Giannis Antetokounmpo has been the source of lots of buzz around the NBA for the entirety of the season as the Bucks have failed to build a championship-caliber roster around him. Following the Bucks' first-round exit to the Pacers on Tuesday night in Game 5, Antetokounmpo is expected to meet with the Milwaukee front office to discuss his future with the team, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
Antetokounmpo Reportedly Meeting With the Bucks Front Office to Discuss Future
Giannis having concerns about his future should come as no surprise, as the Bucks have fundamentally failed to build a quality roster around him. The Jrue Holiday for Damian Lillard trade has backfired on the team, as Lillard's impact on the court hasn't been as great as expected. After tearing his achilles in Game 4 against the Pacers, Lillard likely won't see the court until the 2026-2027 season.
With no clear path to improve the roster, Antetokounmpo potentially leaving Milwaukee has become the story of the NBA offseason.
So, who are the most likely Antetokounmpo suitors if he is going to be traded?
The Brooklyn Nets are considered a likely destination, with teams like the Spurs, Lakers, Heat, and the Raptors looming as potential landing spots. The Nets being among the favorites makes some sense given what we have heard from their front office, along with their plethora of draft assets.
Still, it is important to note that we shouldn't put much stock into "potential landing spots" lists at this early stage. Giannis is the caliber of player that all 29 teams are going to check what the Bucks' asking price is if he becomes available. We should have a much clearer picture of who the true contenders for the Greek Freak are in the coming weeks.
At the age of 30, it is reasonable for a team that is far away from contending to ask themselves how Giannis' game will change as he ages.
The Nets are very far away from contending, and I tend to disagree that they should be this big of a favorite. Teams like the Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, or even the Oklahoma City Thunder make a lot more sense to me as these teams have draft capital and young players that would attract the Bucks front office. OKC is already a championship contender, but they have been stockpiling picks for years, and trading for a prime Giannis feels like a perfect move given their draft capital.
It will be fun to speculate over the next few weeks, and this offseason is sure to be a wild one in the NBA with tons of stars like Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo hitting the trade market.