While the Brooklyn Nets are undergoing a rebuild and not focused on winning games this season, they’ve still been interested in acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks.
Nets Mulling Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade
Multiple sources informed Brian Lewis of The New York Post that Brooklyn plans to be competitive next season, so now could be the perfect time for the Nets to make a big move.
“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 Porter 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?“
During the latest edition of The Hoop Collective podcast, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst also added that the Nets have numerous draft picks and a few 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.”
Giannis Wants Extension With New Team
The question now is, does Giannis want to play for the Nets? It is unlikely that Milwaukee would trade Antetokounmpo to a team that he doesn’t want to play for.
After all, the two-time MVP wants to win another championship.
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.
Giannis would likely sign a long-term deal with the Heat, per NBA insider Chris Haynes.
If the Nets commit to Giannis, maybe they could win a title with the nine-time All-Star over the next five seasons. The first step to get there after acquiring him would be to pay him what he wants.
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.
Through 30 outings this season, Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 29.2 minutes per game while shooting a career-best 64.5% from the field and 39.5% from deep.
