Latest news with #Antetokounmpo
Time of India
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA trade rumors point to a bold Toronto Raptors offseason with Giannis Antetokounmpo emerging as a potential target
(Image Source - Getty Images) The Toronto Raptors are grabbing attention this NBA offseason, with buzz around a possible major trade for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. After bringing in Brandon Ingram at the trade deadline, the Raptors are said to be eyeing another big move to strengthen their lineup. With the Eastern Conference changing due to injuries and financial issues hitting other teams, Toronto is looking to climb the standings. Toronto Raptors' trade assets position them as a formidable contender for Giannis Antetokounmpo The Raptors have positioned themselves with a solid stash of trade assets, featuring four unprotected first-round picks, three pick swaps, and one protected pick. This setup allows them to jump into high-stakes trade discussions. Their latest addition, Brandon Ingram, a former All-Star, highlights their dedication to building a strong team around their young stars. With talents like Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley, the Raptors have a bright future that could shine even more with a player of Antetokounmpo's level. Giannis Antetokounmpo 's status in Milwaukee is looking shaky because of a bunch of injuries that have thrown the Bucks' championship hopes off track. They brought in Damian Lillard to help boost their chances, but with Lillard now out for the season, the team is in a tough spot. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo There are rumors that Antetokounmpo is thinking about his future with the Bucks, and the Raptors are one of the teams he might want to consider. Toronto's strong international vibe, solid medical team, and reliable front office make it a tempting option for the Greek superstar. Masai Ujiri is leading the Raptors and he is also famous for daring moves, for example the 2018 deal that landed them Kawhi Leonard and a title in 2019. Ujiri stresses the importance of team culture and plans on picking up more championships in the future. Since the Eastern Conference is now different, the Raptors plan to use the situation to move ahead and succeed. As per RealmGM, Getting Antetokounmpo would mean putting together a big trade package, but the Raptors have what it takes and the drive to go for it. Their latest actions show they're ready to shake things up to boost the team's competitiveness. If they pull it off, bringing Antetokounmpo on board could make the Raptors a serious contender in the Eastern Conference for a long time. Also Read: Stephen Curry enjoys relaxing beach vacation with wife Ayesha after Golden State Warriors' early playoff exit The Toronto Raptors are currently seeking out major trade options this offseason, with Giannis Antetokounmpo popping up as a potential target. With a solid set of trade assets, a bright young core, and a proactive front office, they're in a good position to make a big move. As the NBA offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on the Raptors as they work to change their roster and aim for another championship.
NBC Sports
a day ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Giannis Antetokounmpo's decision could hold up Durant trade, much of free agent market
With 28 NBA teams eliminated from competition, the eyes of many fans have already turned to free agency, the draft, and trades to upgrade their rosters. While the draft is still more than 3 weeks away and free agency a week later, that hasn't slowed the NBA's rumor mill, which is in full swing. However, fans may need to be patient waiting for action. That's because Giannis Antetokounmpo is the first domino that must fall in free agency. He has yet to sit down with the front office (and likely ownership) in Milwaukee and come to an agreement on his future — whatever it might be — and all the other dominoes are on hold waiting for his move. It's something Marc Stein wrote about in his latest Substack missive. 'The expectation persists that Durant will ultimately reach the trade market this offseason, but it might not happen until there is clarity on whether Giannis Antetokounmpo will be staying in Milwaukee or seeking a trade of his own.' The logic here is simple: The teams that might be interested in trading for the 37-year-old next season Durant would much rather be in the mix for the 30-year-old in his prime Antetokounmpo. Those teams will keep their powder dry until Antetokounmpo makes his call, then they will pivot to Durant (or another direction). Don't be so sure Antetokounmpo is going to push his way out of Milwaukee. He probably does, but don't be so sure it's a lock. If the primary goal is to win, he could push for a trade to a place like Houston or San Antonio, where he would instantly make the franchise a contender (and those teams have the players and picks to make an enticing trade). However, that moves Antetokounmpo to the stacked West. If