Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes: Why under-the-radar Eastern Conference team makes sense 

He went on to mention that it won’t be the case now, providing other teams with the opportunity to acquire Antetokounmpo.

Antetokounmpo, 30, is once again producing absurd numbers, averaging 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists and shooting an ultra-efficient 63.9% from the field. He’s in the first year of a three-year, $175,369,698 extension signed in 2023, which includes a player option for the 2026–27 season.

The Raptors could land Giannis Antetokounmpo

Whoever acquires Antetokounmpo will have to pay a steep price — but Toronto is one of the few teams equipped to meet it.

First, let’s make one thing clear: Forward Scottie Barnes (20.4 PPG, eight RPG and 5.2 APG) should be off-limits in any trade conversation. At 24, he’s the face of the franchise and only beginning to tap into his potential as a true two-way star.

Ideally, the Raptors would also keep forward Brandon Ingram (21.4 PPG, 5.8 RPG and 3.8 APG), the team's MVP so far. And if Milwaukee heads into a full-scale rebuild, Ingram may not be a centerpiece they’re eager to take back anyway.

Even if those two are excluded, Toronto still has plenty to interest Bucks general manager Jon Horst — starting with one or both of forward/guard R.J. Barrett (19.4 PPG) and point guard Immanuel Quickley (16.1 PPG).

Beyond that, the Raptors can layer in young talent and draft capital. They hold an appealing group of recent first-rounders, including guard/forward Gradey Dick (13th overall), shooting guard Ja’Kobe Walter (19th overall) and forward Collin Murray-Boyles (ninth overall). Add to that a full slate of their own first-round picks for the next seven years, and Toronto GM Bobby Webster is well positioned to assemble a compelling — and financially workable — offer.

Ultimately, everything hinges on Antetokounmpo’s priorities. If winning titles tops his list and he’s presented with the opportunity to join Barnes and Ingram in a wide-open Eastern Conference, it’s hard to imagine him turning Toronto down.