161 NBA Players Pick Bucks for Giannis, Memphis Tops No-Trade List

8 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 18

The Athletic’s final 2026 anonymous NBA player poll surveyed a record 161 players, with 69 of 151 saying Giannis Antetokounmpo will still be with Milwaukee to start 2026-27.
That result came before Bucks owner Jimmy Haslam said he wants clarity before the June 23 draft; Miami drew 35 votes and New York finished third as alternative landing spots.
Memphis was the clear top no-trade destination, drawing more than three times as many votes as No. 2 Washington, underscoring player concerns about market location rather than roster quality.
Boston’s TD Garden ranked as both the league’s most passionate and most obnoxious arena, while Knicks and Thunder crowds also stood out strongly in player responses.
On team-building, 85.9% of answers said the smartest franchises spend beyond salaries on support systems such as facilities, food, recovery, travel and specialized staff.

With so many suitors, which team actually gives Giannis the best chance to win another championship?

Are Giannis's reported knee problems too big a risk for Miami's 'give up the farm' trade proposal?

Can Miami's offer overcome Milwaukee's preference to trade Giannis to a Western Conference team?