Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks suffered a devastating loss in their five-game series against the Indiana Pacers. Now that the Bucks’ season ends, rumors about their star player’s future arise.
Former Memphis Grizzlies general manager John Hollinger believes that the Bucks’ best option is to trade Antetokounmpo to other teams, including the Houston Rockets, and start a massive rebuild of their roster.
“The Rockets can offer an electrifying mini-Giannis in Amen Thompson, salivating draft picks in the form of a 2025 lottery pick from the Suns, unprotected Phoenix firsts in 2027 and 2029 (the latter of which is the better of Phoenix’s or Dallas’) and enough salary-matching flotsam to offset Antetokounmpo’s incoming $54.6 million and get a deal to the finish line,” Hollinger said.
The veteran sportswriter also mentioned the San Antonio Spurs as a landing spot for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but he insisted it wouldn’t be a blockbuster trade involving Viktor Wembanyama. He also noted the Toronto Raptors, a rebuilding roster led by Scottie Barnes.
“No, Bucks fans, you’re not getting Victor Wembanyama for Giannis. But you might get Stephon Castle. The Spurs also have two 2025 lottery picks (their own and Atlanta’s), an unprotected 2027 pick from Atlanta and several swaps, plus they can deal their own picks in 2029 and 2031. Keldon Johnson and Harrison Barnes would be the salary ballast.”
“Finally, there’s Toronto, where team president Masai Ujiri has been rumored to be scheming ways to get Giannis since roughly forever. The trade equation here seems pretty simple: Toronto’s 2025 lottery pick and Scottie Barnes, plus whatever other draft considerations the Bucks would want to level out the deal,” Hollinger added.
Giannis Antetokounmpo gave candid response amidst trade rumors
Giannis Antetokounmpo made it clear that he has no plans to leave the Milwaukee Bucks, even after the early playoff exit against the Indiana Pacers. During the post-game interview, the “Greek Freak” never gave a blunt answer to the questions regarding his future with the Bucks.
“I’m not gonna do this. Whatever I say I know it’s going to translate. I don’t know man. I wish I was still playing,” Antetokounmpo said.
Giannis on whether he can still win chips in Milwaukee:
“I’m not gonna do this. Whatever I say I know it’s going to translate. I don’t know man. I wish I was still playing” pic.twitter.com/a4gGhXSoim
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) April 30, 2025
The Bucks’ future isn’t also that bright for Antetokounmpo. They don’t own any first-round picks in the upcoming draft. Star player Damian Lillard is also out for multiple months due to the playoff-ending Achilles injury.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has a three-year contract with the Bucks, allowing him to play in the next two seasons. However, with the team’s current situation, it isn’t impossible for Antetokounmpo to part ways with them.
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
