Trade Chatter Beginning to Swirl Around Bucks Superstar

The Toronto Raptors have long been after Giannis Antetokounmpo who league executives believe could demand a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks

Oct 28, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images / Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

Giannis Antetokounmpo trade chatter is already beginning to pick up.

It's been an ugly start to the season for the Milwaukee Bucks and suddenly rumors are swirling that Antetokounmpo may force his way into a trade at some point in the next year, according to Bill Reiter of CBS Sports. The Bucks are 1-3 and if they can't right the ship this season, executives around the league are said to be preparing for an eventual Antetokounmpo trade.

"I wouldn't be surprised if it happened by the trade deadline," one executive told Reiter.

Another executive said "teams are circling" Antetokounmpo, hoping he will become available if Milwaukee can't contend for another championship, Reiter wrote.

Raptors Impact

It's unlikely the Toronto Raptors would be in the mix to acquire Antetokounmpo this season, but Raptors president Masai Ujiri has long been after the two-time league MVP.

In 2013, Toronto tried to trade into the draft on draft night to select Antetokounmpo but was unable to strike a deal before he was taken by the Bucks. More recently, Toronto attempted to keep its cap space open in 2021, hoping Antetokounmpo would not re-sign in Milwaukee and hit free agency. That plan was foiled when Antetokounmpo signed the first of two extensions he's inked with the Bucks since 2020.

Antetokounmpo signed an extension with Milwaukee last summer following the Bucks' acquisition of Damian Lillard. It was viewed as a franchise-altering trade that would keep Antetokounmpo with the organization for the long term. However, Lillard's defense has created problems for the Bucks who now rank 22nd in the league in defensive rating.

Possible Trade Candidates

The Miami Heat and Brooklyn Nets are said to be among the teams Antetokounmpo would be interested in joining if he asks for a trade, according to Reiter.