Giannis Antetokounmpo stayed put in Milwaukee beyond the 2026 NBA trade deadline despite several reports suggesting a move to the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, or Miami Heat was imminent. However, the Bucks retained Antetokounmpo and now have a chance to improve the roster around the two-time MVP in the offseason to convince him to stay with the franchise.
The Bucks would have two first-round picks to trade in the summer and the non-taxpayer midlevel exception to make significant moves in free agency. The Bucks also have late first-round and second-round picks in the 2026 draft. They can deal those on draft night, technically giving them three tradeable firsts.
However, should Milwaukee struggle to make notable additions, Antetokounmpo’s exit would be likely. By then, the Bucks’ outlook could change as teams can improve their offers and blow the front office away. Even then, only a few teams will still have a realistic chance to pursue Antetokounmpo.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Bucks wanted four, five, or six first-round picks for the superstar forward. While Charania said it was unclear what else the Bucks sought, Milwaukee will likely also want young players with upside in the deal. Another factor is Antetokounmpo’s preferred landing spots, which could see the Bucks marginally curb their asking price.
Here’s a look at a few realistic destinations for Giannis Antetokounmpo if he gets traded in the offseason.
Where is Giannis Antetokounmpo Getting Traded to in the 2026 Offseason? Listing Most Realistic Suitors
#5 Lakers
The Lakers will have three first-round picks to trade this summer, including the 2026, 2031 and 2033 picks. They also have swaps in 2028 and 2030. LA can send Austin Reaves to Milwaukee in a sign-and-trade. With the Lakers projected to have max-player cap space, they won’t need to send out equal salary to the Bucks, giving the 2021 champions significant salary relief.
While LA’s picks and offers might not be as enticing as others, if Giannis Antetokounmpo wishes to play for the Lakers, a trade to the Purple and Gold cannot be ruled out.
#4 Warriors
The Warriors could remain in the hunt to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo. While Milwaukee rejected Golden State’s package of Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski and four first-round picks, in the summer, Golden State can tweak the offer and add another first-round pick.
So a haul of five first-round picks, with potential contracts of Green, Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski could be tabled. If Antetokounmpo is open to it, the Bucks might have to oblige.
#3 Heat
The Heat have been one of the most heavily linked teams to the Bucks. They had a combination of young players and picks, but it wasn’t enough at the trade deadline. However, if Giannis Antetokounmpo’s reported interest continues in the offseason, Miami can upgrade its offer by including three first-round picks and multiple swaps along with Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware and a few other young players, which Milwaukee might seek.
#2 Rockets
The Rockets are inching closer to the summit of the Western Conference, but they’re not quite there. They acquired Kevin Durant in the offseason, but they wouldn’t confidently be in the same conversation with the OKC Thunder, Denver Nuggets, or San Antonio Spurs.
If Houston fails again, a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo will likely be on the cards. Boasting a player like Alperen Sengun to trade with up to five tradeable firsts. If the Rockets include a player like Sengun, they might not have to trade all five.
As for Antetokounmpo, he claimed that Kevin Durant was one of the players he’s looked up to in the past and it’s hard to imagine the “Greek Freak” passing up the chance to compete for a title with one of his idols.
#1 Thunder
The Thunder are in the quest to become the first champion to repeat since the Golden State Warriors in 2018. It’s almost become an unthinkable feat, but OKC could be right in the mix due to its depth and asset management. If the Thunder don’t get the job done and either Chet Holmgren or Jalen Williams fail to replicate last year’s playoff success, OKC might put its draft chest to use in a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade.
The Thunder have three firsts in 2026 alone, up to three in 2027, their own in 2028, two in 2029, one each in 2030, 2031, 2032 and 2033 when the offseason begins.
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