The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade market: What's the best deal for all 30 teams?

The Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes are here, even if the former MVP hasn’t even officially requested a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks yet.

However, it seems he might, and thus, it could be an interesting exercise trying to gauge what each team could — theoretically — offer the Bucks for the former champion.

Some caveats here.

The presumed logic of teams is included here. That means, for example, the Hawks wish to pair Antetokounmpo with Trae Young as opposed to Jalen Johnson, as to create more roster symmetry.

Roster spots matter. This isn’t the offseason, where teams can carry 20 players. Five-for-one trades are a no-go.

The overall relinquished talent differs from team to team, especially if teams are deep. The Raptors, who have more depth and a plethora of picks, can offer more than, say, the Celtics, while still maintaining a competitive level. That has been taken into account.

Without further ado …

Giannis Antetokounmpo drives against Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum on Dec. 3, 2025, in Milwaukee. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

(Patrick McDermott via Getty Images)

The deal: Jalen Johnson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Onyeka Okongwu, and 2026 NOP pick for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Taurean Prince and Jericho Sims

The Bucks take on just $300K, so the salary matching is incredibly smooth and straightforward. Atlanta retains Trae Young and builds around him and Antetokounmpo, with Zaccharie Risacher, Kristaps Porziņģis and Dyson Daniels as the key components around them.

Milwaukee gets a legit star in Johnson, two high-quality role players and a draft pick via New Orleans that will be extremely juicy.

The deal: Jaylen Brown, Anfernee Simons, Josh Minott and literally every first-round pick the Celtics can possibly send out for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kyle Kuzma

Boston just doesn’t have anything that could offer Milwaukee an avenue to a major rebuild, so more than likely, this would have to be a three-team deal. But we’re not doing that today. As a team-to-trade trade, this is the best the Celtics can offer, and it’s probably not enough.

The only immediate sweetener here is that Boston takes on the contract of Kyle Kuzma, who is not even remotely worth his salary.

The deal: Michael Porter Jr., Egor Demin, Nolan Traore, Drake Powell, Ben Saraf, 2026 BKN first, 2027 NYK first, 2029 BKN first for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Gary Harris, Jericho Sims and Amir Coffey

Out with the old, in with the young. The Bucks get a massive rebuilding starter package, and the Nets accelerate their process for … absolutely no reason. But hey, that’s besides the point. We made it work!

The deal: LaMelo Ball, Grant Williams, 2026 CHA first, 2028 CHA first and 2030 CHA first for Giannis Antetokounmpo

One might think Ball should be off-limits, but he’s rarely available and lacks discipline, and Milwaukee would likely acknowledge the fact that it would need more to make it worth its while.

The picks are the real value here, with the hope of Ball becoming a more serious player. If he achieves that, then the Bucks walk away with a good haul.

The deal: Matas Buzelis, Isaac Okoro, Kevin Huerter, Zach Collins, 2026 CHI first, 2028 CHI first, 2030 CHI first for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Jericho Sims, and Amir Coffey

This immediately turns Chicago into a win-now team in the East, with a plethora of veterans at their disposal to make a run within the next two years. It also makes it more likely that both Coby White and Ayo Dosumnu re-sign in the summer.

Milwaukee gets a wonderful prospect in Buzelis and a small army of unprotected picks to start over from scratch. The expiring contracts of Collins and Huerter provide the Bucks with significant cap relief in 2026.

The deal: None

The Cavaliers are currently over the second apron. This means they cannot aggregate contracts, nor can they take a single dollar more back in return than they send out. Their most expensive contract ($46.3 million) simply isn’t enough.

Further complicating matters is the fact the Cavs are $22 million above the second apron and will need to shed at least that amount in order to legally aggregate contracts. The Bucks are $17.6 million below the first apron, meaning if they exceed that they also cannot take a single dollar more in return than what they would send out.

The deal: Cooper Flagg, Daniel Gafford, Klay Thompson, Caleb Martin, Naji Marshall, and 2032 DAL first for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Gary Harris, and Taurean Prince

The Bucks get the league’s most intriguing under-20 prospect, along with a group of role players who could, potentially, be moved individually down the line.

Dallas, obviously, adds Antetokounmpo to a core of Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, in the hopes of forming a ridiculously effective Big Three. It’s expensive, but it’d create much-needed buzz in Dallas.

