NBA Trade Rumors: Trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo Is 'Plan A' For This Team

As Giannis Antetokounmpo came into this season, observers were not 100% sure of his future in Milwaukee. The Bucks had a disappointing season last year, and have not had much playoff success at all since their 2021 NBA championship. A trade seemed like something that could be an option if The Greek Freak became unhappy with the direction of the team. 

One club keeping a very close eye on the situation is the Brooklyn Nets, who have made trading for Giannis their 'Plan A' this offseason. That's the word from insider Bryan Lewis of the New York Post. 

Multiple league personnel that have spoken with The Post say Giannis Antetokounmpo has been and remains Plan A for the Nets. If Antetokounmpo gets traded elsewhere this summer, that may make GM Sean Marks’ path simple, tanking for another year and building through the lottery.

The Nets find themselves in the midst of a rebuild, having divested themselves of several veterans this season, while they have a slew of picks in the June Draft, with three first-rounder, including Milwaukee's, incidentally.  

The Bucks are tied for the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference with the Detroit Pistons, at 42-34. Their first-round matchup in this month's playoffs will be either the Indiana Pacers or the New York Knicks, with both of those teams holding the home-court advantage. 

Milwaukee is not considered a true contender for the title, so Antentounmpo's situation and his happiness in Wisconsin will certainly be tested after the conclusion of the season, and the Nets will be ready to pounce.

Giannis is signed for two more years, with a $56 million average salary, then he holds a player option for the 2027-28 season at $62.7 million. 

The 30-year-old nine-time All-Star and two-time MVP is still at the peak of his powers, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists. 

Per Hoops Wire, Giannis told Eurohoops earlier this season that he would never ask for a trade from Milwaukee while he was still under contract. 

"I am not this kind of guy. They would have to kick me out. A lot of people don’t know me," added Giannis. "A lot of people know me through things that they read or they watch me on TV. A lot of people see what other players do and assume I might do the same."

A subtle little shot there at the likes of Kevin Durant, Jimmy Butler, James Harden and others, who have had no qualms about asking to be traded while they were still under contract. 

 Photo: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images