While the NBA playoffs continue, the focus is already shifting towards the offseason, free agency, and potential trades. This summer`s free agent class isn`t particularly exciting, but the trade market features big names expected to generate major headlines. Giannis Antetokounmpo is one such player, especially after his Milwaukee Bucks were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the third consecutive year.
Milwaukee`s early exit has reignited trade rumors surrounding Antetokounmpo, and they appear stronger than ever. Recent reports suggest the two-time MVP is reportedly “open-minded” about the possibility of playing for a different team. While monitoring Giannis`s situation will be a major focus this summer, he`s certainly not the only player who could be on the move. As we prepare for the transaction period, here are the latest rumors circulating across the league.
Could the Warriors Build a Trade Package for Giannis?
The Golden State Warriors were recently eliminated from the second round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Stephen Curry, sidelined for most of the series after a hamstring strain, watched his team lose in five games. There was a slim hope he might return for Game 6, but the Warriors couldn`t extend the series. Now, Golden State looks towards the offseason to strategize how to bounce back next year.
The team will have Curry back healthy, alongside Jimmy Butler, who signed an extension after being acquired in February, and Draymond Green. However, it`s clear that even with a healthy Curry, this roster needs significant upgrades to compete for a championship. This is where Antetokounmpo enters the conversation. He hasn`t formally requested a trade from Milwaukee yet, but reports indicate he hasn`t dismissed the idea of playing elsewhere. Given the mutual admiration between Antetokounmpo and Curry, Golden State could potentially be on the Greek Freak`s preferred list of destinations if he decides to leave Milwaukee. The challenge is whether the Warriors have sufficient assets to satisfy the Bucks in a trade, potentially requiring third-party involvement.
According to ESPN`s Brian Windhorst, the Warriors do possess potential trade assets. He mentioned on ESPN`s “Get Up” that Golden State has future draft picks and intriguing young players, noting that Brandon Podziemski, who was reportedly unavailable last year, might be included this time. However, Windhorst believes the Warriors wouldn`t win an open bidding war. He stressed that Antetokounmpo hasn`t demanded a trade, so it shouldn`t be assumed. If Giannis were to decide to explore other options, he would have influence due to having two years left on his contract. While the Bucks aren`t obligated to trade him, if he approached Milwaukee`s management and expressed a desire to play specifically with Steph Curry, a deal could potentially be worked out. Windhorst suggested the same could apply if Giannis wanted to join the Knicks or Lakers. However, in a purely open market scenario, he doesn`t see any of these three teams outbidding others for Antetokounmpo.
Teams most strongly linked to Antetokounmpo as potential frontrunners include the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs. Houston possesses numerous assets, including future draft picks and promising young players, which could appeal to the Bucks. The Spurs recently secured the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. A trade package centered around that high draft pick, coupled with future assets and potentially a young player from their current roster, could be enough to pair Antetokounmpo with Victor Wembanyama.
The Warriors might be able to construct an offer around players like Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga, along with future picks, but this package might not be sufficient to win a competitive sweepstakes. Nevertheless, as Windhorst pointed out, if Antetokounmpo explicitly informs the Bucks he wants to play for the Warriors and no other team, a deal could likely be arranged, though it might necessitate a third team to help the Bucks acquire the caliber of high-value assets they would likely seek.
Lakers Seek `Top-Tier` Big Man if Trading Reaves
Despite being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers could be considered major winners of the season after acquiring Luka Doncic in a trade deadline deal that continues to raise questions. This move meant saying goodbye to Anthony Davis, but it sets the Lakers up for potentially the next decade with one of the league`s elite young talents as their franchise cornerstone.
However, following their first-round loss to the Timberwolves, the need for roster upgrades was apparent. Adding a big man is reportedly the Lakers` top priority this summer. They possess assets that could help them acquire a quality player to pair with Doncic, including a 2031 first-round pick available for trades, and Austin Reaves. Although Reaves had a poor performance in the postseason, his trade value is currently high after a career-best regular season where he averaged 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds. Reports from the Los Angeles Times` Dan Woike indicate the Lakers have no interest in trading Reaves unless they can acquire a “top-tier” big man in return, which is a logical stance. The question now is which teams would be interested in acquiring Reaves.
It might seem unexpected, but after landing the No. 1 overall pick with the rights to draft Cooper Flagg and facing the prospect of Kyrie Irving missing a significant portion of next season, the Dallas Mavericks suddenly have a need for a guard. Given the negative reaction to the Mavericks` front office trading Doncic so recently, another deal with the Lakers might be unlikely. However, Dallas has depth in the frontcourt with Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, Davis, and presumably Flagg. This frontcourt depth, combined with the need for guard play, could make Reaves an attractive option. Having Reaves would provide the Mavericks with a solid backcourt option until Irving returns, and when both are healthy, that guard tandem could be potent.
If a deal with Dallas doesn`t materialize, there are certainly other big man options available on the trade market for the Lakers. Nic Claxton from Brooklyn could be an ideal fit as a rim runner and shot blocker alongside Doncic. Alternatively, Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz might be available. Kessler is young, is one of the league`s best shot blockers, and his game could complement Doncic well.
None of this guarantees the Lakers will trade Reaves for a big man. He has proven to be incredibly valuable to the team over the past two seasons. However, ultimately, if they find they cannot acquire a quality big man without including Reaves in a trade, they may be forced to make that difficult decision.
Sixers Open to Trading No. 3 Pick in Draft
The Philadelphia 76ers were undoubtedly one of the most disappointing teams this season. Injuries played a major role, as Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey spent very limited time playing together. This led to Philadelphia falling significantly in the standings and ending up in the draft lottery. It was there that the Sixers had their best luck, jumping up to secure the No. 3 pick in the draft, a surprising development only overshadowed by the Mavericks landing the No. 1 pick.
Following a turbulent year, the Sixers now have intriguing options. They could use the No. 3 pick to draft a player they hope can make an immediate impact. Alternatively, they could trade that pick in an effort to acquire more established talent to help the team compete now. The latter scenario is certainly a possibility, with The Athletic`s Sam Vecenie reporting that Philadelphia is indeed expected to “listen to offers” for the No. 3 pick.
It remains unclear what the Sixers would demand in return for the pick. However, in a draft where many teams were hoping to land in the top 3, Philadelphia holds significant leverage against any team making an inquiry. There were previous reports about the Sixers potentially shopping Paul George this summer, just one year after signing him. Perhaps George could be included as part of a trade package on draft night along with the No. 3 pick to acquire a player who is a better fit alongside Embiid and Maxey. Regardless of their specific plan, the Sixers are in a much better position following Draft Lottery night than they were before it. After observing potential shifts with teams like the Cavaliers, Bucks, and Celtics, there appears to be an opportunity for Philadelphia to make a significant run in next year`s playoffs if they make the right strategic moves, particularly regarding the third overall pick.
Jasper Hawthorne