Every NBA Team’s Best Trade Package For Giannis Antetokounmpo Right Now

The Milwaukee Bucks just took an ugly loss to the Celtics, and that puts them at a shaky 1-3 start. This isn’t just a tough night—it’s a trend, and Giannis Antetokounmpo wasn’t holding back on calling his team out over it. Previously, he got real about Milwaukee’s defensive struggles against the Nets (a game they also lost), saying they’re giving everything up—open threes, paint drives, rebounds—you name it.

Giannis made it clear he’s not pointing fingers at everyone else; he’s in it too. But make no mistake, it’s frustration. Giannis said they do not have a true identity so far. He questioned their lack of a solid defensive plan, basically saying, “Where’s our identity?“

Just some days ago, we talked about some shocking trade ideas if things got messy for the Bucks, and here we are. While it’s unlikely they move Giannis anytime soon, anything can happen—especially in this league. So, let’s dive into each team’s best offer if Milwaukee decides to entertain the possibility of trading their franchise player.

Atlanta Hawks

Potential Trade Offer: Clint Capela, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Jalen Johnson, 2027 First-Round Pick (Pelicans), 2029 First-Round Pick, 2031 First-Round Pick

The Hawks are an interesting trade partner for Giannis, given their current focus on youth and defense under Quin Snyder. At 2-2, they’ve shown some promise early this season with solid offense from Trae Young and improvements in their rookie Zaccharie Risacher. Despite this strong start, their defense remains a sore point, ranked 27th in the league, which Giannis could immediately elevate. Their mix of assets, from young talent to future picks, makes a Hawks package appealing but still unlikely, as they seem focused on their internal development curve.

Considering their balanced rebuild approach, a trade for Giannis would signal a massive pivot, potentially accelerating their timeline but requiring some risky long-term adjustments. The Hawks have a deep roster with Capela and Johnson offering value up front, but they’d have to weigh whether this trade fits their rebuild timeline or compromises too much of their future depth.

Boston Celtics

Potential Trade Offer: Jaylen Brown, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick

Fresh off a championship and with Finals MVP Jaylen Brown in the spotlight, the Celtics are the team to beat this season. Their 2023-24 title run reestablished Boston’s dominance, and they’ve maintained their entire core with Brown and Jayson Tatum leading the charge. Brown’s impressive playoff performance cements him as essential to their title hopes, but adding Giannis would take Boston’s firepower and defense to another level.

Swapping Brown for Giannis would shake the league and potentially secure a Celtics dynasty, but it’d mean sacrificing their Finals MVP and disrupting a roster already primed to defend their title.

Brooklyn Nets

Potential Trade Offer: Ben Simmons, Ziaire Williams, Keon Johnson, 2025 First-Round Pick (Knicks), 2027 First-Round Pick (Knicks), 2028 First-Round Pick (Suns), 2029 First-Round Pick

The Brooklyn Nets are navigating a season with a rebuilding focus, featuring a blend of emerging talent and veterans under new head coach Jordi Fernández. After finishing last season outside of the playoffs, the Nets have positioned themselves as a team with a long-term vision, centered around young prospects like Cam Thomas and developing talent like Ziaire Williams. Their 115-102 win over the Bucks, where Cam Thomas and Dennis Schröder combined for an impressive 61 points, highlighted the Nets’ potential to upset established teams on any given night.

Offering a package led by Ben Simmons, an expiring contract, along with promising young players and multiple first-round picks, would give the Bucks flexibility and assets to rebuild if they were ever to consider moving Giannis. Yet, Brooklyn’s roster is light on All-Star talent outside of a recovering Simmons, whose fluctuating value and recent injury history make this deal risky for Milwaukee. If the Bucks decide to hit the reset button, this package could provide future picks and some defensive upside, though it’s uncertain if the offer alone would be compelling enough without stronger immediate talent contributions.

With Brooklyn committed to a rebuild, landing Giannis would shift their trajectory dramatically, creating a dynamic duo with Cam Thomas and providing the defensive power they currently lack. But for now, the Nets seem more focused on building for the future than trading for a superstar to win now.

