A seismic shift in the landscape of the NBA could very well be on the way this summer, as Giannis Antetokounmpo is very much on the trade block.
Teams that bow out of the postseason earlier than expected immediately become potential suitors for the two-time MVP and 2021 NBA Finals MVP.
Below, we’ll take a look at the latest Giannis trade rumors involving the basketball teams that will surely be calling the 414 area code a bunch this summer.
Giannis to Celtics trade rumors
Brad Stevens is poised to shake things up this summer, as the Celtics have underachieved in three of the last four postseasons under Joe Mazzulla. The C’s were -500 series favorites in the Eastern Conference Finals in 2023, they were -800 favorites against the Knicks in the semi-finals last year, and they were -900 favorites at Fanatics Sportsbook to beat the 76ers in the first round this year.
Stevens has not indicated that Mazzulla’s job is in jeopardy, but he did indicate in his end-of-season press conference this week that Boston needed to “add” to its roster in order to get back into true title contention.
Giannis-to-the-Celtics trade buzz was already happening before Boston flamed out in the first round. The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported in early April that the Celtics would have interest in trading for Giannis if they suffered an early postseason exit. Around the same time, Giannis told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that he admired the winning culture that Mazzulla had built in Boston. He was particularly impressed that the Celtics did not pack it in during the regular season despite Jayson Tatum being on the shelf for much of the campaign.
Any trade Boston makes for Giannis would have to be centered around Jaylen Brown or Tatum, with Brown being the more likely player to go.
Giannis to Rockets trade rumors
Despite being a 5 seed to the Lakers’ 4 seed, the Rockets were heavy -600 favorites at Fanatics Sportsbook to beat LA before the first round series began. This may spring Houston GM Rafael Stone to make a big move this summer. Stone has already shown that he’s not afraid to swing for the fences as he landed Kevin Durant via trade last July.
Reporter Evan Sidery wrote on X on May 5 that, “the Rockets are expected to call on Giannis Antetokoumpo this summer after another disappointing playoff run. Houston would likely build an offer to the Bucks centered around Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr., which is a near identical salary match, plus future draft capital.”
In addition, Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix reported in late March that he believes the Rockets will make a run at Giannis this off-season.
Giannis to Knicks trade rumors
The Knicks are rumored to be Giannis’ preferred destination, and ESPN’s Shams Charania reported back in late January that the Knicks were among the serious suitors for the Greek Freak.
A Knicks trade would for Giannis would likely center around Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges. Milwaukee is reportedly seeking young players and draft picks, though, neither of which New York possesses much of.
The Giannis-to-the-Knicks trade rumors will certainly heat up if New York fails to reach this year’s NBA Finals.
Giannis to Spurs trade rumors
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported in late January that the Spurs were not interested in trading away any of their young core for Giannis.
“I have been told by folks with the Spurs that we’re not a home for Giannis,” he said on “The Hoops Collective” podcast.
But, if the 2-seeded Spurs are upset by the Timberwolves, Spurs GM Brian Wright may feel pressure to make a big move. San Antonio was -1200 at Fanatics Sportsbook to beat Minnesota in the second round prior to the start of the series, and the T’Wolves scored an upset win in Game 1.
CBS NBA reporter Sam Quinn wrote on the Spurs as a possible landing spot for Giannis on April 13.
“The Spurs felt like an obvious [Giannis] suitor a year ago. Have they outgrown any need for a trade of this magnitude to fast-forward into contention? The answer is almost certainly yes, and they can put an exclamation point on that statement in the playoffs, “Quinn wrote. “If nothing else, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper are off the table now. If there’s a deal to be made here, it will have to be built around the other young players, San Antonio’s remaining bounty of picks, and De’Aaron Fox … Don’t count this as likely unless the Spurs completely flame out in the playoffs.”
