When it comes to Giannis Antetokounmpo, there’s plenty of smoke for there to be concern about a fire.
The 30-year-old nine-time All-Star had been sidelined with a groin strain but has since returned. The Milwaukee Bucks, however, are still struggling, limping out to a 9-13 record.
Antetokounmpo scrubbed his social media accounts of almost every reference or photo from his time with the Bucks, sparking speculation about trade rumors. That was Tuesday. But on Wednesday, Dec. 3, ESPN reported that Antetokounmpo and his agent have begun conversations with the Bucks about Antetokounmpo’s future and his fit with Milwaukee.
ESPN also reported that a resolution was expected in the coming weeks.
Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, is a singular talent, unstoppable in transition and freakishly athletic for someone his size. Any potential trade may involve multiple teams and will certainly be an exchange of significant assets.
One thing to note: the NBA trade deadline is Thursday, Feb. 5, though some Antetokounmpo deals may be easier to execute over the offseason, when draft picks become available to trade.
In the meantime, here’s a look at possible trade destinations for Giannis Antetokounmpo:
New York Knicks
According to a different ESPN report, Antetokounmpo already asked for a trade and specifically asked to be sent to the Knicks. While that may be his preferred destination, the Bucks would be under no obligation to facilitate a deal to New York. Still, Antetokounmpo is wildly talented, so the Knicks could theoretically intensify any potential offer, should the interest be mutual.
Any deal for Antetokounmpo would likely involve forward-center Karl-Anthony Towns and would make the Knicks a legitimate threat to win the Eastern Conference — more than they already are. The bigger issue is New York’s salary cap situation, as it has little breathing room under the punitive second apron.
Brooklyn Nets
Perhaps a more likely scenario is across the East River. No team has been amassing draft capital more than the Nets, who have at least 12 first-round selections over the next seven drafts. Given the state of the Bucks’ roster, draft picks might be the most appealing asset, anyway, and the Nets have the salary cap flexibility to accommodate Antetokounmpo.
In April, Brooklyn also became the first team in NBA history to use five picks in the first round of a draft, so the Nets could offer any current rookies that Milwaukee may find intriguing.
San Antonio Spurs
This would almost be unfair. Pairing Antetokounmpo alongside phenom Victor Wembanyama would present a nightmare for opposing defenses and would give San Antonio a roster that would compete with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets.
To make it happen, the Spurs have plenty of talented guards that could entice Milwaukee. Stephon Castle won Rookie of the Year last season and No. 2 overall selection Dylan Harper has flashed through his first six weeks of the season. San Antonio also has De’Aaron Fox. Still, that won’t be nearly enough, as the Spurs would also need to include valuable draft capital.
Houston Rockets
This is an interesting case. Typically, when a player like Antetokounmpo becomes available, just about every team shows some interest. The Rockets have plenty of intriguing young pieces like Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. to entice the Bucks. The question is whether Houston would already want to revamp its win-now build with Kevin Durant as the centerpiece.
Atlanta Hawks
This might be more of an under-the-radar candidate, but the Hawks do have some young assets like last season’s No. 1 overall selection Zaccharie Risacher and Jalen Johnson, though Atlanta also may be looking to move on from veteran point guard Trae Young.
Los Angeles Lakers
Antetokounmpo has said he wants to compete for NBA titles, and pairing him alongside Luka Dončić creates a dynamic threat. But the Lakers don’t have very many assets to ship — at least not now. Aside from Austin Reaves, they lack young assets to send. They are also unable to offer multiple first-round draft picks until the offseason.
The field
As mentioned above, pretty much every team would want a player like Antetokounmpo. Teams that are currently competitive but maybe a star away — teams like the Pistons, Timberwolves, Cavaliers, Mavericks, and Heat — may consider packaging their assets in an offer. Still, the ESPN report makes clear that anything related to Antetokounmpo’s future will involve an ongoing conversation with Milwaukee. Because the Bucks, undoubtedly, do not want to move him and likely won’t, unless he asks out and makes things a little messy.