Charlotte Hornets

Potential Trade Offer: Miles Bridges, Josh Green, Cody Martin, 2027 First-Round Pick (Heat), 2027 First-Round Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick

The Charlotte Hornets enter the season with cautious optimism centered around the return of LaMelo Ball, whose health remains a key factor after he missed most of last season. Ball, along with second-year standout Brandon Miller, forms the core of their offense. On defense, Miles Bridges and Mark Williams are crucial, though Williams is currently out with a tendon strain. Despite a strengthened roster, the team is projected to struggle, aiming for around 30 wins and likely missing the playoffs.

A trade offer for Giannis involving Bridges and draft picks could provide the Bucks with a mix of young talent and future assets. While adding Antetokounmpo would be a game-changer for Charlotte, the move would be a significant leap for a team still stabilizing its foundation and depth, especially on the defensive end and with perimeter consistency still in question.

Chicago Bulls

Potential Trade Offer: Zach LaVine, Matas Buzelis, 2025 First-Round Pick (Blazers), 2027 First-Round Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick

The Chicago Bulls are in a transitional phase, balancing between building a competitive team around veterans like Zach LaVine and investing in young talent such as Matas Buzelis, recently drafted from the G League Ignite. LaVine has been a focal point of their offense, but his uncertain future with the Bulls has led to potential trade considerations all summer long. Additionally, the Bulls have reshaped their roster by moving on from DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, shifting toward a younger core that includes Josh Giddey and Jalen Smith, while keeping experienced players like Nikola Vucevic and Lonzo Ball to provide stability.

This trade package would offer the Bucks an established scorer in LaVine, who could be an immediate offensive asset, and a promising young player in Buzelis. For Chicago, landing Giannis would catapult them back into Eastern Conference relevance, pairing him with their rising talents and stabilizing their defense, which has been inconsistent since Caruso’s departure. Still, the Bulls’ vulnerability in the frontcourt and shooting inconsistencies may still leave gaps, even with Giannis in the lineup.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Potential Trade Offer: Jarrett Allen, Caris LeVert, Isaac Okoro, 2031 First-Round Pick

The Cavaliers are off to a hot 4-0 start this season, showing promise with strong performances from Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Darius Garland. With new head coach Kenny Atkinson, the team looks focused on pushing further in the playoffs, building on their 48-win season last year. Anchored by Allen’s defense and Mobley’s growth, the Cavs have one of the top defensive ratings in the league, complemented by Mitchell’s scoring outbursts.

Adding Giannis to this mix would elevate Cleveland to a serious contender, giving them a core that could challenge any team in the East. For Milwaukee, Allen’s rim protection and Okoro’s defensive skills, along with future assets, could serve as a solid foundation for a rebuild. Nonetheless, this trade hinges on whether the Bucks value defense and depth over acquiring offensive talent, as what they’d receive is certainly not enough for a superstar like Antetokounmpo.

Dallas Mavericks

Potential Trade Offer: P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, Maxi Kleber, Naji Marshall, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2031 First-Round Pick

The Mavericks are navigating an interesting start to the season with a balanced roster behind Luka Doncic, who’s performing at his usual elite level. They recently lost to the Suns, where Klay Thompson, a new addition, showed scoring prowess again. With Jason Kidd’s rotation juggling injuries, including Maxi Kleber’s recent hamstring strain, Dallas remains competitive but still relies heavily on Luka’s offensive load and playmaking from Kyrie Irving.

This trade proposal would add Giannis to Dallas’ core, pairing him with Luka to create one of the league’s most potent duos. The offered package provides Milwaukee with defensive assets in Gafford and Washington, plus future draft capital, but lacks an immediate All-Star return, which could limit its appeal to the Bucks. While Giannis in Dallas would be an electric pairing with Luka, the Mavericks might have to up the ante with a higher-value piece to truly tempt Milwaukee.

