The Milwaukee Bucks currently only hold one pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, but in their mind, that will be changing soon. Per ESPN's Jeremy Woo, rival teams say the Bucks have been operating like they will make more than one selection in the upcoming draft. People will read into that different ways, but the prevailing takeaway is that the Bucks could very well think Giannis Antetokounmpo is gone.
Bucks looking to add more draft picks
If the Milwaukee Bucks trade Giannis this summer, a legitimate possibility, one of the main assets they should seek in return is a pick in this draft. This class is loaded with talent from top to bottom, and the chance to come away with multiple youngsters from it could be the perfect recipe to kick off what would be a rebuild/retool under Taylor Jenkins.
Of course, while that is where the mind of most people went, it's not the only scenario in which there could be more picks heading Milwaukee's way. The Bucks could look to package their 10th pick in a deal that sees them move down for more assets, such as acquiring 12 and 17 from the OKC Thunder, if there is someone OKC thinks will be gone before they are on the clock. Just a thought.
Given all of the Giannis chatter, though, it's feasible to operate under the assumption that the Bucks are embracing the reality that he could very well be gone.
Bucks will have options to choose from
If the Bucks want another pick in a Giannis trade, plenty of teams make sense. Could the LA Clippers get involved after landing the fifth pick? As mentioned, OKC has two picks, and perhaps they should show some interest if they get bounced out of the playoffs. The Brooklyn Nets have shown interest in the Greek Freak for years and have the sixth pick. Any of those teams could be interesting partners.
Yet, the two likeliest teams are the Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors. They have been two of the most prominent Giannis suitors, and they pick 11 and 13, respectively. While acquiring either one of those picks might not be quite as enticing as what the aforementioned teams can offer, it is simply the likely route due to how badly they both chased the star at the deadline.
All of the answers come in the next couple of weeks. Right now, no one knows the truth.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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