In a surprising turn of NBA offseason chatter, the Toronto Raptors and Memphis Grizzlies have emerged as unexpected trade suitors for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. While trade speculation around the “Greek Freak” has surfaced before, this latest development has injected new intrigue into what could become the league’s next major shake-up.
Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP and 2021 NBA Champion, has long been considered untouchable by the Bucks’ front office. However, with Milwaukee falling short in recent playoff runs and Giannis himself previously hinting at prioritizing winning above loyalty, the door may be slightly ajar for bold franchises looking to capitalize.
The Raptors and Grizzlies are intriguing candidates. Toronto, though in a transitional phase, has a history of swinging big—most notably when they landed Kawhi Leonard in 2018 and won a title the following year. The franchise is known for its aggressive front office, led by Masai Ujiri, who has never shied away from taking high-stakes risks. With a talented young core and future draft assets, the Raptors could build an enticing package for Milwaukee.
Memphis, meanwhile, has been steadily building a strong foundation around Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane. The Grizzlies have a mix of young talent and tradable contracts, plus a hunger to leap into legitimate title contention. Acquiring Giannis would catapult them into the elite tier of the Western Conference, provided they could retain key pieces around him.
Still, any move involving Antetokounmpo would require a monumental offer. The Bucks are unlikely to entertain anything less than a blockbuster return, and there’s no indication that Giannis himself has requested a trade. Yet in today’s NBA landscape—where stars move with greater frequency and front offices are increasingly aggressive—the idea isn’t as far-fetched as it once