It seems like only yesterday when Giannis Antetokounmpo was giddy about staying in Milwaukee, signing a five-year, $228 million super-max extension in 2020. So giddy that he led the Bucks to their second NBA championship in franchise history — and first since 1971 — that season.
That was the high point, though, as the Bucks got bounced in the Eastern Conference semifinals the following season, then endured three straight first-round bounces. Milwaukee traded for Damian Lillard, while Antetokounmpo signed a three-year, $186 million extension in 2023. But Lillard suffered an injury, and the Bucks won fewer than 50 games in back-to-back seasons. A 32-50 record last season looks to be rock bottom.
Five years, five coaches, multiple injuries, and incessant trade rumors later, the likelihood that Antetokounmpo dons a new uniform next season is high.
Here are the odds on DraftKings Sportsbook for where Antetokounmpo will play his first regular-season minute next season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Next Team Odds
Boston is the current favorite at -130. Recent speculation has the Celtics including Jaylen Brown in a package for Antetokounmpo, but there have been mixed signals from multiple outlets on the viability of this. In addition, it doesn’t sound like Brown wants to play in Milwaukee, while the Bucks likely wouldn’t want to build around a 29-year-old. A third team would likely need to be involved for a Brown trade to work.
Miami also holds strong odds for Antetokounmpo at +130, as Pat Riley has always been a big game hunter. A package of Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., the 13th overall pick in this year’s draft, and future draft picks has been mentioned. While that’s a collection of good, young players, there are no superstars, but this may be the best package available.
For all the drama, Antetokounmpo could remain in Milwaukee. He obviously has emotional ties to the city, and General Manager Jon Horst has been a magician in the past. Sure, the Lillard situation didn’t work out, but he’s proven to have some “no risk it, no biscuit” in him. At +700, Milwaukee has the third-lowest odds for retaining Antetokounmpo.
San Antonio is intriguing, and the Spurs have the fourth-lowest odds at +1500, but I’m skeptical that they would break up their young core or pay the exorbitant price to acquire Antetokounmpo. That said, they did give up three players, three first-round picks and three second-round picks for De’Aaron Fox.
Oklahoma City has the seventh-lowest odds at +2500, and I love this spot… on paper. The Thunder have the draft assets to offer Milwaukee a haul, and Antetokounmpo would fit perfectly with the Thunder, shoring up weaknesses on both ends of the court. But those pesky aprons. Antetokounmpo has a massive salary, and the Thunder would have to send out corresponding money to match, which would deplete the roster and depth.
Draft picks. Young players. Salary matching. Aprons and luxury taxes. All issues. Can’t forget that Antetokounmpo will be 33 years old, an unrestricted free agent after next season and has been dealing with knee issues.
