If the Milwaukee Bucks wanted to, they could flip Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Golden State Warriors before the close of business.
The Warriors have the pieces: young talent in Jonathan Kuminga, Brandon Podziemski, and Trayce Jackson-Davis, plus a sizable contract in Andrew Wiggins to anchor a package intriguing enough for the Bucks to consider parting ways with their two-time MVP.
And a trade with Golden State makes sense on paper. The Bucks would jump-start a rebuild, while the Warriors could pair Antetokounmpo with Stephen Curry in a final push for a title before the sharpshooter’s retirement.
But the Bucks aren’t pressing that button — not yet — and they shouldn’t. Milwaukee’s slow 2-6 start to the season isn’t as catastrophic as it seems for a team still aiming to contend for a championship.
A few missteps have marred the Bucks’ early slate. They let two games slip after a strong opening win against the Philadelphia 76ers, falling to the Chicago Bulls and the Nets as favorites. A loss to the reigning champion Boston Celtics ensued, followed by back-to-back losses to the league’s hottest team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, one of which came in a game Antetokounmpo missed, and both games were decided by a total of three points.
Then came a tough night in Memphis, where Scottie Pippen Jr. shut down Damian Lillard. Finally, after a six-game losing streak, they righted the ship on Thursday in Utah before marching into Madison Square Garden for tipoff in the second leg of a back-to-back against the Knicks on Friday.
Despite the stumbles, Milwaukee has plenty of reasons not to consider a trade.
The Bucks are missing Khris Middleton, their third-best player and second-unit captain. His return could jumpstart the team’s offense.
As ESPN reports, the Bucks aren’t looking to break up their core just yet but are instead seeking reinforcements around the Antetokounmpo-Lillard pairing.
Yes, Milwaukee’s defensive rating of 114.9 (19th) is subpar, but their offense — currently 18th at 112.1 — needs just as much attention. With Middleton back in action, the Bucks’ offensive potential could provide the balance they need to offset defensive shortcomings.
Still, should Milwaukee explore their options, plenty of teams would line up for the chance to acquire Antetokounmpo:
- The Nets, flush with first-round picks from the Mikal Bridges trade, could create a compelling offer to pair The Greek Freak with head coach Jordi Fernandez.
- Due to salary cap restrictions, the Knicks would need to move Karl-Anthony Towns, ineligible for trade until Dec. 2, to pursue a deal for Antetokounmpo. Towns has been the Knicks’ best player to start the season, which makes it difficult to see a deal materializing
- The Miami Heat have long been interested in Antetokounmpo and could dangle Tyler Herro, under contract through 2026, as the centerpiece
- The Heat Rockets boast ample draft capital and young players like Reed Sheppard, whom many view as a Curry-type talent. Fred VanVleet’s expiring contract also adds trade value. They also own valuable Phoenix Suns first-round picks in 2027 and 2029, two of the four draft classes after Kevin Durant’s contract expires in 2026.
- The Charlotte Hornets own multiple first-round picks and young players outside of LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller that could sweeten a deal.
- And the Oklahoma City Thunder, loaded with draft picks through 2031, have the flexibility to create a deal without parting with core players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Chet Holmgren.
Milwaukee doesn’t need to act hastily. Teams will keep tabs on the situation as Middleton’s return unfolds, and the Bucks will likely hold steady unless things go from bad to worse.
