The NBA offseason is already heating up with speculation surrounding the future of one of the league’s biggest stars, Giannis Antetokounmpo. Recent reports indicate that should the “Greek Freak” and the Milwaukee Bucks decide to explore a trade this offseason, both the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks are among his preferred destinations.
This news sends shockwaves through the league, as Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP and NBA champion, would instantly become the most coveted player on the trade market. His combination of unparalleled athleticism, dominant two-way play, and leadership makes him a franchise-altering talent.
For the Los Angeles Lakers, the potential acquisition of Antetokounmpo would signal an aggressive push to return to championship contention. Despite having LeBron James and Luka Dončić on their roster, the Lakers struggled in the 2024-2025 season and were eliminated early in the playoffs. Adding a player of Antetokounmpo’s caliber would create a formidable “Big Three” and immediately elevate their status in the Western Conference. However, acquiring him would require significant assets, potentially involving draft picks and key players. Recent reports even linked the Lakers to a private meeting with Dončić, perhaps discussing the team’s future direction and potential roster moves.
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks have been steadily building a competitive team under coach Tom Thibodeau. With a core of Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges, the Knicks made a strong showing in the 2024-2025 playoffs, even pulling off an upset against the Boston Celtics in the first round. Adding Antetokounmpo would accelerate their timeline and transform them into a legitimate Eastern Conference contender. The Knicks possess a collection of young talent and draft capital that could be enticing to the Bucks in a potential trade scenario.
The impetus for a potential trade request from Antetokounmpo reportedly stems from the Bucks’ recent playoff struggles. Despite being perennial contenders, they haven’t advanced past the second round since their 2021 championship. The fact that Damian Lillard is expected to miss a significant portion of the next season recovering from an Achilles injury could further fuel speculation about Antetokounmpo’s long-term future in Milwaukee.
It’s important to note that Antetokounmpo is currently under contract with the Bucks, having signed a three-year extension in October 2023 that runs through the 2027-2028 season, with a player option in the final year. This means the Bucks hold significant leverage in any potential trade discussions. They would undoubtedly demand a king’s ransom for a player of his caliber.
The coming offseason promises to be filled with intrigue as the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade saga unfolds. While nothing is guaranteed, the fact that the Lakers and Knicks are reportedly on his preferred list of destinations sets the stage for potentially franchise-altering moves that could reshape the landscape of the NBA for years to come.
