The Milwaukee Bucks suffered a disappointing first-round exit from the NBA playoffs, and now it seems major changes could be on the horizon.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA MVP who has spent his entire 12-year career in Milwaukee and delivered a championship in 2021, may be nearing the end of his time with the team following three straight early playoff eliminations.
Reports suggest the Bucks are already making preparations in case Antetokounmpo decides to move on. However, only a limited number of teams have the necessary assets and market appeal to realistically trade for the superstar forward.
Antetokounmpo is reportedly interested in joining a larger market if he does leave Milwaukee, but just a few teams fit that criteria and have enough trade capital to put together a serious offer. Among the possibilities are the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors.
Even so, neither team is likely in a position to win a bidding war for him. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, while both the Lakers and Warriors could potentially make an offer, they probably wouldn’t be able to outbid other suitors.
“The Lakers or Warriors couldn’t win a bidding war if it came to that — they just don’t have the assets,” Windhorst explained. “But if Giannis specifically said, ‘I want to play with Steph Curry,’ a deal between the Warriors and Bucks could be worked out. I can’t say it’s impossible.”
A trade to Golden State would be complicated, especially if the team aims to keep its core of Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler together. In that scenario, someone like Draymond Green might have to be included in the deal.
As for the Lakers, while adding Antetokounmpo alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic would create a powerhouse trio, their limited trade assets make such a move unlikely. The formation of a superteam in either Los Angeles or Golden State is possible—but remains a long shot.
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