he were hypothetically to join Houston, his Rocket team would have to beat 68-win powerhouse Oklahoma City (which is not yet up against the tax and will run it back), Nikola Jokic and a likely deeper Nuggets team, Luka Doncic and LeBron James (likely with a real center) in Los Angeles, Stephen Curry with Jimmy Butler for a full season in Golden State, a Timberwolves team with Anthony Edwards that has been to two straight Western Conference Finals and is improving, not to mention Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs, Ja Morant and the Grizzlies, James Harden and the Clippers, and on down the line. Antetokounmpo might look at that landscape and decide he'd rather stay in the East, especially one where Boston is without Jayson Tatum for much of the season. However, wherever Antetokounmpo might be traded to in the East — Brooklyn, New York, Toronto, even Cleveland or any other team — the price coming back to Milwaukee would gut his new roster of a good supporting cast. He would essentially be in the situation he is now with the Bucks, an MVP-ballot level player surrounded by not enough to win. If Milwaukee can sell Antetokounmpo on a two-year rebuilding plan, would he stick around? It's a question only Antetokounmpo can answer, and it depends on what is ultimately most important to him. Until he makes that call, the rest of the NBA trade market is on hold.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Warriors Urged Not to Pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo in Head-Scratching Take
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. One of the biggest storylines from the upcoming NBA offseason is what the future holds for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. With the Bucks being eliminated from the playoffs in the first round once again, there has been a ton of speculation around Antetokounmpo. More NBA news: Raptors, Grizzlies Listed Among Surprising Trade Partners For Giannis Antetokounmpo Many around the NBA believe that Antetokounmpo could ask out of Milwaukee, with the Bucks not likely to contend in the near future. So far, nothing has been set in stone, but teams are lining up to go after the former MVP. One team that has been heavily linked with Antetokounmpo is the Golden State Warriors. Golden State enters the offseason with its own set of roster questions, but the pursuit of Antetokounmpo could help turn them into legitimate title contenders. However, Mark Willard of 95.7 is urging the Warriors to avoid going after the Bucks star. Willard makes the head-scratching case that adding Antetokounmpo doesn't make sense at this time. "I'm out on Giannis to the does not make sense at this time. My goal is never 'championship or bust.' My goal is annual relevance. I want sports in this city to be awesome and fun all the time." "I'm out on Giannis to the does not make sense at this time. My goal is never 'championship or bust.' My goal is annual relevance. I want sports in this city to be awesome and fun all the time." - @Mark_T_Willard on @WillardAndDibs. 🎧 — 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) May 31, 2025 While landing Antetokounmpo would cost the Warriors a lot on the trade market, it could be completely worth it. Pairing Antetokounmpo with star guard Stephen Curry could get the Warriors close to winning another title. More NBA news: Timberwolves Get Major Update on Julius Randle, Naz Reid Future Antetokounmpo has been a dream target for the Warriors for a long time, and the team could have an intriguing trade package for Milwaukee to consider. Any deal would likely center around young star Jonathan Kuminga, and the Warriors could then put draft capital around everything. MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 02: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter of a game at Fiserv Forum on November 02, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Milwaukee... MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 02: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter of a game at Fiserv Forum on November 02, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Milwaukee lost another game on Friday. More Photo byThe Warriors would then create a core four of Antetokounmpo, Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. Golden State would instantly vault to the top of the contenders list in the NBA if this move went down. However, it seems that Golden State may not look to make a big splash. Despite the two sides being linked, the Warriors may simply look to add around the margins this offseason. But if Antetokounmpo does become available, the Warriors will likely at least make a call to see what it would take to land him. More NBA news: Knicks-Pacers Game 5 Draws Largest Audience in Almost 10 Years Suns' Kevin Durant Receives Eye-Opening Future Prediction For more on the Warriors, Bucks, and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Fact or fiction: Do the Rockets have the best assets to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo?
