Throughout the off-season, Giannis Antetokounmpo has kept the rumors about his move from the Bucks an open ended conversation. Bunch of speculations have built up around the reigning face of the Bucks franchise. The two-time MVP, was absent from the training camp due to covid but idle chatter about his search for a “bigger market” never stopped brewing.

Then came ESPN’s insider reports by Shams Charania. The Bucks front office reportedly met with Giannis and his representatives in person back in July. And one name that Giannis ultimately circled out, as multiple reports have pointed, New York Knicks as his preferred option. Should he ever decide to move on, there will be a ripple of changes happening, not just in the Knicks or Bucks roster, no, there is another team involved.

If the move does happen, it could potentially benefit the Los Angeles Lakers in multiple ways. NBA insider Anthony Irwin noted on The Lakers Lounge show that Shams Charania had “pinpointed the 20-25 game mark” as the point when conversations between the Bucks and Knicks might turn serious again. According to Irwin, they’ll likely “try to figure out who they can offload to get more draft capital to send to Milwaukee.” In simple terms, the Knicks need to clear the decks for Giannis, and explore their roster. However recently, one major name on that list is OG Anunoby, can be considered.

Anunoby who joined the Knicks since 2024, is on a 5 year $212.5 million contract extension. Despite putting up a strong show in the 2024 season where he averaged 18 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, the Knicks might want to trade him. Especially now that he carries a strained left hand injury.

That’s where the Lakers come in. If New York begins exploring ways to unload Anunoby or other high-salary players to stockpile picks, the Lakers could be one of the biggest beneficiaries. “Maybe the Lakers can benefit from that,” Irwin said. “If it takes like a first-round pick to acquire OG Anunoby, I’d be interested in that.”

The logic is simple: if the Knicks want a full pursuit of Giannis, they’ll have to cut the cost elsewhere and the Lakers, could be waiting to scoop up valuable players at a discount. Los Angeles has already shown restraint this offseason, opting not to overspend or make panic trades, and instead banking on a healthy roster anchored by Luka Dončić.

Irwin added, “Maybe it does make more sense for the Lakers to hold on tight and see what they can possibly do with the roster as it is currently constructed. Until they find out without a shadow of a doubt that Giannis is definitely not coming. And even then, if he’s coming, and it probably will be after this season, when the Lakers would have more draft capital to be able to move.”

New York would likely add significant contracts and multiple first-round picks, possibly cutting ties with Anunoby or even other rotation pieces like Mikal Bridges. Should that happen, Los Angeles could use its cap flexibility and 2027-2030 draft leverage to grab players who suddenly become available.

Here’s how it gets tricky for the Milwaukee Bucks though. Giannis still has multiple years left on his deal, but insiders like Brian Windhorst have hinted that his “days in Milwaukee are probably numbered.” That uncertainty puts pressure on the Bucks to stay competitive, even without Damian Lillard, who was waived and stretched this offseason after an Achilles injury.

They’ve added Myles Turner and retooled defensively, but it’s clear the next few months will determine whether Giannis truly remains. For now, it’s a waiting game, but in a league where timing means everything, the Lakers might be perfectly positioned to benefit from someone else’s gamble.

Giannis responds to trade rumors with clear message on his future

In a recent turn of events, Giannis Antetokounmpo has given a thoughtful yet revealing response. According to Eric Nehm on X, he has finally spoken about all the rumors.

“First of all, I haven’t read that story. When the season starts, I try to get off social media and I try to focus on my craft and the team, but yeah, I’ve said this many times, I want to be in a situation that I can win and now I’m here. I believe in this team. I believe in my teammates. I’m here to lead this team to wherever we can go and it’s definitely going to be hard… I’m locked in to this team, this group, and this coaching staff and to myself.”

This comes after Giannis had previously admitted about his ambition to remain with the Bucks and win championships. Giannis however has reaffirmed his faith in Milwaukee while leaving a subtle window open, “if in six, seven months, I change my mind, I think that’s human too.” That again leaves it open for assumptions about the uncertain reality the Bucks face.

Meanwhile, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers has grown increasingly frustrated with the constant speculation. When asked again about the latest round of trade rumors, he blasted.“Another one? It’s unbelievable,” Rivers said, according to The Athletic’s Eric Nehm.

“I don’t. I really don’t. I mean, what are you supposed to say? Like I don’t know how many more times… I’ve been coaching 26, 27 years and one thing that I know is that 30 teams call 30 teams, all right. ‘Hey, would you like to trade Chris Paul?’ And you say no. That does not constitute a conversation.” Rivers went on to clarify that the so-called “multiple conversations” being reported were nothing more than standard front-office calls.

For now, the Bucks open their season against the Wizards on October 22. Giannis’ physical and mental status is set to define Milwaukee’s direction.