's No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher to steals leader and Most Improved Player Dyson Daniels to rookie Asa Newell — or even 23-year-old Jalen Johnson. The Hawks would still have enough left after trading a few of their youngsters to still compete with Trae Young paired with Antetokounmpo.

What sets the Hawks apart from other suitors is that they have rights to Milwaukee's first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, thanks to two trades with the New Orleans Pelicans. If Milwaukee want to bottom out to get a high draft pick in the post-Giannis era, the Hawks are the one team who can return their upcoming picks to them.

Houston Rockets still have assets to make a superteam

While the Houston Rockets can't send the Bucks their own picks, they do have some highly valuable draft capital. The Rockets own the Phoenix Suns' first-round pick in 2027, swap rights on the Brooklyn Nets' 2027 first-rounder and in 2029, they get two firsts — the best two of the firsts owned by the Suns, Dallas Mavericks and themselves.

Houston also has so much young talent that this summer, it had to dump the No. 20 pick from the 2023 draft, Cam Whitmore, because its roster was too full. They could trade a player like 2024 No. 3 pick Reed Sheppard, defensive ace Tari Eason or Jabari Smith Jr. The Bucks might want to hold out for Amen Thompson, but the potential bonanza of picks might make Houston the best suitor.

San Antonio Spurs could pair Giannis Antetokounmpo with Victor Wembanyama

The San Antonio Spurs have plenty of ammunition if they want to trade for Antetokounmpo. A trade might have to include the No. 2 pick from this year's draft, Dylan Harper, their young player with the highest upside besides Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs have a full complement of first-round picks going forward and could trade pick swaps with the Mavericks and Sacramento Kings.

What's holding them back? The Spurs might want to see De'Aaron Fox play with Wembanyama before making dramatic moves. They do have expiring contracts of Harrison Barnes and Kelly Olynyk to facilitate trades and save the Bucks money, but the Bucks might want to get more game tape on Harper and Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle before making a blockbuster deal.