Why NBA Teams Are Hesitating on Giannis Antetokounmpo — Even as a Blockbuster Trade Looms

Superstars of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s caliber almost never change teams in their prime. When they do, the league shifts overnight. History shows that whenever a no‑doubt top‑three player relocates — Shaquille O’Neal, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard — championships follow. These moves reshape franchises, rewrite power structures, and redefine eras.

Yet in one of the most surprising developments of the modern NBA, multiple teams across the league appear hesitant — even unwilling — to pursue Giannis despite growing indications that the two‑time MVP could be available.

This isn’t a fringe rumor. It isn’t a fan‑generated trade machine fantasy. It’s a pattern emerging from credible reporting, front‑office whispers, and a shifting league landscape that has executives more cautious than ever.

The question is simple: Why are teams suddenly afraid to go all‑in for a generational superstar?

The answer is anything but simple.

The Spurs, Hawks, and Bulls: Three Stunning Rejections

When speculation first surfaced that Milwaukee might be forced to consider a future without Giannis, the San Antonio Spurs were immediately viewed as the most logical destination. Pairing Antetokounmpo with Victor Wembanyama would create one of the most dominant frontcourts in league history — a win‑now move that could accelerate the Spurs’ rebuild by years.

But according to reporting from Jake Fischer, San Antonio has shown “little indication” that it would consider parting with either of its prized young guards, Dylan Harper or Stephon Castle, even for Giannis.

Not one. Not the other. Neither.

That revelation stunned league observers. If the Spurs — a franchise known for bold, forward‑thinking decisions — won’t move blue‑chip prospects for a top‑three player, who will?

The Atlanta Hawks, owners of just one championship since 1958, were another team expected to explore a blockbuster. They possess one of the league’s most valuable trade assets: the Pelicans’ 2026 first‑round pick, widely projected as a premium selection.

Yet multiple league sources have indicated that Atlanta has no interest in moving that pick for Giannis.

The most surprising development, however, came from Chicago.

Longtime Chicago sports anchor Lou Canellis — who has a personal relationship with Giannis through a joint business venture — claimed that Antetokounmpo’s camp reached out to the Bulls to gauge interest. According to Canellis, Chicago declined, preferring to continue building around its young core.

The report has been met with skepticism, but notably, no one has refuted it. And Canellis, a respected broadcaster for three decades, has little incentive to fabricate a story that could damage his credibility.

If true, it signals something unprecedented: teams are turning down the chance to acquire a generational superstar.

Why the Hesitation? Four Major Factors Explain the Shift

After speaking with league insiders, reviewing recent trade patterns, and analyzing the broader NBA landscape, four primary reasons emerge.

1. Giannis’ Injury History Is Becoming a Real Concern

For most of his career, Giannis was one of the most durable stars in the league. But since 2022, that narrative has changed.

He has missed nine playoff games in the last two seasons.
He has played through multiple injuries in others.
His recent calf strain initially sparked fears of an Achilles tear.

For a player whose game relies heavily on explosiveness, durability matters. Teams aren’t just trading for the present — they’re trading for the next five years. And the physical toll on Giannis’ body is no longer theoretical.

Front offices are asking a difficult question: How long can a player who plays this physically remain at an MVP level?

2. His Long‑Term Commitment Is Uncertain

Giannis has always been honest — sometimes brutally so — about his priorities. He wants to win. He wants to compete. And he wants to be in an environment that matches his ambition.

But that honesty has created uncertainty.

He has publicly expressed loyalty to Milwaukee. He has also publicly flirted with New York. He has hinted at interest in major markets. He has emphasized the importance of “basketball focus” while avoiding direct answers about his future.

A recent report from Chris Haynes added to the confusion. According to Haynes, Giannis addressed teammates to stress the importance of avoiding distractions and focusing on basketball — a message that only fueled speculation rather than calming it.

If a team trades for Giannis today, they are guaranteed:

The rest of this season
Next season

That’s it.

