Who has the picks and players to swing a Giannis blockbuster? We're tiering all 29 teams

Who Could Land Giannis? Ranking All 29 NBA Teams by Trade Potential

As the NBA landscape continues to evolve, the possibility of a blockbuster trade involving Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo remains a tantalizing scenario. While the Bucks are committed to keeping their franchise cornerstone, hypotheticals persist, especially in a league where seismic trades have become routine. The question is: which teams actually have the assets — the draft picks, the young stars, and the financial flexibility — to swing a deal for the two-time MVP? Let’s break it down by ranking all 29 other NBA teams in tiers based on their realistic potential to pull off a Giannis trade.

Why a Giannis Trade Is Even a Conversation
Before diving into the tiers, it’s important to understand the context. Giannis is under contract, and the Bucks are firmly in win-now mode. However, after a string of playoff disappointments and an aging core, speculation about his long-term future in Milwaukee lingers. Teams across the league are quietly calculating what it would take to be ready if the Bucks were ever forced into a tough decision — similar to the situations that unfolded with Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, and James Harden.

Tier 1: The Serious Threats — Young Stars + Draft Capital + Win-Now Upside
These franchises possess the rare blend of assets and motivation to legitimately challenge for Giannis if he were to become available.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Why They’re Here: OKC holds a war chest of first-round picks — 15 in the next five drafts — along with young talent like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams.

X-Factor: Their depth and flexibility allow them to outbid any team without emptying the cupboard.

2. San Antonio Spurs
Why They’re Here: The Spurs boast a generational talent in Victor Wembanyama and a full slate of future picks.

X-Factor: A potential Wemby-Giannis pairing could redefine frontcourt dominance for a decade.

3. Brooklyn Nets
Why They’re Here: The Nets own a bounty of picks from previous trades (James Harden, Kevin Durant) and intriguing young players like Cam Thomas and Nic Claxton.

X-Factor: They lack a current superstar but could offer one of the best pure asset packages in the league.

Tier 2: Ready to Deal, But Missing a Key Ingredient
These teams have a mix of talent and draft picks but may lack the superstar appeal or cohesion to entice the Bucks in a one-on-one trade.

4. New Orleans Pelicans
Strengths: Rich in draft assets from the Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday deals, with players like Brandon Ingram or Zion Williamson potentially on the table.

Weaknesses: Injury history and inconsistency cloud their trade pieces.

5. Toronto Raptors
Strengths: Players like Scottie Barnes and OG Anunoby are highly valued around the league.

Weaknesses: Their recent trajectory has been unclear, and they may be hesitant to go all-in.

6. Utah Jazz
Strengths: Armed with 13 first-round picks between now and 2030, plus players like Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler.

Weaknesses: Lack a marquee young star to headline the deal.

Tier 3: Fringe Contenders with Creative Paths
These teams could enter the conversation under the right circumstances — particularly if they get aggressive or a third team joins in.

7. Orlando Magic
Why They Have a Chance: A wealth of young talent (Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner) and future picks.

Why It’s Tricky: Management may not want to disrupt a homegrown build that’s trending upward.

8. Houston Rockets
Potential Appeal: They’ve amassed draft picks from trades and have young assets like Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Şengün.

Roadblock: Still rebuilding and may not be in position to go “win-now.”

9. Golden State Warriors
Dark Horse Value: Veterans like Andrew Wiggins or a sign-and-trade involving Klay Thompson, plus young talent like Jonathan Kuminga.

Reality Check: Difficult to match contracts without gutting their identity.

Tier 4: Established Contenders, But Few Assets
These teams would love Giannis, but they don’t have the draft picks or young players needed to make a compelling offer without dismantling their current core.

10. Miami Heat
Status: Always lurking in superstar talks.

Assets: Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and some picks.

Limitations: Lack elite draft capital or a blue-chip young star.

11. Phoenix Suns
Assets: Practically none, after emptying their war chest for Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.

Bottom Line: More wishful thinking than realistic contender.

12. Los Angeles Lakers
Star Power: LeBron and AD draw attention, but they’re unlikely to be included in any deal.

Trade Tools: Limited future picks and prospects like Austin Reaves.

Conclusion: Not a strong trade partner unless it’s a free-agency move later.

Tier 5: Pretenders and No-Shot Squads
These teams either lack the motivation, the assets, or both to be part of a Giannis trade conversation.

Detroit Pistons: Loaded with young talent but no urgency or clear path to contention.

Charlotte Hornets: LaMelo Ball is intriguing, but the rest of the roster lacks shine.

Chicago Bulls: Not rebuilding, not contending — stuck in the middle with minimal trade capital.

Minnesota Timberwolves: All-in on Gobert and Edwards. Draft cupboard is bare.

Portland Trail Blazers: Building around Scoot Henderson. No urgency to add Giannis.

Washington Wizards: Rebuilding mode, no pieces to offer.

Others: Indiana, Atlanta, Cleveland, and others either lack the star power or asset flexibility.

Final Thoughts: A Rare Prize Requires a Rare Package
Trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo isn’t just about acquiring a top-five player — it’s about resetting your franchise’s trajectory. Very few teams have the right blend of current talent, future draft capital, and financial structure to execute such a deal. While the Bucks have no current plans to move their superstar, the NBA is a league of unpredictability, and the best front offices stay ready, not reactive.

The teams in Tier 1 — especially Oklahoma City and San Antonio — have positioned themselves as future dynasties in waiting. If Giannis were ever to become available, they wouldn’t just be suitors. They’d be frontrunners.