Denver Nuggets

Potential Trade Offer: Michael Porter Jr., Zeke Nnaji, Russell Westbrook, 2031 First-Round Pick

The Nuggets are coming off a shaky start this season, dropping their first couple of games and raising some eyebrows about their depth beyond the big names. Nikola Jokic is still putting up monster performances, but with the departures of key role players like Bruce Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in recent offseasons, Denver is relying heavily on its young players to step up. Christian Braun, expected to fill some of that void, has shown flashes but isn’t yet consistent, and Michael Porter Jr. has struggled to find his rhythm in recent games, adding to the concerns about depth and reliability.

In this trade scenario, Porter Jr. would be the main asset heading to Milwaukee. He’s a high-ceiling player when healthy and could offer the Bucks scoring punch and size. Given Porter’s injury history and the Nuggets’ reliance on him as a key offensive contributor, this move would be a gamble for both sides. While Giannis joining Jokic in Denver would be wild for their title hopes, it could also disrupt the team’s chemistry, especially with Jamal Murray’s importance in their system. Unless Denver is ready to shift from their young core, this trade feels like a stretch for the Nuggets at this point in the season.

Detroit Pistons

Potential Trade Offer: Tobias Harris, Ausar Thompson, Ronald Holland II, Malik Beasley, 2027 First-Round Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick, 2031 First-Round Pick

The Pistons are still finding their rhythm, starting this season winless at 0-4 and leaning heavily on young players like Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. Ivey has been a standout early on, pushing his scoring game forward, while Cunningham remains the team’s primary playmaker. New head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has his hands full trying to develop a core that can compete but still lacks consistency and depth, especially on defense.

Trading for Giannis would be a massive shake-up for a rebuilding team like Detroit. This package offers Milwaukee a mix of young talent, with Ausar Thompson showing athletic promise, and future draft picks. Still, pulling the trigger on this trade would mean a rapid pivot away from Detroit’s slow-build approach. Unless Detroit feels Giannis would jumpstart their success, they may hesitate to sacrifice their future for a win-now move.

Golden State Warriors

Potential Trade Offer: Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, De’Anthony Melton, Lindy Waters III, 2026 First-Round Pick, 2028 First-Round Pick

The Warriors have had their eyes on Giannis for years, with rumors linking them to the Greek Freak almost every offseason. Joe Lacob and the Warriors’ front office view Giannis as the ultimate addition to extend their championship window, especially as Stephen Curry approaches the final stages of his career. This dream pairing would create an unstoppable force with Curry’s shooting and Giannis’ dominance in the paint, transforming Golden State into a title favorite once again. The team reportedly resisted trading young assets like Kuminga and Podziemski last season to keep options open for a blockbuster trade like this.

For Milwaukee, the package would bring solid pieces. Wiggins is a versatile defender with experience on winning teams, while Kuminga has untapped potential that could grow with more consistent minutes. It’s still a big question if the Bucks would value this offer enough to part with Giannis, as it lacks a true All-Star replacement. Given the Warriors’ cap challenges and the Bucks’ reluctance to rebuild, this trade scenario is more of a long shot, but if Giannis ever does demand a trade, the Warriors will definitely be calling.

Houston Rockets

Potential Trade Offer: Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, 2025 First-Round Pick (Thunder/Suns), 2027 First-Round Pick (Suns), 2029 First-Round Pick

The Rockets have been aiming high in recent seasons, even being linked to a potential Kevin Durant trade during the offseason. Durant’s massive contract and the Rockets’ cautious approach to building a long-term contender put those plans on hold. Instead, Houston has turned its focus to solidifying a young core that includes Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and recent additions like Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. This squad has looked promising defensively, largely thanks to the addition of Dillon Brooks and the structure brought by coach Ime Udoka, but they could still use a significant boost on offense to push them up the Western Conference standings.

A trade for Giannis would instantly give the Rockets a superstar to pair with their youthful lineup, creating a team that could compete right away. The package offers Milwaukee a mix of high-potential players and future picks, which aligns with the Bucks’ likely needs if they ever choose to rebuild. While the Rockets have the assets, they’ll need to weigh whether bringing in a win-now piece like Giannis makes sense for a team still growing its identity. While this move could make the Rockets an instant playoff threat, they may hesitate to give up so much of their young talent for a fast-track to contention.

