Here we are back in the trade conversation for another NBA superstar. Giannis Antetokounmpo is widely considered one of the most dominant players in NBA history. At 6’11”, he’s technically considered a big man—one who has handles, provides rim protection, and delivers some of the most elite defense this league has seen.
An elite dunker, Antetokounmpo is one of the most athletic, powerful finishers in the NBA. They don’t call him the “Greek Freak” for nothing!
Now in his 13th NBA season, Antetokounmpo has long been a franchise cornerstone for the Milwaukee Bucks. After leading them to their first championship in nearly 50 years (2021), Antetokounmpo and company have failed to reach the NBA Finals since. Bounced by the Indiana Pacers in the playoffs in two consecutive seasons, the Bucks enter a pivotal time in their future.
The Damian Lillard experiment failed miserably after injuries plagued the guard, and Milwaukee failed to bring another championship to Cream City. Following the departure of Lillard and Brook Lopez (Clippers), Giannis entered the 2025-2026 season with several unknowns. While there have been conflicting reports about whether he’s soft-launched a trade request, the topic is hot and is buzzing!
“Giannis HAS NOT gone up and said, ‘I want to be traded.’”
Brian Windhorst on @RichEisenShow | #FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/txdKggkmpj
— ESPN Milwaukee (@ESPNMilwaukee) December 4, 2025
Will the Bucks Trade Giannis?
Holding a 10-13 record, Antetokounmpo has been tasked with leading a younger core that lacks a true No. 2 star. Even with the addition of Myles Turner (Pacers), his production has been underwhelming. At best, it’s a team that’s fighting to make the playoffs.
It’s no secret that trade rumors have swirled around Antetokounmpo, and NBA insider Brian Windhorst confirmed Shams Charania’s initial report that Giannis expressed interest in joining the New York Knicks. A topic that died down over the summer has now resurfaced. Amid turbulent times, the franchise must decide the fate of the team as Antetokounmpo is in the midst of his prime.
Set to become a free agent in 2027, Giannis signed a three-year, $175.37 million contract extension that includes a player option for the 2027-2028 season. While trades are possible, teams must have the draft capital and financial flexibility to absorb his contract.
Let’s break down the next team betting odds for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Will he remain with the Bucks, or will another team land him in a blockbuster trade? Sidelined for 2-4 weeks with a right calf strain from a non-contact injury, let’s see how this plays out. Who is the dark horse to land Giannis if the Bucks full-send a trade proposal?
Giannis Antetokounmpo Next Team Odds (Via DraftKings Sportsbook)
- Milwaukee Bucks: +150
- New York Knicks: +260
- San Antonio Spurs: +600
- Miami Heat: +700
- Toronto Raptors: +1100
- Houston Rockets: +1300
- LA Lakers: +1600
- Golden State Warriors: +1700
- Detroit Pistons: +2000
- Atlanta Hawks: +2000
DraftKings Sportsbook released the updated betting odds where Antetokounmpo could land next. Let’s take a deeper look at these odds, the top destination, and a dark-horse team that could acquire the NBA star.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks are the favorite at +150 odds to retain Antetokounmpo, and head coach Doc Rivers has downplayed the situation. It’s been known that Giannis was previously committed to the organization, but now it seems the script has flipped.
The Knicks may be his preferred destination, but oddsmakers have Giannis staying in Milwaukee.
Let’s be honest—the Bucks don’t appear to be anywhere close to championship mode, and they owe Damian Lillard over $22 million over the next five years after waiving him.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Giannis, along with his agent, Alex Saratsis, has begun conversations with the front office regarding his future. In this report, a resolution will come forward as we roll into the holidays.
It’s do or die for the Bucks, who hold just one first-round draft pick in 2026, 2028, 2030—2032. Having lost picks in the original Damian Lillard trade, the future is quite bleak.
