A new rumor has added a team to this summer's Giannis Antetokounmpo trade pursuit that would be a major threat to the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves.
The story of whether or not the Milwaukee Bucks will trade Antetokounmpo dominated the NBA news cycle in early 2026. Especially when reports surfaced that the team was listening to trade offers ahead of the February trade deadline. However, February 6 passed and the 10-time All-Star remained in Wisconsin.
Still, the expectation was that trading would resume this summer. It appears the matter is now at a standstill as Antetokounmpo and the team have clashed over his return to the court in the final weeks of the season. Well, just like before the deadline, the Knicks, Warriors, Timberwolves and many other teams are expected to be the top contenders for the two-time NBA MVP.
Those franchise offerings will be refined this summer. But will that be enough to defeat the Brooklyn Nets, because, according to the New York Post's Brian Lewis, after appearing disinterested in pursuing a star player again, it is now certain that Brooklyn will "tell the Bucks their desired superstar this summer."
What could the Brooklyn Nets offer in a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade?
From this year to 2030, the Nets have eight first-round selections. Which includes two pieces in 2027, 2028 and 2029. A lot of draft picks will be a key part of any offer Milwaukee accepts for Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Brooklyn will have plenty of them in future years. Another priority for the Bucks will be adding young stars.
The Nets could offer Michael Porter Jr. one season remaining on his contract. He certainly has value after a career year in 2025-26. The big question is whether Milwaukee will see the value in players like Nic Claxton and the team's five first-round selections from the 2025 class – Igor Demin, Nolan Traore, Drake Powell, Ben Saraf (26th), and Danny Wolf.
Furthermore, while Antetokounmpo wants to play in New York, he may not have any interest in joining a Nets franchise that is known for losing heavily throughout its history.
At the very least, the Nets should be a player in the Antetokounmpo trade market and could make a strong offer that should worry teams like the Knicks, Warriors and Timberwolves.
