Even though the NBA world is pretty calm, given it’s the tail end of the mid-season trade period, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s availability on the market once again pricked up the league’s ears. The trade period this season has been nothing short of exciting up until now, with the Trae Young deal, the Ja Morant situation, and now, the Bucks update.
Giannis is a major offensive weapon who can bolster any squad to a title-contending side. After ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that “Giannis was ready for a new home ahead of February 5 deadline,” several fans and analysts have speculated on a probable destination for him.
Given that he will be eligible for a supermax extension on October 1, not a lot of teams can look to add him to the squad. Let’s look at five teams that can pursue the Bucks forward:
#1. Golden State Warriors
The Warriors are the most talked-about team in the league to land Giannis before the deadline. He is worth $54 million this season and more than $58 million next season. As Jonathan Kuminga has already demanded a trade from the team and Jimmy Butler’s season has ended, the management has ample space to take on Giannis’ contract and create what can probably be the most impactful one-two punch in the league.
With an expiring contract, which was the Warriors’ first choice when proposing a deal, Giannis has a lot of options on the table. Teaming up with Steph Curry can be one of the tick boxes in the forward’s diary, given his appreciation for Steph’s abilities in the past. Moreover, the Warriors have a few draft picks to offer in return.
#2. San Antonio Spurs
Even though the Spurs look like a complete side this season, a veteran presence like Giannis can bolster their offense to near perfection. With Jeremy Sochan continuously featuring in trade talks, the team can look to add either Stephon Castle or Dylan Harper to the mix, who are currently on their four-year rookie deals.
The Spurs can also include a few draft picks and make a package for Giannis. With him on the squad, coach Mitch Johnson can create one of the most elite and towering defenses in the league. Moreover, the young Spurs can learn from Giannis’ veteran presence, which they will need to make a title run.
#3. New York Knicks
The Knicks were Giannis’ favorite destinations before the 2025-26 season, when the Greek forward did not look satisfied with the Bucks. However, he later decided to give one more chance and stay put in Milwaukee. Even though the two teams could not reach a conclusion then, the Knicks might be interested in keeping him in the Eastern Conference.
Karl-Anthony Towns’ season has not turned out to be what the management believed. Given the Knicks are known for management, the team might look to offload KAT’s contract. Currently in third place in the Eastern Conference, the Knicks would want to avoid a playoff upset like last season and might decide to prepare early this season.
#4. Miami Heat
Another Eastern Conference contender for Giannis Antetokounmpo might be the Heat, who have had some good runs this season. The team is in ninth spot, and Bam Adebayo’s offensive gaps have raised questions about his value. Given that the two forwards are represented by the same agent, Alex Saratsis, a deal might be in order sooner than we expect.
Moreover, the Heat possesses a string of talented youngsters, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and others, who might interest the Bucks management. The EC team might also need to add Tyler Herro, Andrew Wiggins, or Norman Powell to the mix if they want to keep Bam out of the package. They also have two draft picks they can add to the deal.
#5. Houston Rockets
While some analysts have raised the Rockets’ name in the Giannis trade, others believe that the management is content with the Kevin Durant-Alpren Sengun frontcourt for now. Regardless, the Rockets remain in the race for acquiring Giannis if the teams work out a deal that interests the Bucks.
Amen Thompson and Alpren Sengun are lucrative options for any team, but the Rockets might not want to trade a young core for a 31-year-old Giannis, alongside 37-year-old Durant.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
