Giannis Antetokounmpo open to leaving the Bucks for the first time in his career. But where will he go?

The Greek Freakโ€™s future in Milwaukee is suddenly a massive question mark.

After another crushing early playoff exit, the NBA world is buzzing with rumors that Giannis Antetokounmpo could leave the Milwaukee Bucks โ€” and two teams are already emerging as early favorites to land him.

According to ESPNโ€™s Brian Windhorst, the San Antonio Spurs and the Houston Rockets are seen as the top destinations if Giannis asks out.

“The San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets are teams to consider for Giannis Antetokounmpo,โ€ Windhorst said.

The Bucks, reeling after a 4โ€“1 first-round elimination against the Indiana Pacers, have no first-round picks for the next five years and could be forced to listen to trade offers if Antetokounmpo expresses the desire to move on.

Giannis Dominated โ€” But It Wasnโ€™t Enough

Despite Milwaukeeโ€™s collapse, Giannis once again put up monster numbers:

  • 33.0 points, 15.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game in the series
  • But without Khris Middleton, without a healthy Damian Lillard, and amid coaching chaos, it wasnโ€™t nearly enough.

Now, for the first time, serious questions are swirling about whether Giannis will stay committed to the Bucks long-term.

Big City Dreams Stir More Drama

While the Spurs and Rockets are positioned as logical basketball fits, the rumor mill is already stirring with bigger market speculation.

NBA insider Howard Beck recently said on The Dunk Central podcast that if Giannis leaves, heโ€™s likely to prefer a major market.

โ€œOne of the LA teams. One of the New York teams. Maybe Miami,” Beck said, noting the appeal of both championship windows and brand-building opportunities.

Chicago was also mentioned as a possible dark horse.

Still, Houston has been floated consistently because of their young core, draft assets, and cap flexibility โ€” and the Spurs offer the chance to team up with Victor Wembanyama, one of the most hyped young stars in NBA history.

Milwaukeeโ€™s Fall From Contender to Chaos

The Bucksโ€™ fall since their 2021 title has been steep:

  • Jrue Holiday was traded.
  • Mike Budenholzer was fired.
  • Khris Middleton was traded to Washington.
  • Adrian Griffin was fired midseason, despite a strong record.
  • Damian Lillard tore his Achilles in the playoffs.

Giannis stayed loyal through years of turbulence โ€” but with the teamโ€™s window closing fast, this might finally push him toward the exit.

No Guarantees for Giannis

Even if Giannis does ask out, Milwaukee doesnโ€™t have to honor his destination wishlist.
Beck pointed out that the Bucks could take the best deal available, just like the Blazers did when Damian Lillard requested a trade to Miami but ended up in Milwaukee.

For now, the Bucks arenโ€™t panicking publicly. But behind the scenes, the NBA’s biggest soap opera could just be getting started.

Here are the top 10 most likely destinations:

  • Stay with the Milwaukee Bucks | -200 (Big favorite to stay)
  • Houston Rockets | +950
  • Oklahoma City Thunder | +1000
  • Golden State Warriors | +1100
  • San Antonio Spurs | +1200
  • Brooklyn Nets | +1600
  • Los Angeles Lakers | +1800
  • Phoenix Suns | +1800
  • Miami Heat | +2000
  • Memphis Grizzlies | +2000

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