In-depth analysis: The 5 major Antetokounmpo trading plans that the Bucks must consider

With the offseason full of uncertainty, the Bucks should consider the five Giannis Antetokounmpo trading options.

With the team's cornerstone Giannis Antetokounmpo, which may be considering leaving Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Bucks may be about to end a historic era. ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Monday that Antetokounmpo was "open to exploring whether to stay in Milwaukee or play elsewhere". The 30-year-old forward is expected to meet with team officials in the offseason to discuss his future, while rival management has also begun strengthening trade scrutiny during NBA Draft Joint Training Camp Week.

was eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the playoffs and the 2025 NBA draft draw is imminent, if Antetokounmpo says he is interested in leaving, the Bucks may consider making a big deal. The two-time MVP, Defensive Player of the Year and 2021 NBA Championship player has just completed his 12th season, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 1.2 blocks per game, with a shooting percentage of up to 60.1%. His contract has three seasons left, with an annual salary of $54.1 million, which makes his deal worth a huge value.

Here are five trade options the Milwaukee Bucks must propose (arranged from low to high) in case the team is forced to abandon their superstars.

The five best trade plans for Giannis Antetokounmpo that the Bucks must strive for during the offseason

5. Brooklyn Nets

Although the Nets currently lack the core All-Star players, the Bucks' draft potential and the potential of young players make them extremely attractive trade targets.

The estimated offer will include Nick Clarkston ($25.3 million, as of 2028), Noah Crowney ($3.3 million, as of 2027), Keon Johnson ($2.3 million, as of 2027), and six first-round picks: a 2025 first-round pick from Milwaukee, a 2027 first-round pick from Philadelphia, a 2029 and 2031 first-round pick from New York, and a 2030 unprotected first-round pick.

26-year-old Clarkston averaged 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.4 blocks per game, with a shooting percentage of up to 56.3%. A basket protector and big man with great mobility, he fits perfectly with the Milwaukee Bucks’ defensive system.

20-year-old Crowney made great progress in his second season, averaging 9.1 points and 3.9 rebounds per game, and also improved his range. His shooting percentage has dropped from his rookie season, but his potential remains as a modern space-type four player. Johnson, 23, has performed well this season, averaging 10.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game, showing his potential in the rotation guard position. The Brooklyn Nets' contract focuses mainly on long-term flexibility and complete draft control resets, which provides the Milwaukee Bucks with multiple development paths during the restructuring of the lineup. If the Bucks are looking to restock and stay competitive in the near future, this contract is in line with their strategy.

4. New Orleans Pelicans

The potential exchange between Zion Williamson and Giannis Antetokounmpo has been gaining more attention in recent weeks, and the New Orleans Pelicans can offer a generous contract if both sides are willing to accept it.

In this case, the Bucks will receive Williamson ($39.4 million until 2028), Herbert Jones ($13.9 million until 2027), Jordan Hawkins ($4.7 million until 2027), and six first-round picks: a 2025 first-round pick, a 2026 first-round pick (from the Pacers), a 2026 and 2027 draft swap, a 2028 first-round pick and a 2030 first-round pick.

24-year-old Williamson remains one of the most explosive players in the league when he is healthy. Despite the potential for injury, he averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game in the 2024-25 season, with a shooting percentage of up to 56.7%. His pressure on the rim, physical advantage and passing feel in the transition offense will bring a new offensive core to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Jones is a top 3D forward player, averaging 10.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.9 steals per game. Although his three-point shooting efficiency dropped to 30.6%, his three-point shooting percentage last season was as high as 41.8%. His defensive IQ and comprehensiveness make him one of the most underrated outside defense players in the NBA.

23-year-old Hawkins is a young guard with unlimited potential. He averaged 10.8 points and 2.8 rebounds per game in his sophomore season, and shot up to 33.1% from three-pointers. Despite his unstable performance, his shooting ability and space advantage remain valuable weapons on the bench. The Pelicans have young players, great potential and elite draft picks, which injects assets into the Milwaukee Bucks with short- and long-term needs to help them rebuild.

