The NBA offseason has yet to officially begin, but one question is already creating major buzz around the league: where will Giannis Antetokounmpo play next season?
According to recent reports, the Milwaukee Bucks are now open to trade offers for Giannis after another frustrating season that ended without a playoff appearance. Milwaukee reportedly explored trade discussions before the deadline, but chose to push those conversations into the offseason instead.
The Bucks are in a very different position than they were a few years ago. The roster is aging, the team just finished a 32-50 campaign and there are growing questions about whether the team still has a realistic path back into championship contention.
If Giannis truly becomes available, nearly every contender in basketball will at least explore the possibility of making an offer. A player of his calibre rarely hits the trade market, and a move like this could shift the balance of power across the NBA.
With trade rumours heating up, several teams have already emerged as viable candidates to acquire the former MVP if Milwaukee decides to move him. Let’s break down some of the more intriguing landing spots for Giannis heading into next season.
Milwaukee Bucks (+350)
Despite all the trade speculation, the most likely outcome may still be Giannis staying in Milwaukee. The Bucks remain the betting favourites at +350, largely because it’s almost impossible to get equal value back for a player this good. Very few teams can realistically put together a package that keeps Milwaukee competitive while also satisfying the franchise’s long-term future.
Giannis has also shown tremendous loyalty to the Bucks organization throughout his career. He already delivered a championship to Milwaukee and has consistently embraced the pressure of trying to build a winner in a smaller market. Even after a frustrating season, the front office could still attempt to reshape the roster around him rather than fully committing to a rebuild.
As long as Giannis has not formally requested a trade, Milwaukee remaining his home for another season cannot be ruled out.
Boston Celtics (+450)
The idea of Antetokounmpo joining the Celtics almost feels unfair, which is exactly why the possibility is generating so much attention. Boston has one of the league’s best duos in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and adding Giannis would instantly create one of the greatest superteams the NBA has ever seen.
The Celtics already have elite perimeter scoring, but lack a truly dominant inside presence capable of taking over games physically. Giannis would completely change that dynamic, while also elevating Boston defensively to another level.
He wouldn’t come cheap, with the Celtics likely needing to build a package around key role players such as Derrick White, Payton Pritchard and Nikola Vucevic, as well as multiple first-round picks. Still, if Boston can figure out a way to land Giannis without moving Tatum or Brown, they would immediately become the favourites to come out of the East.
Orlando Magic (+500)
The Magic are not normally connected to superstar trade rumours, but their young core has quickly changed expectations around the league. Orlando has quietly built one of the NBA’s best young teams around players like Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs, giving the organization a strong foundation that suddenly feels ready for a major leap forward.
What the Magic still lack is a proven superstar capable of carrying a team on a deep playoff run. Giannis would solve that problem instantly. His presence alongside Banchero could create one of the most physically overwhelming frontcourts in basketball.
The challenge comes down to whether Orlando has enough assets to get a deal done. Milwaukee would almost certainly demand a package centred around Franz Wagner or Desmond Bane, along with multiple draft picks and additional young talent. That is a massive price to pay, but if Giannis can turn them into an immediate title contender, they may decide it’s worth the risk.
Golden State Warriors (+1000)
Golden State may no longer look like the unstoppable dynasty that dominated the NBA, but they still have elite veterans looking to make one last run. Stephen Curry remains an offensive force, while Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler give Golden State the kind of experience and toughness needed for one more serious push.
That is what makes the idea of Giannis in Golden State so intriguing. Pairing him with Curry would instantly give the Warriors another superstar and help address the size, athleticism and defensive issues that have hurt them in recent seasons.
A realistic deal would be extremely complicated for Golden State to pull off. The Warriors would likely need a sign-and-trade involving Kristaps Porziņgis, while also giving up promising young players like Brandin Podziemski and Pat Spencer, along with a massive amount of draft capital. If the Warriors believe this era has one final championship run left, Giannis would be the ultimate swing.
Toronto Raptors (+2200)
They may be a long shot in the Giannis sweepstakes, but the Raptors have been connected to the Greek superstar for years. Toronto famously tried to trade up for Antetokounmpo during the 2013 NBA Draft, but ultimately could not get a deal done. Ever since then, Canada’s lone NBA franchise has been linked to the All-Star forward.
The Raptors have a solid young core and a front office that has never been afraid to make bold moves. Toronto already proved with the Kawhi Leonard trade that it is willing to take major risks for superstar talent.
A realistic offer would likely require Scottie Barnes or Brandon Ingram, along with multiple draft picks and additional young talent. That kind of move could leave the Raptors without much depth around Giannis. Even so, this is exactly the type of blockbuster move Toronto could explore this summer.