Bucks Re-sign Giannis Antetokounmpo, Lakers Await Trade Prospects

The Milwaukee Bucks have taken significant steps this offseason to retain star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, including signing his older brother Thanasis Antetokounmpo to a guaranteed one-year deal, signaling Giannis' intention to stay with the team for the 2025-26 season. This development is seen as a setback for the Los Angeles Lakers and other interested teams hoping to acquire Giannis via trade, although the Lakers continue to keep their long-term hopes alive by preserving cap flexibility and preparing for potential free agency opportunities in 2027. The Lakers' centerpiece trade asset in any deal for Giannis would likely be guard Austin Reaves, who has shown significant improvement and would be a key component in negotiations. Despite the Bucks' confidence in retaining Giannis, multiple teams remain interested in exploring trade possibilities should circumstances change. The Bucks also bolstered their roster by acquiring Myles Turner and releasing Damian Lillard due to injury concerns, aiming to improve their chances of success and satisfy Giannis’ desire to stay. Overall, while Giannis is effectively locked in for the upcoming season, the broader NBA landscape continues to watch closely, as the possibility of future moves involving the two-time MVP remains open.