MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 09: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks before the start of game against the Houston Rockets at Fiserv Forum on November 09, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)

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Tyler Erzberger

By Tyler Erzberger

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Giannis Antoetokounmpo.

He is one of the best players of the 21st century, and he also has one of the worst trade sagas of the 21st century.

Where will he play next season?

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While that is still to be determined, rumors are beginning to swirl about where he would like to go and where he would not.

With that knowledge, I am picking three teams that have been linked previously to the "Greek Freak" that I am predicting will not be trading for him this offseason.

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HOUSTON, TEXAS - MAY 01:  Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates the 98-78 win against the Houston Rockets in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 01, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)

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New York Knicks

A few months ago, the Knicks were the No. 1 frontrunner for Antetokounmpo. Now, though, why would they? The Knicks' core is playing arguably the best basketball in the sport right now, and the group seems to genuinely love playing for one another.

If this were a video game, sure, go trade for the former MVP. But since this is actual real life, even if New York doesn't win a title this year, they shouldn't blow it up for Antetokounmpo.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Although Minnesota were a serious contender for Antetokounmpo at the deadline, they're another team that I don't see him playing for next season.

The Timberwolves need to find a true co-star for Anthony Edwards, but that being Antetokounmpo seems like an awkward fit. If the Timberwolves were looking for an older second-in-command for Edwards, I'd rather them go after Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers, who feels like a better fit on the Timberwolves and will probably cost much less.

Los Angeles Lakers

Luka Doncic has reportedly already told the Lakers' higher-ups that he wants Austin Reaves on the team moving forward and doesn't want him traded for Antetokounmpo.

What else does L.A. have to beat the likes of Golden State, Miami, or even Boston, then? They can do a bunch of pick swaps and give away their 2031 first-rounder, but how valuable would those really be if the Lakers could run out Doncic, Antetokounmpo, and Reaves for the next half-decade?

If the Lakers do any head-turning trades this summer, it feels like it'd be for a young center, like Utah's Walker Kessler or Detroit's Jalen Duren.

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