Updated

Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jun 10

Bucks Weigh Giannis Trade Before June 23 Draft as Knicks’ 2-1 Finals Lead Clouds Market

Updated

Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jun 10

Bucks Weigh Giannis Trade Before June 23 Draft as Knicks’ 2-1 Finals Lead Clouds Market

Q: Could a Giannis trade to Miami unexpectedly deliver the Lakers their next franchise center?

Yes. The clearest indirect path is Miami sending young center Kel’el Ware to Milwaukee in a Giannis Antetokounmpo blockbuster, then the Bucks moving Ware again for more assets — creating an opening for the Lakers. That scenario has been raised by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, who said the Lakers should be “on the phone” if Ware lands in Milwaukee. The logic is straightforward: Milwaukee, if it trades Giannis, is expected to prioritize blue-chip youth and draft capital. If Ware arrives as part of a Heat package, the Bucks could either keep him as a building block or flip him if they value picks or different young talent more. For the Lakers, Ware fits a major roster need. He is a seven-footer, a lob threat, a rebounder and shot blocker, and he also brings floor spacing after shooting 39.5% from three last season. His per-36 production — 18.0 points, 14.7 rebounds and 1.8 blocks — and his top-six Rookie of the Year finish underline why evaluators see starter-level upside. That profile makes him a plausible long-term answer at center rather than just a stopgap. The uncertainty is Milwaukee’s intent. If the Bucks view Ware as a core piece in a post-Giannis reset, he may never become available. But if Miami emerges as Giannis’s destination and Ware is included, the Lakers could benefit from the trade’s ripple effects more realistically than by chasing Giannis himself.

3 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jun 10

Milwaukee is still exploring trade packages for Giannis Antetokounmpo and aims to move the two-time MVP before the June 23 NBA draft, according to The Stein Line.
The Bucks may wait until the NBA Finals end before finalizing any deal, hoping to see whether New York revives its interest if its current 2-1 lead over San Antonio slips away.
Antetokounmpo’s own preferences remain unclear: the Heat reportedly sit at the top of his wish list, the Celtics have also been mentioned, and staying in Milwaukee is still viewed as possible.
The uncertainty comes after Milwaukee kept Antetokounmpo through last season’s trade deadline despite listening to offers; he has one guaranteed year left before a $62.8 million player option in 2027-28.