Philly Front Office

It has to happen this summer, right? Milwaukee will finally trade Giannis Antetokounmpo after years of non-playful, “will they, won’t they” that has been borderline cruel to Bucks fans. Who is the best fit for a deal? At the trade deadline this season, I had the Spurs as the best fit but they don’t make the new list. While they could still put together the best offer, simply, they don’t need him. Here’s the new list ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft…

First Look at the 2026-27 Sixers

NOT ON THE LIST

LA Lakers – The Lakers are an inevitable destination to think about but they simply have no realistic way to offer the Bucks a compelling offer. On draft night they can send the #25 pick plus 2031 and 2033. Then they’d need salary filler and I guess Austin Reeves? That’s just not good enough.

Cleveland Cavaliers – The Cavs could offer Evan Mobley along with a similar set of picks as the Lakers, but could the Bucks really build around Evan Mobley? He’s very good, but Mobley as a top asset would likely need a third team to fork over assets to get him, leaving the Bucks without a true rebuilding talent. It just does not seem very enticing.

HE’S JUST NOT GOING THERE

Portland Trailblazers – The Trailblazers have some interesting talent to send to Milwaukee and they have control of Milwaukee’s picks in 28, 29, and 30 but here’s where Giannis’s choice comes into play. Yes, the Bucks could send him anywhere, but no team is making the trade without knowing he will sign an extension. Giannis has one last year on his contract and hope is not an option when giving up the farm. Reports are that he does not want to be in Portland.

Charlotte Hornets – The Hornets have young players like Brandon Miller and Kon Kneuppel plus a max of 7 future draft picks (they probably do not want to trade local kid Kon). Charlotte would probably much rather trade LaMelo and his contract to Milwaukee though (and they may have to for salary matching purposes). Could you really see him going there and signing the extension?

Knicks at Sixers: New York Wanted Cash, Not Dr. J

THE LIST

5. Philadelphia 76ers – No, I don’t think the Sixers will trade for Giannis, but not only do they have enough to get him but they have a new guy in charge who we simply don’t know. It’s possible. Unfortunately, it would take VJ Edgecombe to get him. He would be the single best young prospect the Bucks could conceivably get in any exchange. VJ plus those Clippers picks (plus the Paul George contract for salary matching purposes) at least keeps the Bucks on the phone. Maybe a pick or two more would get it done? I don’t see it happening.

4. Miami Heat – The Miami Heat have a big problem named Terry Rozier. Not only is he under indictment for fixing games (or at least his own stats) for gambling purposes and will likely never play in the NBA again, but the draft pick the Heat traded for him prevents the Heat from offering more picks. If they could somehow get the Hornets to trade them their 2027 (or 2028 if it doesn’t convey) pick back, then they can offer the full boat. They are not a realistic threat without that pick. It’s the difference between offering Tyler Herro and/or Bam Adebayo (probably more available than he seems) and 5 picks or those two and just this year’s #13, 2030, and 2032. Hell, they could technically try to get the Hornets to just cancel the protections on 2027 and get the picks up to 4. There is a path to a deal, it just might be out of their control.

3. Houston Rockets – The Rockets are just under the Thunder in terms of assets they can offer. Considering picks and young players, they can serve a full platter of options. They can trade up to 6 picks (including some juicy Brooklyn ones) and then players like Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith, Amen Thompson, and/or Reed Sheppard. All those players are flawed in some way but have upside. That’s what the picks are for. Pairing Giannis with Kevin Durant is a VERY all in move.

A Definitive Ranking of Obscure Sixers Injuries

2. Boston Celtics – How bad does Boston want to mix things up? This is all about their willingness to trade Jaylen Brown. He’s the best player they can get in a trade plus they have up to four draft picks to send but probably would only need one. As much as it sickens me to say it, the ball is in the Celtics’ court with this one.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder – After losing to San Antonio, the Thunder will probably stay put and keep churning their talent machine to remain perpetually in contention. Or they could go Super Saiyan on the NBA by putting together a deal for The Freak. They could trade Chet Holmgren or Jalen Williams as the centerpiece then throw in Cason Wallace and/or Jared McCain if they wanted. Lu Dort could mix in here as well or be rerouted to another team. We haven’t even gotten to the picks yet. They have 6 including two this season and the Clippers pick next year. They have the assets to get anyone they want. Do they want to?

Draft Pick Info: Real GM

Contracts: Spotrac

Photo: Benny Sieu/USA TODAY Sports/Reuters