Rumors Swirl Over Potential Deals: Giannis Antetokounmpo In High Demand
The Lowdown on Giannis Antetokounmpo's Trade Potential
Get ready for some hot basketball gossip! The Houston Rockets are keeping their eyes on Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo as offseason rumblings begin. But, is this Greek Freak really going anywhere?
Trade Hurdles Ahead?
According to The Athletic's Kelly Iko, the Rockets view Giannis as a target, but there's some uncertainty about his availability. The problem? The Bucks could be asking for an arm and a leg in return—multiple draft picks, most likely. That might be too steep a price for the Rockets to pay.
NBA insider Marc Stein, on the ALL NBA Podcast, voiced his skepticism about the Bucks trading Antetokounmpo, stating that it would only happen if Giannis himself demanded a trade. ESPN's Shams Charania reported that while Giannis is open to exploring his best long-term fit, he hasn't yet pushed for a trade—yet.
Rivals and Suitors
Giannis has made waves in the Eastern Conference, generating interest from teams like the Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, Boston Celtics, and even the San Antonio Spurs. And here's a juicy nugget: There's reported mutual interest between Antetokounmpo and the Raptors. Toronto could put together an attractive offer to persuade the Bucks to let go of their star player.
The Financial Side of Things
Antetokounmpo is a nine-time All-Star, two-time MVP, and one-time NBA Finals MVP. He's also a walk-off championship hero in 2021, netting the Finals MVP title as well. In the 2024-25 regular season, Giannis averaged a career-high 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 34.2 minutes per game while shooting an impressive 60.1% from the field.
With a projected earnings of $54.12 million for the 2025-26 season and $58.45 million the following year, teams better dig deep into their pockets to make a compelling offer. Giannis' deal comes with a $62.78 million player option for 2027-28. But with the right deal, could the negotiating tactics of NBA GMs turn the Freak into a deal? Only time will tell!
- The Houston Rockets see Giannis Antetokounmpo as a potential target for trade, but the steep price the Milwaukee Bucks may demand could be too high for the Rockets.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo's trade to another team would likely only happen if he himself demands it, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo has generated interest from several teams in the Eastern Conference, including the Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, Boston Celtics, and San Antonio Spurs.
- With a projected earnings of $54.12 million for the 2025-26 season and $58.45 million the following year, teams looking to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo would need to weigh the cost carefully in order to make a compelling offer.
