By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
With the Milwaukee Bucks ready to carefully consider trade offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo, the shockwave spreads way beyond the Freak and potential suitors, and the ending of a long and successful journey since a relatively unknown prospect was drafted in 2013, but expands to teams lacking intentions or assets to present a bid as well.
Due to the NBA’s salary cap, with most of the teams operating over the luxury tax threshold, any kind of deal regarding a maximum contract is very likely to include more than two teams. Besides the financial regulations, teams with the necessary space, combining with talent and draft picks to be noticed by the Bucks, will be retaining those for the duration of trade talks surrounding Giannis, and thus reduce attention to other trade options, making it clearly obvious that every single organization in the league is involved directly or at least indirectly.
Between draft capital and promising youngsters, the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz, Orlando Magic, and Atlanta Hawks are closer to creating a package of necessary assets to secure the services of Giannis and also boost the ensuing rebuilding process of the Bucks.
A key difference is that championship contenders would surely be more comfortable in picking up a contract with only one more fully guaranteed year, beyond the ongoing 2025-26 season, and limited to a player option for the 2027-28 season. Contenders would also like to reach a deal before the approaching deadline on February 5 to power up for the Playoffs 2026. These facts apparently suit Giannis in an individual path to strengthen his bid for a second NBA Championship.
However, with the Greek superstar currently dealing with a right calf strain and an uncertain recovery timetable, can push back his departure from Milwaukee until the offseason, with interested teams opting for a more cautious approach and the Bucks likely earning a much better compensation.
His 13th NBA journey with the Bucks has been derailed by several setbacks and disappointing team displays, but Giannis has averaged 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.7 blocks per contest over 30 appearances.