The deal: Aaron Gordon, Cam Johnson, Jonas Valančiūnas, Peyton Watson, DaRon Holmes, Julian Strawther for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Taurean Prince, Jericho Sims, Thanasis Antetokounmpo and Amir Coffey

All right, so you might be wondering about the deal having no picks involved. Yes, that’s a problem for Denver seeing as it has no control of its future in that department. As such, the only real value here lies with Denver’s young players. Some are good, others are OK, and, ultimately, the Nuggets will have no chance of landing the Greek Freak. Sorry, Colorado!

The deal: Jaden Ivey, Tobias Harris, Ausar Thompson, Ron Holland, 2026 DET first, 2028 DET first and 2030 DET first for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Thanasis Antetokounmpo and Amir Coffey

Detroit is in possession of all of its draft picks, so it can actually make a decent push for the former Finals MVP. But it’ll cost the Pistons multiple selections, and multiple prospects, which won’t be an easy thing to fork over.

For the Bucks, needless to say, this is a package that offers them a chance of attacking a rebuilding process. Let’s not make it more complicated than it is.

The deal: Jimmy Butler, Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, 2026 GSW first, 2028 GSW first and a 2030 GSW first for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis, and Thanasis Antetokounmpo.

It’s a significant package the Warriors can send out, in large part due to the fact that they control their own future in terms of draft picks. Is it realistic? Probably not, but with the addition of two prospects in Kuminga and Podziemski, things at least get interesting.

The deal: Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard, Fred VanVleet, Steven Adams, Tari Eason, 2027 PHX first and 2031 HOU first for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jericho Sims, Amir Coffey and Thanasis Antetokounmpo

This is a haul for Milwaukee, to the point where you can even argue if Houston is leaning in too heavily. On the other hand, it’s Giannis Antetokounmpo. Having him paired with Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün would form the longest frontline in the league, which can only be a good thing for Houston’s championship equity.

The deal: Pascal Siakam, Bennedict Mathurin, 2026 IND first, 2028 IND first and 2030 IND first for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Amir Coffey

This deal is heavily based on draft equity, as that’s the primary type of asset the Pacers have.

For the Bucks, it’s a bit of a clean slate, and Siakam should be able to get moved elsewhere, presumably for more picks.

The deal: Kawhi Leonard, Kris Dunn and 2031 LAC first for Giannis Antetokounmpo

Nothing here makes sense. The Clips don’t have picks or young guys of note. While Leonard is awesome, he’s too old and makes no sense for Milwaukee.

The deal: Technically, none.

LeBron James holds a player option, and his contract is frankly crucial in terms of salary-matching, so unless he’s willing to waive it to land in Milwaukee — and with respect to the fine state of Wisconsin, why would he? — this is a complete nonstarter.

The deal: Ja Morant, Zach Edey, Cedric Coward, 2026 MEM first, 2028 MEM first, 2030 MEM first for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Amir Coffey

This isn’t uninteresting for Milwaukee, as the Bucks get two young prospects and three picks, and can possibly rehab the trade value of Morant, only to flip him later. But there are just so many ifs in this scenario, which they will assuredly see as a negative.

The deal: Andrew Wiggins, Norman Powell, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., 2030 MIA first and 2032 MIA first for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Thanasis Antetokounmpo and Amir Coffey

It’s a mixture of a return for Milwaukee, which gets younger, boosts its asset trove and can look ahead. There are, however, much more intriguing deals out there. So while this may make sense for Miami, it’s another situation for Milwaukee entirely.

The deal: Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, Mike Conley, Rob Dillingham and Joan Beringer for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Amir Coffey, Taurean Prince and Jericho Sims

Yes, you read that right. No picks. That isn’t because Minnesota can offer enough to get away with it. Rather, the Wolves don’t have control of their selections, which greatly complicates matters.

Needless to say, Milwaukee will look at this offer and tell the Wolves that Anthony Edwards needs to be in play, or no deal. Honestly? That seems fair.

The deal: Zion Williamson, Derik Queen, Jeremiah Fears, Kevon Looney, 2028 NOP first and 2030 NOP first for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Thanasis Antetokounmpo and Amir Coffey

It’s a bit of a moot point, because even if the Pelicans were able to acquire Antetokounmpo — which they won’t — who exactly are they going to pair him with?

