As speculation builds around Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks, NBA insider Howard Beck suggests that if the superstar were ever to request a trade, only a select group of major-market or “glamour” cities might seriously appeal to him.
“I poked around a little bit a few days ago and the initial thing I got from one person was just like some rumblings that it’s already just the big cities: One of the LA teams or one of the New York teams or maybe Miami – not a big market, but a glamour market, mid-size market. I think they threw Chicago in there. I can’t remember if Houston came up. It should.”
Beck noted that while Milwaukee has remained firm in its stance not to trade Giannis unless he explicitly asks out, any potential deal would first hinge on where the two-time MVP might want to go.
Cities like Los Angeles, New York, Miami, and possibly Chicago stand out due to their market appeal, lifestyle, and brand-building opportunities – something similar to the path taken by other stars.
“So first is like where does Giannis want to go and do they honor that? Because again, back to Damian Lillard, you’re not obligated to honor it.”
In other words, the destination would likely be guided by Giannis’ preferences, but the Bucks, like the Blazers with Lillard, aren’t necessarily bound to send him wherever he wants, especially if better offers come from less desirable teams.
cities like Los Angeles, New York, Miami, and maybe Chicago could appeal to Giannis Antetokounmpo, per @HowardBeck
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 6, 2025
“I poked around a little bit a few days ago and the initial thing I got from one person was just like
some rumblings that it’s already just the big cities: One of… pic.twitter.com/M3EdVqob9m
