Although the NBA playoffs are still in progress, the offseason has started for several teams, and the rumor mill is consistently active.
Following their playoff exit, the Bucks face a significant Giannis Antetokounmpo-related dilemma this summer.
Although the star forward is secured under contract for the upcoming two seasons, Milwaukee has just been knocked out in the opening round. As Giannis enters his 30s, he must contemplate whether this is the right place to invest the remaining years of his prime.
Shams Charania from ESPN was recently on the “Get Up” show and asserted that Giannis is “open-minded” regarding a potential departure from Milwaukee.
Although this is not a formal trade request or assertion, it marks the first instance we’ve come across recent significant reports suggesting that Giannis departing from the Bucks could be a possibility.
If he wishes to depart from Milwaukee, might Los Angeles be his following NBA destination?
Though the prospect of having Giannis team up with LeBron James and Luka Dončić is appealing, the route is complex, as our own Bryan Toporek analyzed.
If President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka cannot execute another coup for a superstar, he will probably have to offer Milwaukee a significant package to bring Giannis to Southern California.
With Giannis expected to earn $54.1 million next season, the Lakers would need to include several players to facilitate a financially viable trade.
If LeBron and Luka are excluded, the Lakers players with the top salaries for the 2025-26 season are Rui Hachimura at $18.3 million, Dorian Finney-Smith at $15.4 million if he exercises his player option, and Austin Reaves at $14 million.
Following this trio, Jarred Vanderbilt is scheduled to earn $11.6 million, Gabe Vincent will make $11.5 million, and Maxi Kleber is set for $11.0 million next year.
The Lakers possess limited draft assets, but they still retain the first round pick for 2031. After the conclusion of the 2025 NBA Draft, they will have the option to execute up to four first round pick swaps for 2026, 2028, 2030, and 2032.
If the Bucks believe a trade with the Lakers could bring them closer to competing, the pick swaps might offer a chance to rebuild without resorting to tanking.
Indeed, there exists a route for the Lakers to acquire at least one draft pick along with a set of rotation players to entice the Greek Freak to Los Angeles. However, in the end, any combination of selections and players the Lakers can assemble will undoubtedly be surpassed by other teams.
Although the chances of finalizing such a huge deal seem minimal, this season’s trade deadline has shown us that anything can happen.