For Milwaukee, this is mildly intriguing, but not enough to make it genuinely interested.

The deal: OG Anunoby and Josh Hart for Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Knicks can’t send out picks, as that would violate the Stepien rule, and they don’t have much in the form of young players. It’s the franchise that Antetokounmpo was rumored to be interested in, but making a trade work that Milwaukee would accept is exceedingly difficult.

The deal: Isaiah Hartenstein, Lu Dort, Cason Wallace, Thomas Sorber, Ajay Mitchell, 2026 LAC first, 2026 UTA first and 2027 DEN first for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jericho Sims, Thanasis Antetokounmpo and Amir Coffey

The rich get richer, and Milwaukee gets a major influx of flexibility to aid its inevitable rebuild. If this feels unfair, it’s because it is. It’d be enormously fun, though.

The deal: Franz Wagner, Jonathan Isaac, Anthony Black, Tristan Da Silva and 2031 ORL first for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jericho Sims, Thanasis Antetokounmpo and Amir Coffey

There simply isn’t enough value here for Milwaukee to be even remotely interested, especially given that Orlando has very little draft equity left. Also, after Wagner’s injury in New York on Sunday, this makes even less sense.

The deal: Paul George, VJ Edgecombe, Jared McCain, Trendon Watford, 2028 LAC first and 2031 PHI first for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jericho Sims, Thanasis Antetokounmpo and Amir Coffey

No. Just no. The inclusion of either Joel Embiid or George is necessary, and that means the Sixers will have to relinquish picks in order to pay Milwaukee to take on those deals.

The fact that they’re getting Antetokounmpo on top of that is, frankly, laughable.

The deal: Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Khaman Maluach, Ryan Dunn, Oso Ighodaro for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jericho Sims, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, and Amir Coffey

With no draft pick flexibility whatsoever, the Suns can only make an offer based on their young players, and there isn’t a clear-cut future star in that group. This deal is DOA.

The deal: Jerami Grant, Deni Avdija, Matisse Thybulle, Scoot Henderson, and all of Milwaukee’s picks and swaps back for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jericho Sims, Thanasis Antetokounmpo and Amir Coffey

This is all about future control, which is what Portland can offer. The Blazers give back Milwaukee their picks, which allows the Bucks to dictate their own terms. Make no mistake, this is a far more attractive offer for the Bucks than the vast majority of deals presented.

The deal: Domantas Sabonis, Dennis Schröder, 2026 SAC first, 2028 SAC first and 2031 MIN first for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Thanasis Antetokounmpo

The Kings have control of many of their own selections, which is helpful. The inclusion of Sabonis is with the hope that the Bucks can pivot and move him in a new deal, fetching a solid return and thus double-dipping.

The deal: Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, Kelly Olynyk, Carter Bryant, 2027 ATL first, 2029 SAS first and 2031 SAC pick swap for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kyle Kuzma, Amir Coffey and Thanasis Antetokounmpo

The Spurs do more than relinquish young talent and picks here — they also take on the contract of Kuzma, which is not considered attractive around the league. It’s a big pay for the Bucks, who reset their cap, regain draft equity and get three real future pieces in Castle, Vassell and Bryant.

The deal: Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl, Gradey Dick, Collin Murray-Boyles, 2026 TOR first and 2028 TOR first for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jericho Sims, Thanasis Antetokounmpo and Amir Coffey

Toronto can go in more ways here, as it has control of its draft picks, but here the Raptors relinquish depth to maintain draft equity. If Milwaukee wants more future flexibility, as opposed to veterans, Toronto can accommodate.

The deal: Lauri Markkanen, Ace Bailey, Brice Sensabaugh, 2026 LAL first, 2030 UTA first and 2032 UTA first for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Thanasis Antetokounmpo and Amir Coffey

This makes no sense, because where does Utah go from here? It works, and Milwaukee gets a solid package with future upside, plus whatever it can get for Markkanen, but this seems pointless.

The deal: CJ McCollum, Alexandre Sarr, Tre Johnson, Kyshawn George, Cam Whitmore, 2030 WAS first and 2032 WAS first for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jericho Sims, Thanasis Antetokounmpo and Amir Coffey

Wizards give up their future, more or less, for a former MVP who would have very little to do in Washington. It doesn’t make sense for them, but Milwaukee does replenish its cupboards.

The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade market: What’s the best deal for all 30 teams?

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