Although Giannis Antetokounmpo will be the most sought-after player at Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, league insiders are saying the Brooklyn Nets have yet to contact the Milwaukee Bucks.
Nets Want Giannis Antetokounmpo
Last month, multiple sources informed Brian Lewis of The New York Post that Brooklyn plans to be competitive next season. The report led to speculation that the Nets were gearing up to make a blockbuster trade.
“This is their moment,” one league source told Lewis. “Really depends on if they decide that their aimless tank is over. They could sure make the best offer.”
Lewis’ source assumed Michael Porter Jr. would be involved in an outgoing package for Giannis.
However, an assistant GM thought Porter would remain in Brooklyn, indicating that Nic Claxton and Terance Mann would be included in the deal for salary-matching purposes.
“The Nets make a lot of sense for him,” one Eastern Conference assistant GM told Lewis. “They have some good future picks. [They] could, in theory, trade five future [first-round] picks, keep this year’s pick, shut him down for the year? Tank?”
Brooklyn Can Make Best Offer For Giannis
Despite that report, the Nets haven’t joined in on the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes yet.
“Sources told The Post that — contrary to reports — the Nets have not called Milwaukee about the Greek superstar,” wrote Lewis in an article on Monday.
“For years, Brooklyn general manager Sean Marks hoarded assets in case Antetokounmpo ever decided he wanted to leave Milwaukee and was made available.”
During an episode last week of The Hoop Collective podcast, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst also added that the Nets have numerous draft picks and multiple role players to work with to entice Milwaukee.
“Brooklyn has 10 tradable firsts, Michael Porter Jr., and 11 tradable firsts as of draft night,” Windhorst said. “… I think Brooklyn will seriously consider making an offer.”
Nets Not Among Serious Trade Suitors
ESPN’s Shams Charania previously reported that the Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, and Golden State Warriors “are among the serious suitors” for Antetokounmpo.
NBA insider Chris Haynes then said that Giannis would likely sign a long-term deal with the Heat. The Nets have not been mentioned as a “serious suitor,” and this is unfortunate considering their abundant draft capital.
If Giannis wants to play for Brooklyn, maybe the Bucks could make an offer to the Nets.
Antetokounmpo remains under contract through 2027-28, but he can become a free agent in the 2027 offseason if he declines his $62.8 million player option.
Starting on Oct. 1, 2026, Giannis will be eligible for a four-year, $275 million maximum extension through the 2030-31 season. If moved, he’d be able to sign the same deal with another team six months after a trade.