3. San Antonio Spurs

Spurs could bring a range of impressive players, both experienced and blue-chip, including 2025 Rookie Stephen Castle. The

Bucks will receive Castle ($9.5 million in 2028), Kelden Johnson ($17.5 million in 2027), Harrison Barnes ($19 million in contract expires), and four first-round picks: a 2025 first-round pick, a 2025 first-round pick through Atlanta, a 2027 first-round pick through Atlanta, and a 2030 first-round pick from Dallas or Minnesota with swap rights.

20-year-old Castle averaged 14.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game, showing top court vision, athleticism and defensive talent. His offense and defensive ability and organizational ability at the defender position adds a cornerstone of All-Star potential to the Milwaukee Bucks.

25-year-old Johnson still maintains a stable state although his career-best average of 22 points in the 2022-23 season. Last season, he averaged 12.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 48.2%.

Barnes has played in his 13th season, averaging 12.3 points per game and a three-point shooting percentage of 43.3%. His upcoming contract may also become a valuable bargaining chip for competitors.

With a trio of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Victor Vimbaniama and De Aaron Fox, the San Antonio Spurs will immediately be in the championship ranks, while the Milwaukee Bucks will receive short-term and long-term assets. The four-pick combination led by Castle makes this offer one of the most comprehensive offers.

2. The Oklahoma City Thunders are currently on the playoffs, but they have enough flexibility and a young core roster to chase superstars like Antetokounmpo without sacrificing the team's future. The trade combination may send Jaylen Williams ($6.5 million expires), Isaiah Haltenstein ($28.5 million to 2026), Lugentz Dort ($17.7 million to 2026) and four first-round picks: a 2025 draft pick from Miami, a 2027 draft pick from the Clippers, a 2028 exchange draft pick from Dallas and a 2029 unprotected first-round pick from the Thunder.

24-year-old Williams just completed his first All-Star season, averaging 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.6 steals per game, shooting 48.4% from the field and 36.5% from three-pointers. A vibrant wing player with both offense and defense, his rise has made him the heart of this deal and will be a long-term cornerstone for the Milwaukee Bucks.

27-year-old Haltenstein performed well this season, averaging 11.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks, with a shooting percentage of up to 58.1%. Dort, 26, has increased defensive resilience from the outside, averaging 10.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game, and his three-point shooting percentage has also reached a career-high 41.2%.

The Thunder have strong draft funds and rising potential stars, which can provide short-term competitiveness and long-term flexibility, enough to match any team in the league. Having an Antetokounmpo and Shea Gilgers-Alexander combination will make Oklahoma City an instant favorite to win the championship.

1. The Houston Rockets have the most comprehensive lineup, including young players, potential stars and draft picks - ideal for a comprehensive reconstruction.

The Houston Rockets can send Jaylen Green ($33.3 million as of 2027), Jabbarry Smith ($12.3 million, expiration), Reed Shepard ($10.6 million as of 2028) and five first-round picks: a 2025 first-round pick (via the Phoenix Suns), a 2027 first-round pick (via the Phoenix Suns), a 2027 Brooklyn Nets exchange, a 2029 Dallas/Phoenix exchange, and a 2030 first-round pick.

23-year-old Green averaged 21 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists in the regular season. Despite his poor performance in the playoffs, he is still a good shooting creator with untapped potential. By improving his tactics, he is expected to be the Bucks' scoring champion.

21-year-old Smith averaged 12.2 points and 7 rebounds per game, with a three-point shooting percentage of up to 35.4%. A tall, stable jumper and sharp defense, if left behind by the Bucks, he can be a frontcourt all-rounder with Brooke Lopez or Bobby Portis.

20-year-old Shepard has limited playing time in the NBA, but has performed well in the Development League, averaging 30.7 points, 8.3 assists and 4.3 rebounds, and a three-point shooting percentage of 40.5%. He has both scoring and organizing skills and is expected to become a qualified starting guard in the end.

