Potential Giannis Trade Destinations This Offseason

Giannis Antetokounmpo would be well within his rights to request a trade this offseason. With Damian Lillard recovering from an Achilles injury, the Milwaukee Bucks are stuck with an aging, injury-prone core, no first-round picks, and a shallow pool of young talent. After three straight first-round exits, the 2025–26 season already feels like a lost cause.

While Giannis could choose the Dirk Nowitzki route and stay loyal to Milwaukee while piling up accolades, there is a compelling case to explore a fresh start. If he is even remotely open to a move, the Bucks should listen. Here are five teams that have the assets and motivation to make a serious offer.

Rockets give up:

Jalen Green
Jabari Smith Jr.
Reed Sheppard
Cam Whitmore
2025 first-round pick via Phoenix
2027 first-round pick (Houston has swap rights with Brooklyn)
2031 first-round pick

The Rockets are one of the most frequently discussed potential suitors for Giannis. After claiming the two seed in the Western Conference, they were bounced in seven games by the Golden State Warriors. Houston has depth, youth, and the flexibility to consolidate talent.

Sheppard and Whitmore struggled to find consistent minutes last season. Smith’s role fluctuated and Green’s postseason performance did not inspire confidence. Milwaukee would be restocking its roster with high-upside players and future picks. While this package lacks a guaranteed star, it sets the Bucks up with enough controllable talent to stay competitive.

Houston, meanwhile, forms a dominant core of Giannis, Fred VanVleet, Alperen Sengun, Dillon Brooks, and Amen Thompson. If the bidding heats up, Houston may need to include Sengun or Eason, but they will do everything possible to keep Thompson out of the deal.

Spurs give up:

Devin Vassell
Keldon Johnson
Stephon Castle
2025 first-round pick
2026 first-round pick (potential swap with Atlanta)
2030 first-round pick (most favorable of Dallas, San Antonio, and Minnesota)

If Milwaukee wants to remain competitive without Giannis, the Spurs might be the perfect partner. San Antonio can offer multiple firsts, young contributors, and a potential future All-Star in Stephon Castle.

Castle’s long-term role might be limited in San Antonio’s crowded backcourt. Vassell and Johnson are still developing and can generate their own offense. This trio, along with Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis, would give the Bucks a respectable core to build around.

San Antonio’s 2025 first could bring in a future star, and they may end up with two more lottery-level assets in 2026 and 2030 via favorable swaps. It is not a championship-level return, but it avoids a full rebuild and keeps the team watchable.

Magic give up:

Franz Wagner
Cole Anthony
Anthony Black
2025 first-round pick
2027 first-round pick
2028 first-round pick swap (Milwaukee receives the higher pick)
2029 first-round pick
2030 first-round pick swap (Milwaukee receives the higher pick)
2031 first-round pick

Orlando is likely to offer less valuable picks, which is why swaps are included alongside the four first-rounders. They also include Anthony Black, a recent lottery pick, and Franz Wagner, who is already a fringe All-Star.

Wagner can be a foundational piece in Milwaukee. Black is a high-level defender with upside, and Anthony provides value as a bench scorer. For the Bucks, this is a well-balanced return with both talent and long-term flexibility.

The concern is on Orlando’s side. Giannis and Paolo Banchero could clash stylistically on offense. The Magic are already short on shooting and shot creation. Trading for Giannis would make that issue even more pressing. Given their conservative approach to trades in recent years, Orlando may prefer to use their assets on a backcourt creator like LaMelo Ball.

Pelicans give up:

Zion Williamson
Herb Jones
Yves Missi
Removal of swap rights on 2026 and 2027 first-round picks
2026 first-round pick via Indiana
2028 first-round pick

New Orleans might be the team best positioned to help Milwaukee regain control of its draft future. They currently hold swap rights on the Bucks’ 2026 and 2027 picks, which they could return in this deal.

This trade hinges on Milwaukee’s willingness to take a chance on Zion. If he can stay healthy, the upside is obvious. Herb Jones is a top-tier defender who could be flipped for more assets, and Missi showed real promise as a rookie big.

For the Pelicans, a Giannis deal clears up the Zion situation and gives them a new centerpiece alongside CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, and Jose Alvarado. With Dejounte Murray recovering from injury and a few veteran additions through free agency or trade, this could evolve into a fringe contender.

Pistons give up:

Ausar Thompson
Tobias Harris
Isaiah Stewart
2026 first-round pick
2027 first-round pick swap
2027 second-round pick via Milwaukee
2028 first-round pick
2029 first-round pick swap

Detroit could quietly be one of the best-positioned teams to make a bold move for Giannis. Thompson is one of the most athletic young wings in the league and would be a required piece in any deal. The Pistons also have Jalen Duren, Jaden Ivey, and Ron Holland still in-house, giving them room to build post-trade.

Alternative packages could involve sign-and-trades with Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr., or Dennis Schroder to match salary. If Milwaukee pushes, they should aim to get Ivey in the deal as well.

The downside is timing. This would be a massive bet for a team that just made its first playoff appearance in years. They would be mortgaging the future to pair Giannis with Cade Cunningham and would still need to fill out the roster with shooting and defense.

Still, the Pistons have the pieces. They should at least make the call.

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