What should the Milwaukee Bucks look for in trading Giannis Antetokounmpo?
The Milwaukee Bucks have reportedly been listening to offers on Giannis Antetokounmpo all offseason, and even dating back to last offseason and the NBA trade deadline.
Despite reported interest from teams like the Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and more, the Bucks have held onto their franchise superstar.
The Giannis trade saga is looking closer to an end though, especially as the 2026 NBA Draft approaches in a week and teams looking to potentially include their 2026 first round pick in hopes of landing one of the five best players in the league.
In the end, the Bucks hold the cards in terms of what they are looking for as their franchise heads in a new direction.
The Ideal Return - Multiple First Round Picks, A Promising Young Player
There is a world where the Bucks try to remain competitive as they are without their first-round picks until 2031. The Pelicans hold swap rights in 2027, while Portland owns swap rights in 2028 and 2030. The 2029 pick will either go to Portland or Washington.
Not having control of your own first round pick gives no incentive to tank, and Portland is on the upswing after making the playoffs this past season.
That's why it is imperative that the Bucks get multiple first-round picks back in any deal for Giannis. They need draft capital moving forward as they look to restock following any Giannis trade.
Comparison Trades
Everyone will point to the Paul George trade, where Oklahoma City acquired five first-round picks, two first-round pick swaps, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for George, but it's important to remember that the Clippers had to overpay for George as acquiring him was necessary to sign Kawhi Leonard.
Other multi-pick trades for lesser talent that will be referenced are Mikal Bridges, who was acquired by the New York Knicks in exchange for five first-round picks and a swap, and Rudy Gobert, who was acquired by the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for four first-round picks and a swap.
Milwaukee has to get at least four first round picks from any team they are working with, unless they're getting another All-Star player in return.
Ideally, they shouldn't want an All-Star though, they should want a promising young player who can potentially be an All-Star. Maybe they don't find the next SGA, but if they get a solid rotation piece who can grow alongside a young team, they'll be in a good position.