This trade idea is speculative but definitely not far-fetched given Houston’s flexibility and assets.

Indiana Pacers

Potential Trade Offer: Myles Turner, Obi Toppin, Bennedict Mathurin, Jarace Walker, 2028 First-Round Pick, 2030 First-Round Pick

The Indiana Pacers have been on an impressive upward trajectory, surprising everyone by reaching the Eastern Conference Finals last season. Tyrese Haliburton has emerged as the franchise cornerstone, leading the league in assists and securing All-NBA status. Adding Pascal Siakam midseason last year gave Indiana an extra punch, especially in the playoffs, where they demonstrated they could compete with top-tier teams. Now with players like Haliburton, Siakam, and Turner as their core, the Pacers are seen as a legitimate threat in the East, aiming for around 50 wins this season.

A trade for Giannis would be monumental for Indiana, adding an MVP-caliber player to a team already packed with young talent and depth. This proposed package gives Milwaukee defensive strength in Turner, a high-ceiling talent in Mathurin, and two future picks, all of which align with a rebuilding approach. They would be giving up crucial pieces from their current core, which could disrupt the chemistry they’ve built. While Giannis could propel Indiana into the Finals conversation, the Pacers might hesitate to gut their young depth for a win-now move when they’re already on the rise.

Los Angeles Clippers

Potential Trade Offer: Norman Powell, Ivica Zubac, P.J. Tucker, Kris Dunn

The Clippers’ current situation makes this trade package feel pretty thin, especially given that they’ve recently seen significant roster changes. Paul George left the team, and Kawhi Leonard is dealing with ongoing knee issues, leaving him out indefinitely to start the season. James Harden has now taken on the leadership role, driving the offense alongside Ivica Zubac and Norman Powell, with both Harden and Powell putting up impressive numbers early in the season. Still, with Kawhi’s injury status uncertain, this roster feels fragile, relying heavily on Harden and a handful of role players for production.

As for this offer to the Bucks, Powell and Zubac bring value as dependable role players, but the package lacks young prospects or first-round picks that could entice Milwaukee into considering a Giannis trade. While the Clippers would love to bring in Giannis to create a new dynamic with Harden, this offer doesn’t bring the level of assets typically needed for a superstar deal, making it an unlikely win for Milwaukee.

Los Angeles Lakers

Potential Trade Offer: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, 2029 First-Round Pick, 2031 First-Round Pick

The Lakers have kicked off the season on a high note, going 3-1 with a revamped system under head coach JJ Redick. Anthony Davis has been particularly dominant, earning Western Conference Player of the Week honors with his impressive performances on both ends of the floor. LeBron James, meanwhile, has taken on a more supportive role to keep himself fresh, which has helped the team find a balanced rhythm early on. Austin Reaves, who continues to develop into a reliable playmaker and shooter, and Rui Hachimura are also making key contributions, solidifying their value on this deep roster.

This trade package would definitely bring some strong pieces to Milwaukee. Reaves’ shooting and playmaking would be a huge plus for the Bucks, while Hachimura offers versatility on both ends, and D’Angelo Russell adds a scoring punch. Yet, the lack of a top-tier young star or high draft capital could make the Bucks hesitate, as they might be looking for a package with either more picks or a young star. From the Lakers’ side, adding Giannis to pair with LeBron and Davis would be a dream scenario, making them immediate title favorites. Still, parting with Reaves and multiple role players might disrupt the chemistry they’ve started to build this season.

With their strong start, the Lakers are already making noise in the West, so pulling the trigger on this trade would be a big decision given their current momentum and roster cohesion.

