Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo Predicted to Be Next Superstar to Request Trade

NBA analyst Dan Favale predicts that Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo will be the next major NBA player to request a trade. This prediction comes amidst ongoing speculation about Antetokounmpo's future with the team, fueled significantly by his noncommittal comments during a July interview where he responded to questions about staying with "Probably. We’ll see. I love Milwaukee."

Despite the Bucks making significant offseason moves designed to support Antetokounmpo's playing style and improve the team – including the high-value signing of center Myles Turner to provide rim protection and floor spacing, the acquisition of guard Cole Anthony, and re-signing Jericho Sims – Favale believes the team is not secure long-term. He interprets their activity as an attempt to secure one more full season with Giannis. The plan involves leveraging three first-round picks available for trade next June to acquire another star, aiming to extend their competitive window.

Favale warns that if this strategy fails or if the Bucks perform poorly early in the 2025-26 season, it could be the "tipping point" that finally prompts the two-time MVP to formally request a trade, an action many other NBA teams have long anticipated. Should Antetokounmpo leave, it would immediately force the Bucks into a rebuild, although his departure could also provide them with draft capital, which is currently scarce until 2030. While the Bucks hope to avoid this scenario, Favale suggests it may be inevitable if Antetokounmpo becomes dissatisfied with the team's direction or results.