The Brooklyn Nets are keeping their sights set on Giannis Antetokounmpo as their top target, according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post. Despite uncertainties surrounding his availability, multiple league sources told The Post that the two-time MVP “has been and remains Plan A” for Brooklyn’s front office.
Antetokounmpo is averaging 30.2 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 5.9 assists in 33.9 minutes per game this season. The 30-year-old is in the fourth year of a five-year, $228 million contract but has already committed to a three-year, $175 million extension starting next season.
The Milwaukee Bucks (40-34) have been struggling recently, especially after losing Damian Lillard indefinitely due to a blood clot. The team has dropped to sixth in the Eastern Conference, raising questions about their long-term trajectory.
If the Bucks decide to move in a different direction, the Nets hope to position themselves as a trade destination for Antetokounmpo. However, if he remains in Milwaukee past the June NBA Draft, Brooklyn’s general manager, Sean Marks, may have to consider other options.
Lewis noted that if Antetokounmpo is off the market, the Nets will face a difficult decision. They could either continue their rebuilding efforts through the draft or pursue alternative trade targets such as Ja Morant, Domantas Sabonis, Trae Young, or LaMelo Ball.
The Nets (25-51) are currently 12th in the Eastern Conference and have already been eliminated from playoff contention. With no immediate path to contention, Marks must determine whether to wait for a superstar like Antetokounmpo or shift focus toward other high-level players.
Brooklyn still controls valuable assets from past trades, which could be used to acquire a star if the opportunity arises. Their willingness to go all-in will likely depend on how the offseason landscape develops, particularly in Milwaukee.
While Antetokounmpo has not publicly requested a trade, his future could be influenced by Milwaukee’s playoff performance and long-term outlook. If the Bucks underachieve or make roster changes, his availability could become a legitimate topic of discussion.