Memphis Grizzlies

Potential Trade Offer: Desmond Bane, Brandon Clarke, GG Jackson, 2026 First-Round Pick, 2028 First-Round Pick, 2030 First-Round Pick

The Grizzlies have started the 2024-25 season with Ja Morant back on the court and playing well alongside Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane. They’re aiming to build on their recent strong performances and contend in a highly competitive Western Conference. Veteran players like Marcus Smart have added defensive toughness and experience, which complements Morant’s explosive style and Jackson’s defensive prowess.

This trade package would offer the Bucks a talented scorer in Bane, solid frontcourt depth with Clarke, and the young potential of GG Jackson, along with three first-round picks. For the Grizzlies, acquiring Giannis would give them a transformative lineup with Morant, Jackson, and Antetokounmpo, creating one of the league’s most formidable trios. On the other side, losing Bane’s shooting and perimeter scoring could be a significant drawback, potentially impacting the Grizzlies’ spacing and offensive flow. This deal is enticing but would require the Grizzlies to consider the balance between immediate title contention and maintaining depth.

Miami Heat

Potential Trade Offer: Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, 2029 First-Round Pick, 2031 First-Round Pick

The Miami Heat have had a mixed start to the season, standing at 2-1 after a win over the Charlotte Hornets and a tough loss to the Orlando Magic. Jimmy Butler remains the backbone of this Heat squad, contributing across the board with scoring, rebounds, and assists, while Bam Adebayo is dominating the boards and providing stability on defense. Tyler Herro, who would be the primary piece in this trade package, has been performing well as a sharpshooter and secondary playmaker, keeping Miami’s offense steady. The team’s overall scoring has room for improvement, currently averaging among the lower teams in points per game.

This trade package, centered around Herro and Robinson plus two future first-round picks, would give Milwaukee young scoring potential but might not be enticing enough without additional assets. Herro’s offensive skill set is valuable, but his defensive limitations could be a concern for a team like the Bucks, who emphasize defensive presence. For Miami, landing Giannis would be a game-changer, pairing him with Butler and Adebayo to form a fierce Big Three, elevating them instantly to title contenders. The Heat’s limited draft capital and cap space challenges make it tricky to complete this deal without some creative maneuvering on both sides still.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Potential Trade Offer: N/A

Under the NBA’s CBA rules, teams that are over the second luxury tax apron face severe limitations, and the Timberwolves are in this exact spot. Having already made significant moves, including trading Karl-Anthony Towns in the offseason, they’ve essentially restricted their flexibility for major acquisitions like Giannis. Teams over the second apron can’t aggregate salaries in trades, can’t access exceptions to add players, and lose other tools that would typically help them absorb a superstar’s salary.

This means Minnesota is effectively locked out of any realistic path to acquiring Giannis, even if they wanted to put together a competitive offer. This limitation reflects the CBA’s intent to prevent high-spending teams from consistently stacking superstars by making it nearly impossible to execute large-scale trades once they cross the second apron threshold. So, for now, any dreams of seeing Giannis in a Timberwolves uniform are pretty much off the table under these new rules.

New Orleans Pelicans

Potential Trade Offer: Brandon Ingram, Herbert Jones, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick

The Pelicans are looking promising to start the season, with a 2-2 record showcasing their offensive depth and defensive hustle. Brandon Ingram has been stepping up, scoring 33 points in their win over the Bulls to open the season, while Zion Williamson, who missed that game due to illness, returned against Portland and filled the stat sheet with points, rebounds, and blocks. This year, Zion seems set on maintaining his health, a crucial element for the Pelicans if they want to make a real run in the playoffs. The recent addition of Dejounte Murray has also added a defensive edge and secondary playmaking, although a fractured hand will see him return in a few weeks after a sour debut.

In this proposed trade, the Bucks would receive Ingram, who is a proven scorer, and Jones, whose defensive versatility would immediately fit Milwaukee’s style, plus three future first-round picks. For New Orleans, adding Giannis to a core with Zion and McCollum would create a dynamic powerhouse, elevating them to a serious contender in the West. But this deal means parting with valuable assets, including Ingram’s scoring and Jones’ defensive impact, which could disrupt the balance they’ve started to establish. For Milwaukee, though, this mix of young talent and future picks would make this a highly tempting offer if they were ever to consider moving on from Giannis.