A franchise could give up its future — multiple picks, young stars, long‑term flexibility — only for Giannis to leave in 2026.

And if he decides he wants New York? The entire market shifts instantly.

All he has to say is: “I will only re‑sign with the Knicks.”

That would force Milwaukee’s hand and eliminate most bidders, just as Kawhi Leonard did in 2019.

3. The NBA Trade Market Has Become Dangerously Expensive

For decades, the rule was simple: If you get the superstar, you win the trade.

Teams like the Lakers (Pau Gasol), Heat (Shaq), Celtics (KG), and Rockets (Harden) proved that acquiring elite talent outweighed the cost.

But the last five years have changed everything.

Sellers realized they could demand the moon — and buyers would pay it.

The Clippers gave up eight first‑round picks and Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander for Paul George.
The Suns surrendered Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and control of five first‑round picks for Kevin Durant.

Those trades have become cautionary tales.

The Clippers are stuck. The Suns have no draft picks until 2032. Both teams are aging, capped out, and lacking flexibility.

Executives around the league have taken notice.

The new fear is not missing out on a superstar — it’s becoming the next Clippers or Suns, trapped in basketball purgatory with no path forward.

4. The Oklahoma City Thunder Have Frozen the Market

There is one more factor — perhaps the most important — that explains the league’s hesitation:

The Thunder are too good.

Oklahoma City is on a historic pace, projecting toward a 70‑plus‑win season. They are deep, young, versatile, and built for the long haul. They have no weaknesses, no aging stars, and no financial crisis looming.

In short: They are the new Warriors.

And just like the league did in 2017, many teams are choosing to wait.

Why push all your chips in now — when the Thunder look unbeatable — instead of waiting for injuries, contract issues, or roster changes to create an opening?

The Clippers waited until the Warriors dynasty cracked before trading for Paul George and signing Kawhi Leonard. Teams today may be waiting for the Thunder to show similar vulnerability.

Until then, the market stays frozen.

The Rockets: A Dark‑Horse Contender No One Is Talking About

While most teams are hesitant, one franchise stands out as a potential exception: the Houston Rockets.

Houston is one of the few organizations that continued to push aggressively during the Warriors dynasty. Under Daryl Morey, they surrounded James Harden with talent year after year, refusing to concede the era.

The front office has changed, but the mentality remains.

Houston has:

A deep roster
Young talent
Valuable picks
A desire to accelerate their timeline

And they have a clean, realistic trade framework that could appeal to Milwaukee.

A Potential Deal:

Houston receives:

Giannis Antetokounmpo
Alex Antetokounmpo

Milwaukee receives:

Alperen Şengün
Fred VanVleet
Two elite first‑round picks

Şengün is emerging as a perennial All‑Star at just 23 years old. VanVleet provides leadership and stability. The picks give Milwaukee a path forward.

For Houston, pairing Giannis with Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and a roster full of shooters and defenders instantly elevates them to the top of the Western Conference.

They may not surpass Oklahoma City — but they would be the closest challenger.

Other Teams Could Enter the Race — If the Price Drops

If Milwaukee lowers its demands, several franchises could re‑enter the conversation:

Golden State Warriors
Los Angeles Lakers
Miami Heat
New York Knicks

But as of now, none of these teams are willing to pay the current asking price. The risk is too high. The uncertainty is too great. And the Thunder’s dominance is too overwhelming.

This is the first time in modern NBA history that a superstar of Giannis’ caliber could be available — and the league is collectively hesitating.

A New Era of Caution

The NBA has entered a new phase. The days of reckless superstar trades may be over.

Teams are more protective of their futures. They are more aware of the dangers of overpaying. They are more strategic about timing.

Giannis Antetokounmpo remains one of the most dominant forces in basketball — a player who can transform a franchise overnight. But the league has changed around him.

The question now is not whether Giannis wants out. It’s whether any team is willing to take the risk.

And for the first time in his career, the answer might be: Not yet.