The long-standing wish of several NBA franchises now appears to be materializing. According to a report from Shams Charania, Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has privately signaled he is ready for a new home. The Bucks are expected to begin entertaining trade proposals and explore potential destinations for the two-time MVP.
After months of speculation and league-wide chatter, the situation seems to be heading toward a real separation between Giannis and Milwaukee. Multiple organizations have already started positioning themselves to pursue the Greek Freak. But the expectation around the league is that Antetokounmpo will prefer a destination where he sees a legitimate championship pathway.
Reports from Marc Stein and Jake Fischer indicate that Giannis Antetokounmpo is especially intrigued by the idea of joining forces with Anthony Edwards.
“League sources say that the prospect of teaming up with Anthony Edwards holds strong appeal for Antetokounmpo, which led to some notable backchannel discussions in recent months that lend true legitimacy to Minnesota’s status as a potential landing spot despite the undeniable obstacles that the Timberwolves would face,” the report read.
This is not the first time Giannis has publicly expressed admiration for Edwards. Back in September, during an appearance on his brother Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s podcast, the Bucks star made his feelings clear.
“I love Anthony Edwards,” Giannis said. “I love him, man. I like him a lot.”
Still, executing a deal with Minnesota would be extremely demanding. Fischer also shared that one general manager around the league believes Milwaukee’s asking price would be massive, potentially requiring a team to give up all of its top young talent along with its full collection of draft assets in exchange for Antetokounmpo.
Trade buzz around Giannis has continued to grow amid Milwaukee’s uneven results. Since their playoff disappointment last season, frustration has reportedly built up, and the team’s slow stretch this year has intensified those concerns. Antetokounmpo also recently hinted at dissatisfaction with the team’s on-court chemistry as well.
Golden State Warriors Emerging as Serious Contender to Acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo
At the moment, only a small group of teams are being viewed as serious contenders in the Giannis sweepstakes, with a few already labeled as frontrunners. ESPN’s Anthony Slater identified the Golden State Warriors as one of the most dangerous potential bidders.
“If they opt to strike now, the Warriors, among the expected aggressive suitors, have arguably the most appealing pick package,” Slater reported. “ The quicker Milwaukee acts, league executives believe, the better chance Golden State has to win the bidding war.
“The Warriors can offer up to four first-rounders: 2026, 2028, 2032 unprotected, and 2030 if it falls within the 1-20 range (top-20 protected owed to Washington as part of the Jordan Poole-for-Chris Paul trade). Because of Milwaukee’s outgoing picks, it could only command one additional pick swap,” he added.
For many organizations, acquiring a player like Giannis would represent a franchise-changing moment. He has reshaped the expectations of the power forward role and stands among the rare players in NBA history to have won both MVP and Defensive Player of the Year honors. Now, the league waits to see which team ultimately wins the race for the Bucks superstar.
