

The longer Giannis Antetokounmpo takes to make a decision, the longer the rumor mill runs. For now, all we know is that him and the Bucks are gonna have a chit-chat once the season is over. But is he committed for some more time? Well, the Bucks star has an open mind about the exit, which isn’t good news for Milwaukee. So, which teams are on the lookout? There are two that have propped up the ladder recently. The main one being the Mavericks after they hit the jackpot in the Draft Lottery.
The Mavs defied the odds, winning despite having just a 1.8% chance of getting the No. 1 pick. And you’ve been living under a rock if you don’t believe Cooper Flagg to be the No. 1 pick this draft. For a long-term future, they’re justified in putting all their money on a kid with GOAT potential. But Nico Harrison isn’t alien to making controversial trades. In this scenario, they’d be prioritizing short-term successes by trading Cooper Flagg to the Bucks, getting prime Giannis, and capitalizing on his class with Kyrie Irving to support.
“The future to me is three to four years from now. Ten years from now, I don’t know. They probably bury me and [Jason Kidd] by then. Or we bury ourselves,” said Harrison after the lottery. This should give you a rough idea of what he’s prioritizing. But get this- Giannis Antetokounmpo has been their priority for a while now.
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via Imago
Feb 25, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Their aim was to get two Antetokounmpo brother balling it out at the American Airlines Center. “They’ve wanted Giannis in Dallas for years. They signed his brother, just thought I’d point that out,” said Brian Windhorst, highlighting their intentions. And that added with Nico’s claims of a successful short-term future all points to just one thing. Is it possible to see Giannis Antetokounmpo in the royal blue and black of the Mavs?
That’s just one side of the story, though. The Mavs are battling the Rockets for his signature- and they have brimming young players, trade capital, and draft picks to send the other way. But then emerges another contendor- another top team, vowing for the Greek’s signature. And that team is the Warriors.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was the sole exception in a Warriors-centric party
There’s two things to discuss in this angle- let’s start with the party. Stephen Curry hosted a party during the All-Star weekend, inviting majority of the Warriors gang. This included Golden State owner Joe Lacob, Draymond Greenm and Kevon Looney. But there was a standout guest- Giannis Antetokounmpo. If you’re a long-standing target for the Dub Nation, this is just swimming in shark-infested waters. But the second angle just puts the nail in the narrative being all-the-more valid.
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Giannis and Steph are both represented by the same Octagon agency. Luka Doncic’s trade just proved anything to be on the cards. And despite having Jimmy Butler filling in for the forward position, getting in Giannis would be a dream come true for Mike Dunleavy and Co.
What’s your perspective on:
Are the Mavericks making a genius move or a risky gamble by eyeing Giannis over Flagg?
Have an interesting take?
“And while Golden State is deeply invested in its Jimmy Butler era at the moment, the reality about a player like Antetokounmpo is that his greatness could compel nearly every owner and GM in the league to adjust their plan,” wrote Sam Amick of the Athletic.

via Imago
Mar 30, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks up in the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
As mentioned earlier, these are all just ideas and rumors. We won’t know Giannis Antetokoumpo’s true destination until their chit-chat happens. But the either teams moving forward with the Greek’s signature looks viable. Where do you think the Greek Freak will end up come the start of the next season?
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Are the Mavericks making a genius move or a risky gamble by eyeing Giannis over Flagg?