NBA Trade Rumors: Giannis Antetokounmpo on $4,500,000,000 franchise’s radar pending trade request

Giannis Antetokounmpo is building a market way before his presumed trade request has been submitted. The Milwaukee Bucks superstar is under contract through 2026-27 after signing an extension worth $175.3 million in 2023. However, if the Bucks' chances of contending slim down over the next few years, there's a possibility he might seek a move elsewhere.

Should that possibility arise, the Bucks' Eastern Conference rivals, the Brooklyn Nets, have considered Giannis a 'dream target.' Here's what NBA insider Marc Stein reported:

"The scenario repeatedly cited in conversation with rival teams always winds up in the same place: Nets have long been described and continue to be painted as a team determined to be in position to trade for Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo someday."

The Brooklyn Nets, who are worth $4.5 billion as of October 2024, are stockpiling assets via the draft and young prospects to put themselves in a prime position to land Giannis Antetokounmpo while boasting the pieces needed to build his supporting cast. It's a move they have made before, which helped them land Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in 2019.

The Nets have been in a rebuild since that duo left the team in 2023. However, it seems like it's not just to grow stars internally but also to pursue a significant price like Giannis, which could alter the team's trajectory.

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NBA Trade Rumors: Brooklyn Nets' desiring Giannis Antetokounmpo limits trades with Milwaukee Bucks

The Brooklyn Nets' wish to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo has limited their scope of striking imminent deals with the Milwaukee Bucks until the two-time MVP is entirely out of their sights. The Bucks need some upgrades, and the Nets have the answers with players like Cam Johnson and Day'Ron Sharpe.

However, the Nets have been reluctant to send help to Milwaukee amid their interest in Giannis. Here's what a December report said (via Nets Daily):

"Cam Johnson for Khris Middleton and Milwaukee’s 2031 unprotected first, that sort of thing. Easier to move Middleton next year as an expiring if need be,” he (the source) said before adding, “But I don’t think they help Milwaukee because they are waiting on Giannis (Antetokounmpo.)"

The Bucks' hopes of keeping Giannis Antetokounmpo long-term rely on their championship chances. He has been pivotal with his production, but the rest of the roster hasn't matched up to the two-time MVP's efficiency in their respective roles.

The Bucks have also struggled against the top contenders in the East this year, making them an underdog in the conference playoffs.