The Brooklyn Nets are seemingly committed to a long-term rebuild during a difficult season. But apparently, that doesn’t stop them from pursuing one of the biggest superstars who could be available before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
New York Post’s Brian Lewis reported the Nets are in a unique position to seriously consider using their excess draft picks in pursuit of the Milwaukee Bucks center.
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The Nets are 13th in the East and have lost 12 of their past 13 games. In light of being the third-worst team by record, they should be looking toward the future. As of now, they are putting their bets on the rebuild. But in a scenario where Antetokounmpo is coming to Brooklyn, the future could arrive earlier than expected.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after falling to the floor in the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets.Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
(Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images)
Antetokounmpo remains under contract in Milwaukee, but reports around the league have indicated that rival teams are closely watching the Bucks’ trajectory and internal decisions. With the Bucks navigating inconsistency and playoff pressure, rival front offices have begun to quietly assess what it might take to make a legitimate offer should the Bucks ever open the door to discussions involving their franchise star.
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Brooklyn owns its own 2026 first-round draft pick and has several additional first-round selections accumulated through past trades, including unprotected 2027 and future unprotected 2028 first-rounders from the New York Knicks. This gives the Nets upwards of 10 tradable first-round picks, which could come in very handy if they enter the race for the 31-year-old center.
Other Eastern Conference contenders — including the New York Knicks, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat — are also widely discussed as potential fits for Antetokounmpo. Even the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves are keeping a close eye on how this situation unfolds.
Pursuing Antetokounmpo Represents Dramatic Shift for the Nets
Moving aggressively for Antetokounmpo would mean that the Brooklyn front office is shifting from pure rebuilding to instant contention. While the Nets already possess young prospects and role players, adding a generational force could accelerate the franchise’s return to playoff relevance and reshape the balance of power in the East.
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It should be noted that there is no confirmed indication that the Bucks are actively engaged in trade talks. But Brooklyn’s combination of low payroll and deep draft capital ensures its name will be part of the trade-deadline conversation if Antetokounmpo becomes available.
Related: Karl-Anthony Towns’ Feelings Toward Knicks’ Pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo Revealed
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.