With the 2026 NBA trade deadline under a month away, Giannis Antetokounmpo remains the most sought-after player on the market. While it’s difficult to determine how serious the Bucks are about moving their franchise star amid ongoing speculation, multiple teams around the league have been connected to the 2021 Finals MVP.
While the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and particularly the Los Angeles Lakers are frequently mentioned as potential destinations for Antetokounmpo, the latest reports and rumors highlight the Lakers as the frontrunner.
In a recent Bleacher Report article, Eric Pincus identified Los Angeles as a realistic landing spot if Milwaukee decides to move on from the two-time regular season MVP and begin a new chapter for the franchise.
The Lakers would likely have to part with impending free agent Austin Reaves and additional assets, but with Reaves due for a max contract this summer, including him in a trade for Antetokounmpo could give Los Angeles its clearest path to adding one of the superstars of the modern era.
Why Giannis Antetokounmpo isn’t joining the Knicks
The Knicks were also listed in Pincus’ article as a potential trade destination for Antetokounmpo, but given the draft assets they could provide and owner James Dolan’s recent remarks, a deal for him at this point seems unlikely.
“We love our team right now. They have chemistry, they all like each other. I’ve never seen a locker room more copacetic. There’s a lot of energy in there,” the Knicks owner remarked.
The Knicks surrendered four first-round picks to acquire Mikal Bridges, and while some might call it an overpay, the move has created significant limitations for further roster building. Shams Charania noted that both the player and team expressed mutual interest over the summer, but given the Knicks’ trade restrictions and Dolan’s stance on the current roster, they no longer seem like a leading candidate.
The Warriors are in a comparable position, seemingly out of contention for an Antetokounmpo trade. Any potential deal would likely require moving Jimmy Butler or Draymond Green, plus Jonathan Kuminga and additional assets. On top of that, the idea of the Bucks accepting a player over 35 as the centerpiece for their star makes a trade feel even more unlikely.
Could the Lakers really pair up Luka Doncic and Giannis?
Under Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ front office has proven willing to make bold moves in the trade market, as seen with their acquisition of Luka Doncic, and there’s little reason to rule them out from chasing a deal for Antetokounmpo.
The Lakers have been connected to several players over the past month, but the latest reports suggest they may lack the necessary assets to land one of their top trade targets.
