Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is dominating the NBA trade rumor mill, and the rebuilding Toronto Raptors are suddenly a team to monitor in the potential sweepstakes.
Raptors reporter Doug Smith of the Toronto Star reported Antetokounmpo and the Atlantic Division club have “mutual interest.” This followed a recent report from ESPN’s Brian Windhorst that Toronto is eyeing a “big fish” this offseason.
Giannis Antetokounmpo hasn’t asked the Bucks for a trade, but it remains to be seen if he’ll verbally commit to the organization for 2025-26. Milwaukee just suffered its third straight elimination in the opening round of the playoffs, and their championship hopes for 2026 are dented with All-Star point guard Damian Lillard potentially missing the entire year with a torn Achilles.
There's a mutual interest between Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Raptors, per @SmithRaps
— Covers (@Covers) June 2, 2025
Giannis was as high as +2500 to land with the Toronto Raptors. pic.twitter.com/lGaCfXhgE9
🚨 The Raptors are hunting for a “big fish” this summer, per Brian Windhorst.
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 2, 2025
Brandon Ingram was just the appetizer.
Masai Ujiri smells opportunity in the East, and to be honest, it makes tons of sense after how everything unfolded in the East this year.
Giannis Antetokounmpo,… pic.twitter.com/LDpTUjTx38
Eddie Bitar of Fadeaway World proposed a blockbuster trade idea that has the Raptors acquiring the two-time league MVP from Milwaukee in exchange for R.J. Barrett, Immanuel Quickly, the No.9 and No. 39 picks this year plus a 2028 first-round pick:
“The Toronto Raptors can take a very bold step by acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo, forming a formidable trio alongside Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes. Antetokounmpo, despite the Milwaukee Bucks’ early playoff exit, showcased his dominance in the 2024–25 season with averages of 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, shooting an impressive 60.1% from the field.
His addition brings a two-time MVP and a relentless force on both ends of the court to Toronto. Brandon Ingram complements Antetokounmpo’s inside presence with his perimeter scoring and playmaking abilities…
In return for Antetokounmpo, the Bucks acquire a package that includes promising young talent and future draft picks. These assets offer Milwaukee the flexibility to develop a new core and build for the future. The infusion of youth and potential sets the stage for a comprehensive rebuild aimed at long-term success.”
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It’s natural to assume that another big-market and established superteam will win the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. However, few thought that Raptors president Masai Ujiri would get Kawhi Leonard in 2018, yet that’s exactly what happened. The gamble paid off, too, with Leonard helping the Raptors to their first NBA championship before signing with the Los Angeles Clippers.
So if Giannis asks for a trade, keep an eye on the Raptors as they presumably try to re-emerge as a force in the Eastern Conference.
Landing Giannis Antetokounmpo Would Make Toronto The Team To Beat In The Eastern Conference
The Eastern Conference will be wide-open next season, so it’s not a surprise that Toronto is ready to make a win-now move following a sluggish rebuild. If they could somehow add Antetokounmpo to the mix, the Raptors would immediately become the biggest threat to win the East.
Also Read: New York Knicks’ Superteam Dreams Revived As Bill Simmons Suggests Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Route
