It isn’t even 2026 yet, but NBA teams are already keeping a close eye on the status of a certain superstar and two-time MVP that could become available. Giannis Antetokounmpo, who won’t be able to hit the open market until the summer of 2026—assuming he doesn’t sign an extension—could become one of the most anticipated free agents in NBA history.
If he does decide to leave Milwaukee, there are already three frontrunners to land him, but there are also three unlikely teams that could be in the mix. The Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, and Toronto Raptors are all seen as possible candidates.
NBA Rumors: OKC, Spurs, and Raptors are candidates to land Giannis Antetokounmpo.
None of those teams immediately come to mind as free-agent destinations, but they all could make compelling cases to Giannis if he ever hits free agency. The Thunder have a strong young core that includes Shai Gilgrist-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Josh Giddey. They also have the most draft picks of any team in the NBA.
That might not factor into Giannis’ decision to join them, but if the Bucks decide to trade him before the summer of 2026, the Thunder could use those assets to make a deal. Meanwhile, the Spurs just added generational talent Victor Wembanyama to what is arguably the best young core in the NBA. Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson are both just 23 and they combined to average 40 points per game last season.
They should be even better next season, as should 2022 10th overall pick Jeremy Sochan, who has the potential to be one of the most versatile players in the NBA. After OKC, the Spurs have the next-most assets to offer, and Wembanyama has the chance to be a top-10 player in the league by the time Giannis can become a free agent.
That gives them a big leg-up over the competition. As for Toronto, Giannis has a relationship with GM Masai Ujuri, though they don’t yet have the assets or young stars that OKC and the Spurs do.
Overall, with key players like Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, and Brook Lopez aged 32, 33, and 35, respectively, the Bucks may have a hard time building a winner around Giannis going forward. That provides an opening for several teams, and the Thunder, Spurs, and Raptors could be strong candidates to acquire him.
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Author: Cal Durrett
August 31, 2023 | 12:00 pm
