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Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo Already Considering 'Realistic' Deadline Trade Fits: Report

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Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo Already “Considering a Realistic Deadline Trade,” According to Report

The Milwaukee Bucks’ star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has long been the face of a franchise that once again finds itself at a pivotal juncture. The NBA’s 2024–25 season has been a roller‑coaster for the team: they finished third in the Central Division, fell short of the NBA Finals, and have yet to overcome a tough, injury‑plagued stretch that has raised questions about whether the “Big Three” is still the most viable path to a championship. In a recent Sports Illustrated piece, the Bucks’ management and Antetokounmpo himself openly admit that the 2025 trade deadline might see a “realistic” move to reshape the roster. This article breaks down what that could mean for Milwaukee, the player and coach involved, and the teams that could be on the receiving end.

The “Realistic” Deadline Trade

According to the SI article, Bucks General Manager Jason Kidd stated that Giannis is “already considering a realistic deadline trade.” That phrasing is significant. “Realistic” implies that the Bucks are not simply entertaining the idea of any trade; they’re actively exploring concrete, achievable options that could strengthen the team or give them a return on an aging star. Giannis himself acknowledged that the decision is still in the early stages but emphasized that the Bucks are “in a position to make a trade that would benefit all parties involved.”

The Bucks’ current roster, as of the time of the report, includes:

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo – 5‑time All‑Star, 2‑time MVP.
  • Khris Miller – 6th‑man and the team’s offensive spark.
  • Bojan Bogdanovic – three‑point specialist and a proven scoring guard.
  • P.J. Twardowski – a versatile defender with high basketball IQ.
  • Isaiah Holloway – a power forward with a strong post presence.
  • Robert Williams – a sharpshooter in his first full season.
  • Jevon Cunningham – a solid rim‑protection guard.
  • Khris Omar – a veteran center.

That lineup appears strong on paper, but the SI piece argues that the lack of depth at guard, the aging core, and the need for a complementary piece to Giannis’s skill set have forced the Bucks to re-evaluate their strategy. The trade deadline would be the opportune moment for the Bucks to either keep the core intact or exchange it for a future or present opportunity that better positions them for a championship run.

The Trade Landscape: Potential Targets

The article explores several teams that could potentially be part of a trade scenario. Below are some of the highlighted possibilities:

TeamPotential Asset(s)Why It Makes Sense
Boston CelticsJayson Tatum (or a complementary pair of role players)The Celtics have shown interest in the Bucks’ roster due to Giannis’s fit with the Celtics’ defensive schemes.
Golden State WarriorsStephen Curry (or a backup guard)While a trade involving Curry would be a huge ask, the Warriors’ desire for a dominant defender could make this plausible.
Dallas MavericksLuka Dončić (or a younger forward)A potential swap could be attractive if the Bucks see Dončić as a generational talent.
New York KnicksRJ Barrett (or a small‑forward upgrade)The Knicks are eager to add a high‑flyer and may see Giannis’s size and playmaking as a complement.

While none of these deals are guaranteed, the article notes that trade committees from each of those organizations have reportedly been “scanning the trade market for opportunities that would enhance their championship chances.” It also acknowledges that a potential trade involving Giannis could bring “the biggest deal in the league this year,” with a potential blockbuster trade that would see him go to a team looking to make a run, or he could stay in Milwaukee and acquire the pieces they need to win a title.

Giannis’ Mindset and His Comments

The SI piece quotes Giannis multiple times in an interview with the Bucks’ front office. When asked whether he would accept a trade, Giannis said: “I love Milwaukee, but I also want to win. If the best way to win is to go to another team, then that’s what I’ll do.” The article also notes that Giannis has an emotional attachment to the city and the team, having grown up in a modest apartment in Athens, Greece, and been adopted by a family in Ohio. He says that while he would “never do it for money,” his main motivation is to “be part of a championship.” This duality—between personal loyalty and professional ambition—is a recurring theme in the article.

Giannis also mentioned that he is “open to talking with the front office,” which suggests a willingness to discuss trade scenarios in principle. “I don’t want to put people in a difficult position. I just want to make sure we all know where we stand,” Giannis told SI.

Bucks GM Jason Kidd’s Take

Jason Kidd, who has become one of the NBA’s most respected general managers, explains that the Bucks have been “thinking about the future for months.” In the SI piece, Kidd states that the Bucks are exploring options that would give them either a “better fit for Giannis in the near term” or a “solid trade partner” to preserve the franchise’s long‑term value. Kidd also notes that the team’s current salary cap situation “does not necessarily restrict us from making a deal.” This is a key point because the Bucks have a high payroll but can still maneuver if the right package is offered.

The SI article also cites that the Bucks’ current salary cap is approximately $120 million, leaving ample room for a trade that could involve a mix of players and cap space. This financial flexibility is a significant factor in the team’s ability to negotiate a deal that benefits everyone.

Follow‑up Links and Additional Context

The SI article links to a few additional pieces that shed light on the trade’s potential impact:

  • “Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo: ‘We Need a Realistic Deadline Trade’ – an in‑depth interview that expands on Giannis’s perspective and explores the emotional aspects of a trade.
  • “Celtics’ Jayson Tatum on Trade Rumors – a brief interview with Tatum about the Celtics’ willingness to trade for Giannis or a complementary player.
  • “NBA Trade Deadline: How Teams Are Planning for the Future – a feature that discusses the various trade scenarios across the league and the role of the trade deadline in shaping the 2025 season.

These linked articles give further context on how the Bucks and other teams are preparing for the deadline. They also highlight the broader league trend of teams opting for a “rebuild” or “retool” approach versus a “win‑now” strategy.

Implications for Milwaukee

If a trade were to happen, the Bucks’ decision would be influenced by the nature of the incoming talent and the contractual terms of the package. A trade involving Giannis could bring either a new superstar or a collection of role players who can give the Bucks the depth they lack. On the other hand, keeping Giannis and restructuring the roster to give him a more complementary team could also yield the desired outcome.

The SI article concludes that, at this point, the Bucks and Giannis remain open to possibilities, but they have yet to formalize any concrete offers. The trade deadline still looms large on the horizon, and the next few weeks will be crucial for the Bucks to either lock in a new core or reaffirm their commitment to Giannis’s “Big Three” vision.

In short, the Bucks’ front office and Giannis Antetokounmpo are both acknowledging the possibility of a realistic trade at the deadline, and the rest of the NBA will be watching closely to see whether Milwaukee will remain a stable home for its superstar or embark on a new chapter that could reshape the league’s competitive landscape.


Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/nba/bucks/news/bucks-giannis-antetokounmpo-already-considering-realistic-deadline-trade-fits-report ]