The Milwaukee Bucks are trying to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo happy this offseason, but if he ultimately requests a trade, the team should have several options.
With Damian Lillard expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 campaign due to a torn left Achilles tendon, Milwaukee waived and stretched the remaining $113 million on his contract over the next five years. As a result of that risky financial decision, the club was able to sign Myles Turner to a newly updated four-year, $108.9 million pact. The Bucks will look to stay relevant in a fairly wide-open Eastern Conference, which is achievable with Antetokounmpo on the team.
While the Bucks are extremely unlikely to deal the two-time MVP, he could request a trade and force his way out of Milwaukee, especially if the team struggles before the deadline.
MORE: Bucks welcome Myles Turner in official statement
Dan Favale of Bleacher Report compiled a mock trade that would send the superstar to Atlanta, netting the Bucks a solid return — including a Wisconsin native.
Here’s Favale’s proposed trade:
Bucks receive: Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher, Kobe Bufkin, 2026 first-round pick swap, 2027 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick swap, 2030 second-round pick
Hawks receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Bucks are expected to want more draft capital than this trade presents. However, the Hawks would likely seek assurances that Antetokounmpo is willing to sign a long-term extension with the team, which he’s eligible to do in the 2026 offseason.
If Milwaukee ultimately chooses to part with its franchise cornerstone, acquiring Wisconsin native Jalen Johnson — a rising star whose 2024-25 campaign was cut short due to a torn labrum — would be a significant plus. Risacher, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, had a solid rookie campaign and showcased his two-way upside. While Bufkin’s time on the court has been limited due to injuries, he’s a former first-round pick who could carve out a meaningful role in Atlanta’s rotation this season.
The Bucks will look to keep Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, but if he does request a trade, the Hawks could emerge as a viable partner.
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