The deal provides the Bucks with a real foundation for reconstruction—a scorer with unlimited potential, a space forward, a development guard, and a future draft pick. The Houston Rockets’ balance of talent and draft compensation makes it the most comprehensive offer in the Giannis Antetokounmpo deal.

Honorary nominations:

Los Angeles Lakers

While this contract is not the most competitive on paper, the deal with the Lakers will allow the Bucks to squeeze all available assets from one of the league's most market-worthy teams.

Proposed contract plans include Austin Reeves ($13.9 million, contract to 2026), Hachimura Hachimura ($18.2 million, contract expired), Gabe Vincent ($11.5 million, contract expired), Maxi Claybel ($11 million, contract expired), Dalton Knecht ($4 million, contract to 2028), and two first-round draft picks (2026 and 2031).

26-year-old Reeves will be the key player for the Bucks to Milwaukee. He has played his best career this season, averaging 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game, shooting as high as 46% from the field and 37.7% from three-pointers. He is able to create shots independently, organize offenses, and play with energy, which makes him an attractive long-term player.

27-year-old Hachimura has both offense and defense, averaged 13.1 points and 5 rebounds per game, shooting percentage as high as 50.9% and three-point shooting percentage as high as 41.3%. Knecht, 24, performed well in his rookie season, averaging 9.1 points and 2.8 rebounds in 78 games, with a total shooting percentage of 46.1% and a three-point shooting percentage of 37.6%. He demonstrated explosive scoring ability as a substitute and could develop into a valuable sixth man or starter.

Despite limited draft funds, the Milwaukee Bucks can convert these players into additional assets or allow key contracts to expire, creating flexibility for the 2026 deal. Giannis Antetokounmpo joins the Lakers and will be compared with another Bucks legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who later became a superstar in Los Angeles. The Atlanta Hawks will likely create a engaging lineup around star Jaylen Johnson, potential rookie Zachary Risacher and efficient frontcourt Oneka Okongu. Potential deals include Johnson ($30 million until 2030), Okonggu ($15 million until 2028), Risacher ($13.1 million until 2028), and four first-round draft picks, along with Kyle Kuzma ($22.4 million until 2027) joining the deal with Antetokounmpo.

23-year-old Johnson averaged 18.9 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 1.6 steals per game, shooting as high as 50%, but before the tear of the shoulder labrum caused only 36 games in the season. His comprehensiveness on both sides of the offense and defense makes him an indispensable cornerstone for the team.

20-year-old Rissacher showed potential in his rookie season, averaging 12.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 75 games, shooting as high as 45.8% from the field and 35.5% from three-pointers. He is expected to become a long-term wing player with both offense and defense.

24-year-old Okongwu averaged 13.4 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game this season, shooting as high as 56.7% from the field and 32.4% from three-point shooting percentage. His mobility and defensive talent give him value as a modern inside player.

While this contract contains impressive young players and strong draft capital, the offer is slightly below the top level due to the lack of a clear All-Star cap. Still, Atlanta’s roster depth and potential make it a popular dark horse in the battle for Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Bucks are weighing the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo, with the Rockets and Thunder becoming popular trade options

If the Bucks choose to move forward without Giannis Antetokounmpo, these trading options will offer different options—whether centered on short-term competitiveness or long-term flexibility. The Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder stand out with their ability to combine young players with unprotected draft picks, while the Spurs and Pelicans have great potential new stars. The Lakers have experienced veteran lineup depth and cap space flexibility, while the Nets and Hawks – albeit engaging – lack the core players they need to make big deals.

Antetokounmpo's departure will mark the end of one of the most successful eras in Milwaukee Bucks' history, which spans 12 seasons, has won multiple MVP awards and won the long-awaited championship in 2021. If this chapter is coming to an end, the Bucks’ management must maximize returns and ensure that the next step is based on clear goals and significant advantages.

With the NBA draft draw and joint trials going on, and the offseason approaching, the next few weeks may not only determine the future of the Bucks, but also affect the balance of strength throughout the league.