For the first time in his 12-year NBA career, Giannis Antetokounmpo is contemplating a future outside of the Milwaukee Bucks — news that Bucks fans dreaded but perhaps saw coming. According to Shams Charania, the star’s time in Milwaukee might be nearing its end.
Joining @GetUpESPN on the summit of Bucks two-time MVP and 2021 champion Giannis Antetokounmpo as he explores best potential fits outside Milwaukee: pic.twitter.com/CQCJMtdDEv
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 12, 2025
This revelation hasn’t just shocked analysts and reporters; it’s sent waves through the fanbases of all 30 teams. We’re not talking about Zion Williamson, Rudy Gobert, or even Kevin Durant. This is a generational talent — a two-time MVP, an eight-time All-NBA selection, and a key part of one of the most hard-earned championship rosters in NBA history when he led the Bucks to a title in 2021.
Though Giannis hasn’t officially stated his intentions or indicated a preferred destination, one team’s odds of landing him just became much more realistic: the Brooklyn Nets.
The Brooklyn Nets dreams of acquiring Giannis are one step closer to reality
Brooklyn’s path from a struggling franchise to an Eastern Conference contender just became clearer. Giannis could be the centerpiece of their bright future. Entering the 2025 offseason with over $50 million in cap space, the Nets are in prime position to pursue their most significant asset since acquiring Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.
The team already has young cornerstones in Nic Claxton and Cam Thomas and could realistically entertain the possibility of Giannis coming to New York. After all, he was spotted in midtown Manhattan just days after the Bucks’ first-round elimination by the Indiana Pacers. Many assume that if he does head to New York, the Knicks would be the logical choice. They boast a strong roster and a determined front office.
However, the Knicks lack one crucial advantage the Nets have: draft capital. The Nets have amassed 30 first- and second-round picks over the next seven years, not just to stay young but to position themselves for a blockbuster acquisition. Other interested teams, like the Thunder, Pistons, and Rockets, might also make offers, but they can’t provide what Brooklyn can: a chance for Giannis to be the unquestioned superstar without being overshadowed.
Brooklyn’s flexibility, both financially and in terms of roster construction, makes them an attractive option. After years of dealing with frustrated owners and inconsistent management, the franchise now has a clear path forward. If Giannis wants to become not just the face of his team but the biggest star in a city with more than one contender, the Nets might just offer that opportunity. Whether or not they pull the trigger on a trade is something only time will reveal.