Giannis Antetokounmpo has spent his entire career in Milwaukee and has done everything the Bucks have asked of him—and more. Is it time for the Bucks to move on? I think so. Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the most dominant forces the NBA has seen over the last decade—a two-time MVP, Finals MVP, and perennial All-NBA selection who has defined the Milwaukee Bucks’ identity. Yet as the 2025–26 season unfolds the Bucks have struggled through a disappointing start.
They’ve had chemistry issues, and mounting losses in the Eastern Conference standings, the idea of trading Giannis is gaining traction among fans, analysts, and front offices alike. Recent reports suggest rising internal tensions and a waning belief that the current supporting cast can deliver sustained contention around him. The conventional wisdom—that trading a generational talent is sacrilegious—is understandable.
Photo Cred: Sky Sports
But in the context of a rebuild and long-term sustainability, there’s a compelling case that moving Giannis. This could accelerate Milwaukee’s competitive timeline rather than prolong mediocrity. Below is why the Bucks should consider this move, what they could realistically receive in return, and how those returns compare to other recent top-tier NBA trades.
1. The Bucks’ Current Reality: Contention Isn’t Happening
Midway through the 2025–26 campaign, the Bucks have failed to coalesce into a legitimate title contender. They are under .500 and currently sit 11th in the Eastern Conference. Poor offensive spacing, defensive lapses, and inconsistent role-player production have plagued them throughout the season.
Meanwhile, Giannis has publicly criticized teammates’ effort and “selfish” play following a blowout loss. Basketball is ultimately a team sport, and even with arguably the most impactful two-way player in the league, Milwaukee isn’t winning at an elite level.
2. The Value of Giannis on the Trade Market
Giannis carries rare value—a consistent All-NBA talent in his early 30s with MVP pedigree. Teams searching for a transformative centerpiece would be willing to offer a massive return. Trade concepts and analytical projections circulating recently provide insight into what that value might look like.
Potential Trade Packages
a) Atlanta Hawks Package
A theoretical framework could send Milwaukee multiple future first-round picks, including Atlanta’s own selection and a Pelicans pick (via a prior swap), helping restock Milwaukee’s draft capital—a luxury the Bucks currently lack.
b) Detroit Pistons Offer
Detroit could assemble a package centered around Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, along with significant draft compensation. While this scenario is unlikely and would require Detroit to sacrifice key young assets, it represents a blend of high-upside youth and picks.
c) Houston Rockets Proposal
Houston could build a deal around Alperen Şengün and Fred VanVleet, supplemented by draft assets. With several valuable future picks and a promising young core, the Rockets could be motivated to pair Giannis with their emerging talent.
d) San Antonio Spurs Scenario
From a rebuilding perspective, San Antonio might offer De’Aaron Fox or highly regarded prospects like Dylan Harper or Stephon Castle, along with multiple picks. While reports suggest the Spurs may be hesitant to part with premium young talent, this scenario reflects the type of upside return Milwaukee should be targeting.
Photo Cred: The Independent
3. Comparing Giannis’ Potential Returns to Other Star Trades
To put this into context, consider how other elite players have been moved in recent years:
a) Kevin Durant Trade (2025)
In one of the largest trades in NBA history, Kevin Durant was dealt to the Houston Rockets in a massive seven-team trade involving 13 players and multiple future picks. While complex, it demonstrated how even aging stars on massive contracts can command enormous returns when multiple teams are involved.
b) Anthony Davis–Luka Dončić Swap (2025)
In February 2025, the Lakers and Mavericks orchestrated a blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas in exchange for Luka Dončić—an unprecedented swap of two franchise-level talents. The deal underscored how teams increasingly prioritize generational upside over established star power.
4. Rebuild vs. Status Quo: Why Moving On Makes Sense
Draft Capital and Roster Flexibility
Draft picks are the lifeblood of sustainable success, and the Bucks currently lack a deep pool of first-round selections. Trading Giannis could immediately replenish their asset base with high-value picks and swaps, restoring flexibility for both rebuilding and future trades.
Creating a Young Core
Acquiring high-ceiling players such as Cade Cunningham, De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, or Zion Williamson would give Milwaukee foundational pieces for its next era. Pairing that talent with multiple lottery picks increases the odds of uncovering future stars—a necessary risk when the current path has stalled.
Cap Flexibility and Long-Term Planning
A Giannis trade wouldn’t just bring players and picks—it would also help reset Milwaukee’s salary structure after years of heavy investment in an aging veteran core. That reset could allow for smarter roster construction and more balanced free-agent pursuits.
Ultimately, Giannis and the Bucks are not where they want to be, and there’s little indication that things will improve. Moving on now—before risking the possibility of losing him for nothing—is the right move. The return for a player of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s caliber would be enormous, and it’s exactly the type of opportunity Milwaukee should be prepared to pursue.
