Giannis Antetokounmpo Rumors: Bucks, Lakers, Sixers, Raptors

Trade speculation around Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to ripple across the NBA, with several teams loosely connected to the Bucks superstar.

Yes, that includes the Lakers.

Appearing on The Zach Lowe Show, Howard Beck of The Ringer said the Lakers are viewed by some around the league as a destination that Antetokounmpo could find appealing.

Beck noted that Los Angeles has come up in recent conversations as a team worth watching from Giannis’ perspective. That said, the Lakers are currently limited in what they can offer.

Right now, they can only trade one first-round pick, but their flexibility could expand in the offseason, when they could potentially include up to three firsts.

The interest may exist. The assets, at least for now, do not.

Sixers Rumors Overstated

There has been recent chatter linking Antetokounmpo to Philadelphia, including speculation that he could be intrigued by the idea of playing alongside Tyrese Maxey.

But there’s little evidence the Sixers are preparing to make a serious push. Kyle Neubeck of PHLY Sports reported that a league source strongly dismissed the notion that Philadelphia would consider trading rookie standout VJ Edgecombe in any deal, including one involving Antetokounmpo.

At this stage, league sentiment suggests the Sixers connection may be more noise than substance.

Raptors Path

Michael Grange of Sportsnet checked in with NBA executives on what it would take for the Raptors to land Antetokounmpo.

The common belief is that Milwaukee would be reluctant to engage in any deal that does not include Scottie Barnes. One executive floated a theoretical alternative package built around heavy draft compensation and young talent such as Collin Murray-Boyles and Jamal Shead, but Grange views even that scenario as a long shot.

In short, Toronto likely does not have a clean path unless Barnes is on the table.

We have much more on Antetokounmpo on our Bucks page.