In fact, the Bucks have very little time to convince Giannis to stay in Cream City. Whether it’s a coincidence or not, he wiped his Instagram of anything Bucks-related as of late.
Only two posts show him in a Bucks uniform: One is the in-season tournament Cup trophy, and the other dates back to him holding the Larry O’Brien trophy in 2021. Is Antetokounmpo sending a clear message to the Bucks?
Overall, Giannis has been vocal about winning another ring, and he’ll be 33 by the time free agency comes around. Kevin Porter Jr., Kyle Kuzma, and Myles Turner aren’t moving the needle this season. With Giannis now 30 years old, the Bucks must decide whether they can build a championship team around him or trade their star to a contender.
New York Knicks
Déjà-vu, anyone? Antetokounmpo was linked to the Knicks in the summer, but that eventually fizzled out. Now that it’s known New York is his top destination, the conversation is gaining some buzz.
Oddsmakers have Giannis headed to the Knicks behind the Bucks at +260 odds. I would say that’s pretty decent value considering the Big Apple is his chosen destination.
The Knicks shocked the NBA world by signing Jalen Brunson in free agency and later acquiring big man Karl-Anthony Towns in a trade. Having lost to the Pacers last year in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Knicks can taste a championship. Knocking at the door of a championship, it’s no secret that the franchise and the entire city of New York are ready for a trophy. Last winning a title in 1973, the franchise faces a 52-year drought.
It would be a choice if the Bucks trade their biggest star to an Eastern Conference rival, but one would think Giannis has earned that right and trust with the franchise.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo Prefers the Knicks
If the Knicks were to pull this off, they are likely to part ways with Towns, who’s owed over $53 million. In that case, New York would also either have to split with wingman OG Anunoby or Mikal Bridges, who has a trade restriction until February 2026. This would especially work given the Knicks have two first-round picks in the 2026 NBA Draft. That’s if the Knicks want to fully part ways with several picks.
The Knicks sit No.2 in the Eastern Conference with a 14-7 record. The question is: Do they want Giannis? Does Milwaukee wish to rebuild the franchise around Towns? With Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton out with Achilles injuries, is this FINALLY the Knicks’ year? Aside from the Pistons, I could see them emerging as the top dog in the East.
Pairing Jalen Brunson with Giannis Antetokounmpo would be a dream come true for NBA fans, although they would lose their core by trading two of the five starters. While Giannis and Brunson would be one of the most dynamic duos in the league, would it be enough?
Limiting himself to one team could be a disaster. The Knicks have a core of players, and I don’t see any young talent being sent to Milwaukee. Aside from a pile of picks, does New York have any players that the Bucks want?
San Antonio Spurs
If Antetokounmpo heads to San Antonio, could you imagine pairing him with Victor Wembanyama? That would present one of the most elite frontcourt duos the league has ever seen. Talk about complete domination and rim protection.
The Spurs have rebuilt the franchise since drafting Wembanyama and sit No. 4 in the Western Conference with a 15-6 record.
The future is bright—First Wembanyama, then Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper. Does San Antonio really want to part ways with these young, rising stars? Post Greg Popovich era, the Spurs are inching closer to the franchise that was once headlined by Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, and Manu Ginobili.
There’s no question that adding Giannis would add an instant impact and a boost—especially on the defensive end of things.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama: The NBA’s Next Unstoppable Duo?
Do the Spurs really want to abandon and interrupt the growth process? This team runs deep—when I mean deep, deep! San Antonio has eight players who average points in double figures, and boasts a strong backcourt with De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle. That includes Harper, Harrison Barnes, Keldon Johnson, and Devin Vassell.
According to Evan Sidery, Castle and Harper are off-limits, which would be a smart move on the Spurs’ part. If that’s the case, they have the draft capital and could include a deal surrounding Fox (who has a trade restriction until February 2026).
