NBA Rumors: The surprise team that could go after Giannis Antetokounmpo

The future of Giannis Antetokounmpo is once again at the center of attention. After being sidelined for the remainder of the season by the Milwaukee Bucks, the Greek power forward is set to be a major player in the upcoming summer market, with multiple franchises closely monitoring his situation.

Amid the usual rumors, a new suitor has emerged. During an appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast, analyst Kirk Goldsberry stated that the Orlando Magic are actively exploring options to acquire the player.

Goldsberry revealed that, based on various sources, Orlando is actively pursuing this scenario. He also suggested that the market could heat up once the first playoff eliminations are over, as several eliminated teams may join the race.

Before the trade deadline, several franchises had already been linked with Antetokounmpo, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers. Now, both Orlando and the Los Angeles Lakers could also join, expanding the list of potential destinations for the two-time MVP.

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An Increasingly Strained Relationship

Although Milwaukee ultimately chose to keep their star, the relationship between player and franchise appears to have soured. Both Antetokounmpo and the Players Association have expressed disagreement with the club's decision to sideline him until the end of the season, a move made to enhance the franchise's chances in the 2026 Draft.

For the Magic, the operation is not straightforward. Following the trade for Desmond Bane, the franchise has little room to include future first-round picks in a potential offer. One alternative could be to involve their star, Paolo Banchero, in the package to Milwaukee, but it seems likely that the Bucks would also demand future draft picks to finalize any deal.

With the situation still open and multiple teams on alert, the Antetokounmpo case looms as a major focal point in the NBA in the coming months. The evolution of his relationship with Milwaukee and the moves of the suitors will shape a market poised to be highly tumultuous.