Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is the best player available ahead of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, with several contenders in both the Western and Eastern Conferences aggressively pursuing him. With time ticking down for a blockbuster deal to be made, new intel is surfacing regarding the bidding war.
During an appearance on Monday’s SportsCenter, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania shed light on the trade offers made by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, and Golden State Warriors. He also shared that one conflict for Milwaukee is that failing to make a trade by Thursday means Antetokounmpo will have more control over the process in the offseason, which could limit any potential return.
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Golden State has been eyeing Antetokounmpo for years and is all-in on acquiring him now that he is available for trade. Charania reported that the Warriors’ offer to Milwaukee is a trade package centered around future first-round picks.
Because Milwaukee traded away the rights to many of its future firsts, rebuilding after a blockbuster deal becomes a bit more difficult. A deal with Golden State could help in some regard, but the most impactful picks would likely be years down the line. Right now, the Warriors can package first-round picks in 2026, 2028, 2030, and 2032, with the possibility of swap rights. Any deal would likely need to include Jimmy Butler—out with an ACL tear—and Jonathan Kuminga for the salaries to match.
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As for Minnesota, it has reportedly offered a trade package that is more player-centered. Any deal would likely include the likes of Julius Randle and Rob Dillingham, along with some future first-round picks and additional assets. Of note, recent reporting has indicated that the Timberwolves are looking around the league to find a third and potentially fourth team to get involved so their offer can be strengthened.
The Portland Trail Blazers and Chicago Bulls have already been reported as two teams potentially interested in helping facilitate an Antetokounmpo trade. Others could likely get involved, perhaps a playoff contender interested in acquiring Randle and sending future draft picks to Milwaukee.
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Charania reported that Miami’s offer is somewhere between the styles of deals being offered by Golden State and Minnesota. That would suggest the Heat are willing to include someone like Kel’el Ware, with Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier included to match salaries. The Bucks would also receive multiple future first-round picks from Miami.
Milwaukee has since made counteroffers to the teams most aggressively pursuing Antetokounmpo. This is the biggest domino ahead of the NBA trade deadline, with other potential deals and trade talks likely being held up until there is clarity on whether Antetokounmpo will be dealt.