New York Knicks

Potential Trade Offer: Mikal Bridges, Mitchell Robinson, Precious Achiuwa, Miles McBride, 2025 First-Round Pick (Wizards), 2026 First-Round Pick (Pick Swap)

The Knicks started the season with high expectations after acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns in a massive offseason move, as they also brought Mikal Bridges to New York earlier. Bridges has already shown his worth, scoring 21 points in their win over the Pacers with his two-way play. The team has committed heavily to these new acquisitions, giving up significant assets to form a core around Jalen Brunson, Towns, and Bridges, and their early results reflect solid chemistry and depth.

And this trade proposal for Giannis would cost them Bridges, which seems highly unlikely given what they sacrificed to bring him in. Losing Bridges, Robinson, and two future picks would also gut their depth, something that’s already a bit thin as Josh Hart deals with injury issues. While adding Giannis to a core with Brunson and Towns would undoubtedly elevate them, the cost to their lineup depth and flexibility makes this move practically impossible under their current roster strategy. New York seems more focused on building around their new acquisitions rather than immediately pivoting to another superstar pursuit.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Potential Trade Offer: Isaiah Hartenstein, Luguentz Dort, 2025 First-Round Picks (Rockets), 2026 First-Round Pick (Clippers), 2027 First-Round Pick (Clippers)

The Thunder are building a young, dynamic core led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the highly anticipated play of Chet Holmgren, who’s bringing a defensive edge. OKC’s depth has been bolstered by Alex Caruso’s addition, which improved their perimeter defense and playmaking. This trade package for Giannis, loaded with five first-round picks and solid players like Dort and Hartenstein, leverages their extensive draft capital while preserving key young stars.

Adding Giannis would make the Thunder even bigger contenders, creating a potential powerhouse alongside Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren for years to come. Dort’s absence might impact their perimeter defense, and Hartenstein’s loss would weaken their interior rebounding and presence. Milwaukee would receive a valuable mix of future draft assets and two players ready to contribute immediately, setting them up well for a retool or rebuild.

This move represents a potential shift for the Thunder, who could transition from a new contending phase to a dynasty-chasing team with Giannis, while still retaining a strong foundation in young talent and skill.

Orlando Magic

Potential Trade Offer: Jonathan Isaac, Cole Anthony, Goga Bitadze, Caleb Houstan, 2025 First-Round Pick (Nuggets), 2026 First-Round Pick

The Orlando Magic have kicked off the 2024-25 season with high energy and a promising 3-1 record, showcasing strong performances from their young stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Banchero, coming off an All-Star season, has stepped up his game further, while Wagner has found his shooting groove early on. Orlando also saw a strong debut from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who brings veteran leadership and perimeter defense to complement the young core. The team has embraced a playoff mindset, aiming for a top-four seed in the East and hoping to build on last season’s success where they made a spirited playoff appearance.

This proposed trade package for Giannis features defensive ace Jonathan Isaac, scoring guard Cole Anthony, and big man Goga Bitadze, plus two future first-round picks. While Isaac’s defensive versatility and Anthony’s scoring punch would be valuable to the Bucks, the Magic would sacrifice their depth by moving multiple rotation players and picks. This trade would signal Orlando’s commitment to immediate title contention by pairing Giannis with Banchero and Wagner, though it would may not be enough for the Bucks to let their superstar go.

Philadelphia 76ers

Potential Trade Offer: Tyrese Maxey, Caleb Martin, Jared McCain, Ricky Council IV, 2026 First-Round Pick (Rockets/Clippers), 2029 First-Round Pick (Clippers swap)

The 76ers are off to a rocky start, with both Joel Embiid and Paul George currently sidelined due to injuries. Embiid is recovering from left knee issues and has been held out of the first few games as a precaution, while George, who joined the Sixers in free agency, is dealing with his own injury setback from preseason. Philadelphia has decided to prioritize health for their stars, hoping to keep both Embiid and George fresh for a potential playoff push. In their absence, Tyrese Maxey has become the primary scoring and playmaking option, establishing himself as a pivotal part of the 76ers’ future.

