Giannis landing spots: Which NBA teams could trade for Bucks superstar?

The Milwaukee Bucks are listening to deals for Giannis Antetokounmpo again.

The continuing saga between the franchise and its long-standing superstar reached its latest potential breaking point on Monday, May 11 when ESPN reported the Bucks are seeking trade offers for Antetokounmpo in the aftermath of the 2026 NBA Draft lottery.

Numerous teams are expected to make offers for the two-time MVP, who will enter next season essentially on an expiring contract with one year left on his current agreement and a player option for the 2027-28 season. He'll likely need to be signed to a new max contract extension, which gives Antetokounmpo some control over his destination. Some teams will be the same as at the NBA trade deadline in February, when the Bucks also reportedly fielded interest in Antetokounmpo without making a deal.

Since then, the relationship between Antetokounmpo and the Bucks has become increasingly acrimonious. The team and its star were at odds over his availability at the end of the season when Antetokounmpo was shut down for a knee injury. The dispute, with Antetokounmpo wanting to play, led to a league investigation related to the NBA's player participation policy.

Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam said last week when the franchise announced Taylor Jenkins as its new coach that Antetokounmpo's long-term future in Milwaukee will be determined this offseason.

"Sometime over the next six or seven weeks we'll decide whether Giannis is going to sign a max contract and stay with us or he's going to play somewhere else," Haslam told reporters on May 6. "And [general manager] Jon [Horst] and Taylor, along with [co-owner] Wes [Edens] and myself, will make that call, and we understand the gravity of that call."

Here's a breakdown of some potential landing spots for Antetokounmpo should the Bucks decide to trade him in the coming weeks:

Giannis Antetokounmpo landing spots

(In alphabetical order)

Boston Celtics

The Celtics' first-round loss to the 76ers, combined with some confusing postseason comments from Jaylen Brown, have sparked speculation that the Celtics could look to make a big move this offseason for Antetokounmpo involving Brown.

Cleveland Cavaliers

This is TBD with the Cavaliers still in the playoffs. But an unceremonious loss to the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland's former coach (J.B. Bickerstaff) might prompt personnel changes. Evan Mobley fits the mold for the type of player the Bucks will want in return for Antetokounmpo.

Golden State Warriors

The Warriors need a pivot for the closing chapter of Steph Curry's legendary career with Golden State and Antetokounmpo would be the ultimate partner for his final years. It's unclear, however, if they have the assets to get it done since Milwaukee reportedly wants a young foundational piece in return.

Houston Rockets

The Rockets made a big move last offseason to acquire Kevin Durant and it didn't work as well as the franchise hoped for after this year's first-round playoff exit. If they choose to make another splashy trade for Antetokounmpo, Houston has promising players like Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson who should be appealing to Milwaukee.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers have historically been known for poaching superstars from other teams and Antetokounmpo would fit the bill, particularly if LeBron James and the franchise part ways in some form this offseason. Would a deal with Austin Reaves and draft picks as the centerpiece be enough, though?

Minnesota Timberwolves

If the Timberwolves can't pull out their Western Conference semifinals series against the San Antonio Spurs, might they make another run at Antetokounmpo after reportedly being suitors at the trade deadline? An Antetokounmpo-Anthony Edwards pairing would be dynamic and the Timberwolves have some interesting contracts to deal (Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert).

New York Knicks

The Knicks have been linked as a potential destination for Antetokounmpo for years. If they fall short of an NBA title this year, there will be pressure again to make a move for the Bucks star. But a trade package centered around Karl-Anthony Towns or OG Anunoby might not be appealing to Milwaukee.

Orlando Magic

The Magic could reset their core after a disappointing regular season by trading Paolo Banchero for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Banchero, despite his inconsistencies, has already made the NBA All-Star Game once and would give the Bucks a young piece to build around after a possible Antetokounmpo trade.

Portland Trail Blazers

The Trail Blazers could be looking to make a splash under new owner Tom Dundon, and they have some intriguing young assets to trade as well as former Antetokounmpo teammates Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard. Antetokounmpo's desire to play for a title contender could complicate this potential option.

Toronto Raptors

The franchise that once traded for the expiring contract of Kawhi Leonard could offer up Scottie Barnes in a potential deal for Antetokounmpo after he took another step forward during the Raptors' first-round exit against the Cavaliers.