NBA Insider Details Portland's Interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo

For the first time in his career, a split between Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks appeared increasingly possible this year. Reports indicated that the Bucks had already begun listening to trade proposals for their franchise cornerstone. While Milwaukee was not under pressure to accept a deal quickly, the organization was expected to take a patient approach in order to maximize its leverage in any potential negotiations.

A number of teams expressed strong interest in acquiring Antetokounmpo. Given his elite talent and ability to transform a team's fortunes, franchises across the league saw him as a player capable of instantly elevating them into serious playoff contention. One team reportedly interested in making such a move was the Portland Trail Blazers.

According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Portland would still be willing to pursue Antetokounmpo even if he refused to commit to a long-term extension before a trade was completed. Charania stated, “I’m pretty sure that Portland would do a couple players, starters, and a first-round pick for Giannis, no matter the risk-reward. You just go get Giannis. But the price is not going to be that this go around. It’s not going to be a couple rotational players and a first-round pick.”

When Antetokounmpo was healthy and available this season, he continued to perform at an MVP level. The Bucks superstar averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. However, his campaign was ultimately overshadowed by a reported deterioration in his relationship with Milwaukee’s front office regarding the handling of his health situation. The tension contributed to his season ending prematurely, and the Bucks later failed to secure a playoff berth.

Among the teams that have not been heavily connected to Antetokounmpo in trade speculation were the Oklahoma City Thunder. NBA insider Jake Fischer recently explained why the Thunder were not viewed as a likely destination for the Bucks star despite possessing the assets necessary to make a competitive offer. The report read, “As much as the idea of Oklahoma City splurging for Giannis to counter Wemby might make sense on paper, league sources with knowledge of the Thunder’s thinking continue to dismiss them as a legitimate Antetokounmpo suitor.”

It was likewise believed throughout the league that the Bucks were indeed trending toward an Antetokounmpo trade between now and the NBA Draft on June 23 because Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam essentially established such a timeline in early May with various public comments to that effect when Taylor Jenkins was introduced as Milwaukee’s new coach.