The Milwaukee Bucks prepare for a pivotal offseason following their disappointing first-round playoff exit. Meanwhile, all eyes are on Giannis Antetokounmpo. For the first time in his NBA career, there’s growing speculation that the two-time MVP might consider requesting a trade.
During a recent episode of the Good Word With Goodwill podcast, Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal shared his advice for Giannis, firmly urging him not to fall for the long-standing myth that big-market teams offer better opportunities. Instead, O’Neal claimed that location no longer dictates success or visibility in today’s NBA.
“Big Market doesn’t matter; social media’s the market now. You go to LA, that’s 50% of your contract to taxes, more pressure, more articles, more stress. When I was coming up [market size mattered] but now every market is the same. He’s making the super max; no need for the big market,” Shaq said.
Shaq on Giannis: "Big Market doesn't matter, social media's the market now. You go to LA, that's 50% of your contract to taxes, more pressure, more articles, more stress. When I was coming up [market size mattered] but now every market is the same. He's making the super max, no… pic.twitter.com/85SJTUz7G9
— Fish Middleton (@FishMiddleton22) June 3, 2025
Antetokounmpo expressed his own curiosity about the star movement. Following Luka Doncic’s trade, Giannis shared that he was intrigued to see top European players join major-market teams. While his statement sparked further rumors, Shaq’s advice pushes back against the notion that a move to a larger city is necessary for legacy or exposure.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Draws Interest From Toronto Raptors
The latest buzz suggests the Toronto Raptors are among the teams closely monitoring the two-time MVP’s situation. Doug Smith of the Toronto Star reported that both Antetokounmpo and the Raptors have a shared interest in potentially joining forces.
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“I don’t know if it will happen, but I do know there is mutual interest between Antetokounmpo and the Raptors. The wild card is the cost. But I also think the Raptors are uniquely placed to make an attractive offer that won’t ruin their franchise or roster,” Smith reported.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Toronto Raptors reportedly have mutual interest, per @TorontoStar
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 2, 2025
(h/t @RealGM ) pic.twitter.com/dXIGyyxuSg
However, Toronto isn’t the only team lurking. According to The Athletic’s Kelly Iko, the Houston Rockets also have their sights set on Antetokounmpo. Giannis’ future is once again a hot topic in the NBA. Let’s see what lies ahead for the Bucks star.