This trade proposal for Giannis is intriguing but unlikely, given Maxey’s current role and development as the team’s future cornerstone. With Embiid and George unavailable, moving Maxey would leave the Sixers without a reliable offensive leader and reduce their depth significantly. For the Bucks, though, this package offers a solid mix of young talent and picks, which would be beneficial if they chose to rebuild. But given Philly’s injury struggles and reliance on Maxey, parting with him at this stage would likely be a non-starter, even for a player of Giannis’ caliber.

Phoenix Suns

Potential Trade Offer: N/A

After last season’s blockbuster acquisition of Bradley Beal to join forces with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, the Phoenix Suns are now above the NBA’s second luxury tax apron, severely limiting their trade flexibility. As a result, the Suns are not only restricted from aggregating salaries to acquire high-value players but are also barred from using exceptions or increasing their depth through typical trade strategies.

Given these limitations, the Suns are essentially out of the running for Giannis Antetokounmpo this season, since their 3 stars are earning more than Giannis. Any potential attempt to acquire him would require Phoenix to clear a substantial amount of salary without the typical roster-building tools available to teams under the second apron.

Portland Trail Blazers

Potential Trade Offer: Anfernee Simons, Robert Williams III, Shaedon Sharpe, Toumani Camara, 2027 First-Round Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick

The Blazers are in full rebuild mode, counting on young talents like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe to lead their future. Scoot, despite a rocky start this season with inconsistent shooting and a tough loss to the Warriors, is positioned as a key part of Portland’s long-term plans. Jerami Grant and Anfernee Simons provide veteran scoring, but Portland is still far from title contention still.

Acquiring Giannis would add superstar power, but Portland lacks the depth to become instant contenders even with him. For Milwaukee, this trade would bring solid assets and draft picks, which align with a potential rebuild and good immediate producers, but the Blazers wouldn’t jump to the top of the West and might be in a similar position as they were on the Damian Lillard years.

Sacramento Kings

Potential Trade Offer: Domantas Sabonis, Trey Lyles, 2027 First-Round Pick, 2030 First-Round Pick

The Kings recently made a splash by bringing in DeMar DeRozan in a three-team deal, forming a trio with De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. This acquisition gives Sacramento additional offensive firepower, but defense remains a challenge—especially in the paint, where Sabonis lacks rim protection skills. Adding Giannis would address this weakness and make the Kings serious contenders, elevating their defensive presence and complementing their offensive core.

For the Bucks, receiving Sabonis and picks offers a solid package, as Sabonis is an All-Star with versatile offensive skills who could help keep the Bucks competitive. Yet, even with a package this strong, it’s hard to imagine Milwaukee parting with Giannis. Sacramento’s offer is appealing, but may not be enough to pry away a franchise-altering player like Antetokounmpo, especially as the Bucks would need more defensive assets to fill Giannis’ role on both ends of the floor.

Sacramento’s gamble for Giannis would push them into win-now mode, but it also risks disrupting the growing chemistry within their new Big Three, making it a bold but risky move.

San Antonio Spurs

Potential Trade Offer: Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, Jeremy Sochan, Malaki Branham, 2025 First-Round Pick (Hawks), 2025 First-Round Pick (Hornets), 2025 First-Round Pick (Bulls)

The Spurs, under Gregg Popovich, are building around Victor Wembanyama and recently added veterans like Harrison Barnes and Chris Paul to balance out their young core. With Wembanyama showing promise and Keldon Johnson stepping up, San Antonio is focused on development rather than contending right now. This trade package, featuring Johnson, Sochan, and valuable picks, would appeal to a team going into rebuild mode like Milwaukee would if they traded their star.

