NBA rumors: Bucks waiting to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo in case Knicks choke away NBA Finals

The Milwaukee Bucks may be preparing for one of the most consequential decisions in franchise history. However, they appear in no rush to move Giannis Antetokounmpo. According to insider Marc Stein, rival executives increasingly believe Milwaukee is strategically waiting until the conclusion of the 2026 NBA Finals before seriously engaging in trade discussions. The reasoning is straightforward: if the New York Knicks choke in the 2026 NBA Finals, they could become significantly more aggressive in pursuing Giannis this offseason.

Such a scenario would potentially create a bidding war. It could strengthen Milwaukee’s leverage as it seeks maximum value for the face of the franchise. Stein also reported that the Bucks are operating as though they will acquire at least one additional first-round pick ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft. That suggests that trade preparations are already underway behind the scenes.

Milwaukee is also believed to be exploring multi-team frameworks that could involve the Portland Trail Blazers. The goal is to recoup some of the draft capital surrendered in the Damian Lillard trade. Meanwhile, reports indicate Giannis prefers to remain in the Eastern Conference. The Miami Heat have been frequently mentioned among his preferred destinations. Any acquiring team would also need confidence in its ability to secure a future contract extension. That raises the stakes even more in what could become the defining transaction of the offseason.

Over 13 seasons with the Bucks, Antetokounmpo has assembled a résumé worthy of immediate Hall of Fame consideration. Drafted in 2013, he has developed into one of the league’s most dominant players. He won back-to-back MVP awards in 2019 and 2020 and led Milwaukee to the 2021 NBA championship.

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