With the Feb. 5 trade deadline looming, this is one of my top destinations for Giannis. With +600 odds, the Spurs have the third-best odds to land the NBA star. My reasoning is that this is realistic, and parting ways with Fox wouldn’t be earth-shattering.
We are talking about Giannis, a player who’s putting up MVP-caliber numbers—28.9 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 6.1 APG. Not to mention, he’s shooting a career-high 63.9 % from the field, and 43.5% from three. While occasionally attempting a long shot or two, Giannis is very much a dominant interior force.
If the Spurs can keep both Harper and Castle and create a trade package around picks, other players, and Fox, this trade would be hard to reject. To me, it makes the most sense, and would immediately put the Spurs in further win-now mode.
Miami Heat
This is a long shot, but the books give the Heat the fourth-best odds (+700) to land Giannis. Pat Riley has been here before, famously forming a big three championship team with LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade. Miami has never shied away from an opportunity to bolster its roster in hopes of winning another championship.
As we saw before, the Heat had a package previously waiting for Damian Lillard. I don’t see them removing themselves from Giannis trade talks at this time.
Giannis has been linked to South Beach in the past, and would be a viable option if Antetokounmpo prefers to remain in the Eastern Conference. Post Jimmy Butler era, the Heat have a core of Norman Powell, Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, and Andrew Wiggins. That doesn’t include rising stars Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Davion Mitchell.
Giannis Antetokounmpo to South Beach?
The Heat are already in early playoff contention talks with a 14-8 record. Lucky for them, they have a handful of first-round picks over the next few years, although some are not tradeable due to the Terry Rozier acquisition.
Should Giannis hard-launch a trade request, Miami ought to be knocking at the door. While it’s unknown where Terry Rozier stands as far as his salary amid FBI investigations, the Heat have the assets. Given Giannis is owed over $53 million this year, the Heat would most likely have to part ways with one of their top dogs. That means Powell, Rozier, Andrew Wiggins, Bam Adebayo, or Tyler Herro could be included in a trade package.
I would imagine if Giannis were to land in South Beach, Milwaukee would wish for Kel’el Ware, draft capital, and several other young, promising players in a deal. Unlike other teams, the Heat can also offer Jaquez Jr., an emerging young talent in the league. It only makes sense that Milwaukee receives picks and young players to rebuild around. This is where I believe the Heat have the edge over the Knicks and Spurs.
Dark-Horse: Oklahoma City Thunder
I currently don’t have odds on this, but it’s a wild thought that the Oklahoma City Thunder have the draft assets and players to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Boasting an NBA-best 20-1 record, the Thunder have won 13 straight and are well on their way to repeating as reigning champions. I’ve said it before, Sam Presti might be the most brilliant executive the NBA has ever seen.
The Thunder have a unique method, one that differentiates them from the rest. Developing talent from the draft, they clearly won the Kawhi Leonard sweepstakes by acquiring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in a trade from the Clippers. A team built for the future—the Thunder have the potential to become the next New England Patriots of the NBA.
A Long Shot
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is an old-time tale, and it has some meaning to it. The Thunder still has one of the youngest rosters in the NBA, and here’s the scary part: Jalen Williams has played just three games this season, and Ajay Mitchell has emerged as a star. Plus, the Thunder hold FOUR first-round picks in 2026, and three in 2027. They have enough draft capital to make any deal, but should they?
While the core of SGA, Chet Holmgren, and Williams won them a championship, it would be tough to make the numbers work in terms of salary. SGA is owed the most at $38 million, and the Thunder holds the Clippers’ top picks.
If I’m the Thunder, I wouldn’t make any additional moves as this roster is stacked for years to come. If they follow the model, they can continue to develop and stack draft picks. Presti should minimally check up on the situation. Otherwise, the Thunder are primed to repeat. If they do go all-in, it would send shockwaves across the basketball world.
The 2025—2026 NBA trade deadline ends Feb. 5, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET.
Follow Sara Jane Gamelli on X: @SaraJGamelli