While Giannis would make an immediate impact, it’s unlikely the Spurs see him as the missing piece right now, although the idea of pairing Wemby with Giannis could be too good to pass up. Yes, they’re still years away from serious contention, and sacrificing core assets like Sochan and Branham would risk stalling their progress. But for a player like Antetokounmpo, and the idea of having an all-time frontcourt, it could all be worth it. Milwaukee would see a return of young talent and draft capital that aligns well if they’re forced into a post-Giannis rebuild too.

Toronto Raptors

Potential Trade Offer: Bruce Brown, Jakob Poeltl, Gradey Dick, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick

The Toronto Raptors are coming into the 2024-25 season with a renewed focus on rebuilding around Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and a younger core, following a challenging 25-57 season last year. With head coach Darko Rajakovic aiming to reshape the team’s identity, the Raptors are in a developmental phase, filled with players mostly under 25, including sophomores like Gradey Dick. Veterans like Jakob Poeltl bring a stabilizing presence, but his fit long-term is questionable since he’s a more traditional big who doesn’t offer much floor spacing, which limits the lineup flexibility.

Adding Giannis would catapult the Raptors out of this “rebuild” mindset and push them back into the playoff picture instantly. A deal that includes Poeltl, Gradey Dick, and multiple first-round picks would come at a steep price, essentially mortgaging future assets for immediate success. Given their current roster’s youth and potential, this deal is unlikely to materialize unless the Raptors are convinced Giannis can deliver them straight into contention with this core, which for a player of his caliber, could be similar to what they’ve achieved with Kawhi’s trade in 2018.

Toronto’s approach has been cautious, often hesitant to make all-in moves without a clear path to deep playoff runs. But, if they could sway Milwaukee with this package, it could be the spark Toronto needs to shift gears entirely.

Utah Jazz

Proposed Trade Offer: John Collins, Collin Sexton, Walker Kessler, 2025 First-Round Pick (Cavaliers), 2026 First-Round Pick

The Jazz are at an interesting point in their rebuild, and a move for Giannis Antetokounmpo could theoretically shake things up, but it’s still a risky proposition. Right now, the team is building around young talents like Walker Kessler and Keyonte George, with Lauri Markkanen leading the scoring charge. Kessler, who had an impressive season opener, is emerging as one of the most promising young bigs in the league, showing defensive prowess and solid rebounding, while George is quickly proving his worth in the rotation.

As for John Collins, the Jazz acquired him to bring experience to their frontcourt, although he’s adjusting to a bench role, something he’s not entirely comfortable with. Despite his reduced role, Collins adds valuable depth and could still hold appeal for the Bucks. Sexton, meanwhile, is being relied upon as a strong bench scorer, which makes his inclusion a hit to their depth.

While acquiring Giannis would make Utah a bigger name in the Western Conference, it’s debatable whether giving up both Kessler and multiple picks is smart for a team still in the development phase. Plus, the Jazz aren’t exactly in a “win-now” mode, which is necessary to maximize Giannis’s prime years.

Washington Wizards

Proposed Trade Offer: Kyle Kuzma, Richaun Holmes, Jonas Valanciunas, 2026 First-Round Pick, 2026 First-Round Pick (Suns), 2028 First-Round Pick (PHX, BKN, or PHI), 2029 First-Round Pick

The Wizards are deep in rebuild mode, focusing heavily on developing their young talent, but they’ve added some experienced players to balance things out. Kyle Kuzma has taken on an expanded role as one of the primary scorers and leaders on the court. Jonas Valančiūnas, who joined the team in a recent offseason move, brings some much-needed size and veteran savvy to the frontcourt. Adding Giannis to this group would instantly elevate Washington’s competitiveness, especially given their lack of star power since trading Bradley Beal.

For Milwaukee, receiving players like Kuzma and Valanciunas offers a mix of experience and talent that could help keep them competitive, plus the first-round picks would provide flexibility for future moves. However, it’s questionable whether the Wizards would want to give up so many future assets at this stage. Giannis would make the Wizards better right away, but without much depth beyond him, Kuzma, and Valanciunas, they’d still struggle to reach top-tier status in the Eastern Conference.