Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a regular in trade rumors since the 2026 NBA trade deadline.
Ultimately, the Milwaukee Bucks elected to keep the superstar forward, but that could change this summer as Antetokounmpo’s trade stove heats up once again.
NBA Insider Lists Two Teams Involved in Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Talks
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Milwaukee is “open for business on trade calls and offers” for Antetokounmpo. However, he is not the latest insider to shed light on the situation, as trade talks extend further into the 2026 offseason. Marc Stein shared two teams that display interest in trading for the two-time MVP.
“More and more, with sources saying Miami and Portland are already in pursuit, Antetokounmpo’s future is increasingly expected to be resolved over the next few weeks in conjunction with NBA Draft proceedings,” Stein wrote.
The 2026 NBA Draft starts on June 23. Fans can catch the action at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC.
According to Stein, this means Antetokounmpo could be traded over the next three weeks. The Portland Trail Blazers and Miami Heat will likely include valuable draft capital, such as a pick in this year’s talented class, in any Antetokounmpo trade package. The Heat have the No. 13 pick, but the Trail Blazers do not have a selection this summer.
Miami was arguably the most talked-about team around the deadline as an Antetokounmpo trade destination. It could construct a deal involving Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, and multiple first-round picks for the 10-time All-Star.
The Heat owns all of its first-round picks from 2026 through 2032. If Miami wants to swing for the fences, it has the young talent and draft capital to acquire Antetokounmpo.
Bam Adebayo and Antetokounmpo would form a fearsome defensive frontcourt duo. They combine 11 NBA All-Defensive Team selections. However, the Heat would need to bring in perimeter shooting to give their star frontcourt good spacing.
Adebayo shot a career-high 5.5 3-pointers per game this season. His improved perimeter shooting would be key to giving Antetokounmpo room to attack the downhill and slash through defenses.
Portland Trail Blazers Emerge After Successful Season
The Trail Blazers reached the playoffs for the first time since 2021. The San Antonio Spurs beat them in five games, but their campaign was certainly a step in the right direction. If Portland feels it can make a jump to contention, it arguably has the best collection of picks out of any team for an Antetokounmpo deal.
The Trail Blazers own first-round pick swaps with Milwaukee in 2028 and 2030, along with four other first-round picks. The Bucks could head into a rebuild with more of their own draft capital- a key ingredient to a fast rebuild. Portland could offer Yang Hansen, Scoot Henderson, and Jerami Grant with the draft compensation. It would give Henderson a chance to find his rhythm in a larger role after a rough start to his young career.
Donovan Clingan and Antetokounmpo would become an excellent rim protection duo. The new arrival and Deni Avdija would form arguably the most dangerous slashing frontcourt pair in the NBA.
However, the Blazers ranked 28th in 3-point efficiency (34.3%) this season. If Portland brings in Antetokounmpo, it must find more shooting to give him and Avdija the space to operate.
