When the Milwaukee Bucks chose to choose undeveloped prospect Giannis Antetokounmpo with the 15th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, they struck gold. Nobody anticipated that the tall, lanky Greek youngster would grow into one of the NBA’s top players over the course of the following ten or more years, taking home two MVP honors and even helping the Bucks reach the NBA Finals.
Yet, now that the Bucks have been eliminated from the first round of the playoffs for three years in a row, there’s some doubt creeping in about Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee. In fact, for the first time in his 12-year career, Antetokounmpo is open to playing for another team.
There have been hints that a move is imminent, even though Antetokounmpo has not asked for a trade and Milwaukee has not publicly indicated that they are interested in parting ways with the face of their team.
According to NBA insider Gery Woelfel of Woelfel Press Box, the Bucks are planning to bring in multiple prospects who are expected to be top-eight selections in the 2025 NBA Draft. But it gets better.
“I’ve been told by multiple sources the Bucks are taking steps in the event Giannis Antetokounmpo moves on.”
Gery Woelfel on Giannis Antetokounmpo
It’s intriguing to look specifically at candidates who are predicted to be selected in the top eight. Is the Bucks already well aware of the team to which they could be willing to trade the Greek Freak? These are the NBA Draft clubs that have the top eight picks.
- Dallas Mavericks
- San Antonio Spurs
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Charlotte Hornets
- Utah Jazz
- Washington Wizards
- New Orleans Pelicans
- Brooklyn Nets
The Pelicans, 76ers, Mavericks, and Spurs are the teams that make the most sense if Antetokounmpo decides to remain with a contender. Although Antetokounmpo has already built a solid foundation in Milwaukee, are we certain he would choose any of those teams over them?