After a season filled with high hopes and championship aspirations, the Milwaukee Bucks’ campaign came to a disappointing end with a first-round playoff elimination. Now, speculation is heating up around the future of the franchise’s cornerstone, Giannis Antetokounmpo. According to recent reports, the two-time MVP could potentially request a trade this summer. Fans are also convinced on the matter.
The latest buzz was brought forward by The Ringer’s Howard Beck. During an appearance on The Zach Lowe Show podcast, Beck mentioned that Giannis might be drawn to destinations like the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks if he chooses to move on from Milwaukee.
“I poked around a little bit a few days ago. The initial thing I got from one person was just like some rumblings that it’s already just the big cities. one of the LA teams or one of the New York teams or maybe Miami, not a big market, but a glamour market, mid-size market,” Howard said.
Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks are among Giannis Antetokounmpo’s preferences should he and the Bucks decide to explore a trade this offseason
(via The Ringer) pic.twitter.com/RCElT6ZKOD
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) May 6, 2025
“I think they threw Chicago in there, I can’t remember if Houston came up. It should. So first is like, where does Giannis want to go and do they honor that? Because again, back to Damian Lillard, you’re not obligated to honor it,” he added.
Carlos Boozer Urges Giannis Antetokounmpo To Join Forces With Luka Doncic
Like the Bucks, the Los Angeles Lakers also suffered early exits from the first round of the playoffs this season. However, speaking on Get Up on ESPN, Boozer suggested that if Giannis truly wants to chase another title, the ideal move might be to team up with Luka Doncic on the Lakers.
“If Giannis doesn’t want to come back to Milwaukee and it’s really up to him if he wants to stay or doesn’t want to stay that would revitalize the Miami fan base. But for me, if I’m Giannis and I don’t want to go back to Milwaukee, maybe you go play with Luka… if you want to win,” Boozer said.
Such a scenario would not only shake up the Western Conference but could redefine the NBA’s balance of power. But the logistics of combining three high-profile stars on one roster would be complex.