ESPN insider Bobby Marks, formerly an NBA front office executive with the Brooklyn Nets, is seemingly bullish on the ability of the Houston Rockets to trade for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason. In a 'fact or fiction' segment published Wednesday, Marks was asked if Houston has the best set of assets to chase Antetokounmpo. Advertisement Marks replied, via ESPN: Fact. There are three things on the checklist of chasing a superstar. You have to have draft equity, which certainly Houston has, when you look at the No. 10 pick in the (2025) draft. Then you have all of your future assets, such as picks that are coming from Phoenix and Dallas. They check the box there. Then you have young players on rookie contracts. Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard, Tari Eason, Cam Whitmore, there is a list of those players. Then you have to have those sizable contracts. Remember, we work in a system where you basically have to get within 125% of the salary that's coming back, when it's that big. Dillon Brooks, Fred VanVleet. Them and San Antonio check those boxes, as far as having those appealing assets if you're going to go out and chase a superstar. And in contrast to the Spurs, who finished 34-48 and No. 13 among 15 Western Conference teams last season, the Rockets went 52-30 and finished at No. 2 overall. That could perhaps be the final piece of the puzzle, should Antetokounmpo want to leave Milwaukee and pursue a better opportunity to compete for an NBA championship. While the Bucks could still theoretically trade Antetokounmpo to a non-preferred destination, it rarely happens with NBA superstars — since it's usually not worth it to trade premium young assets for a player who doesn't want to be with the acquiring organization for the long-term. The next domino, of course, is seeing whether the 30-year-old Antetokounmpo actually asks Milwaukee for a trade after spending his first 12 NBA seasons with the franchise. ESPN reported earlier this week that he's at least considering other possibilities. Advertisement If he does, it seems likely that Houston will be among the leading suitors. Beyond Brooks and VanVleet, the Rockets also have Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun entering significantly larger contracts (which can be useful for trade purposes) in 2025-26. While Thompson is theoretically movable, as Marks noted, he's widely viewed as untouchable in trade talks. A 6-foot-11 power forward, Antetokounmpo averaged 30.4 points (60.1% FG), 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game in the 2024-25 season. A two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP), the 'Greek Freak' is a nine-time NBA All-Star and a perennial MVP candidate. More: Report: In 2025 offseason, Rockets open to pursuing Giannis Antetokounmpo trade with Bucks This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Fact or fiction: Do Rockets have the best assets to trade for Giannis?
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Proposal Takes Wild New Turn
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. As the NBA offseason gets going, trade winds have started around Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Due to another early playoff exit for Milwaukee, many around the NBA see this offseason as the perfect time for Antetokounmpo to ask out. More NBA news: Raptors, Grizzlies Listed Among Surprising Trade Partners For Giannis Antetokounmpo While it remains to be seen what Antetokounmpo will do, there have been all sorts of rumors swirling around the star forward. If the Bucks do trade Antetokounmpo, it would take a herculean trade package to land the former MVP. There have been plenty of times linked with Antetokounmpo so far, but longtime NBA personality Bill Simmons proposed a team still playing in the postseason. Simmons floated the idea of the New York Knicks going after Antetokounmpo, and he put together a trade package. Here is what the deal could look like, according to Simmons: Knicks receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo Bucks receive: Karl-Anthony Towns and multiple draft picks from the Knicks via the Spurs Spurs receive: Mikal Bridges "I just wonder, instead of Durant, who was in the 2007 Draft and has been around for a long time, does it make more sense to target somebody like Bridges?" Simmons said. "And then if you're the Knicks, could you send Bridges for picks and send those picks with Towns for Giannis and basically turn Towns and Bridges into Giannis would be my question?" NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 12: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks handles the ball defended by Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at Madison Square Garden... NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 12: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks handles the ball defended by Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at Madison Square Garden on January 12, 2025 in New York City. More Photo byAntetokounmpo averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game this season while shooting 60.1 percent from the field this season. Adding him to the Knicks roster could change everything and help New York become even more formidable. Losing Towns and Bridges would be tough, but Antetokounmpo could be worth it. New York likely makes this deal if the Bucks offered it to them. New York has a big decision to make on Bridges coming up regarding an extension, and they could mitigate that entirely. While Bridges has been good for the team, Antetokounmpo is a generational talent. More NBA news: Knicks Fan Paid Witch to Help New York Win Game 5 Against Pacers For the Bucks, they could get a five-time All-Star in Towns to build around in the post-Antetokounmpo era. Towns could help Milwaukee stay relevant while they fully rebuild, and the Bucks could look to move him for more assets down the line. In the case of San Antonio, they would go younger in Bridges to pair alongside Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox. The Spurs would likely have to part with a player or two to make this deal happen, but it could benefit them greatly. If Antetokounmpo does indeed get moved, this could be a rare win for all sides involved. Simmons may be onto something with this hypothetical trade as the offseason gets going. More NBA news: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Could Match LeBron James, Steph Curry NBA Finals Feat Lakers Listed as Potential Landing Spot For All-Star Center For more on the Bucks and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
