If the Milwaukee Bucks decide to move on from Giannis Antetokounmpo in a trade, or if he forces his way out, they have to look at the long term as a much bigger focus than simply making the star happy.
While some might not be thrilled about that and say the Bucks should be grateful for his time, the reality is the Bucks did everything in their power to give him a chance to win and used nearly all of their assets along the way.
Unfortunately for the Bucks, the only way to regain many of those assets would be to get the best possible deal for Antetokounmpo in return.
For all New York Knicks fans hoping for Antetokounmpo and thinking the Bucks are just going to give him up for Karl-Anthony Towns and a few pick swaps, unless the Bucks make the worst trade in NBA history, that should never happen.
Regarding other landing spots for Antetokounmpo, however, there seem to be a clear five favorites.
San Antonio Spurs
One team in particular the Bucks should look to make a trade with is the San Antonio Spurs, if it gets to that point.
The Spurs have a lot of young talent, multiple picks, and pairing Antetokounmpo with Victor Wembanyama would be exciting from their perspective. The Bucks could get a slew of picks and possibly Dylan Harper in return.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder have to be mentioned simply because they have more assets than any team in the NBA and a lot of young talent.
However, as crazy as it might sound, the Thunder might not even need to make a trade, given they’re the clear favorites to win a championship this year.
Washington Wizards
Another interesting team could be the Washington Wizards. By all means, the Wizards wouldn’t be a place Antetokounmpo would want to play with, but that’s something the Bucks can’t worry about.
If the Wizards have the best offer on the table, including Kyshwan George and many picks, it might not be a bad idea.
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks should also be thrown on this list. The Hawks have a decent amount of draft assets for the 2026 class, as well as Jalen Johnson. Moving on from Johnson might hurt from their perspective, but for someone like Antetokounmpo, it shouldn’t be the biggest deal.
Houston Rockets
Finally, the Houston Rockets seem to be the last landing spot that could make sense for the Bucks.
Again, this would be about getting the best possible package in return.
Whether it’s Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, or a mix of multiple players, the Rockets have assets to move in a deal with the Bucks.
Final thoughts
It remains uncertain how true these “rumors” are. The national media have been trying to push Antetokounmpo out of Milwaukee since the bubble.
Perhaps this is finally the time, but who really knows?
If it is, the Bucks have to ensure they get the best package in return.
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