The entire NBA landscape is anxiously waiting to hear whether Giannis Antetokounmpo's time with the Milwaukee Bucks is over or if the partnership will extend.
Any Giannis Antetokounmpo trade could quickly become the biggest package ever assembled for a superstar, giving Milwaukee an assortment of players and draft picks to retool around. Though every single team in the NBA would likely put in an offer, the teams that seem like the likeliest suitors are the Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs due to their stash of assets to offer. That said, let us highlight the 10 most desirable players the Bucks could get back.
1. Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets
Amen Thompson looks like a star in the making on both sides of the court. Fueled by freakish athletic ability, the 22-year-old is a walking highlight reel with his dunks, shot-blocking, and ability to move like few others can. Despite this being just his second season, he looked as poised as ever in the playoffs, where he averaged 15.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.7 steals in seven games. If a franchise is gearing up for a retooling, that is the type of player they want.
2. Alperen Şengün, Houston Rockets
The Rockets very well might be hesitant to trade away Thompson, instead opting to craft a package built around Alperen Şengün. The 22-year-old is coming off his first All-Star season, where he put up 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game. While he might not boast as much potential as Thompson, Şengün certainly wouldn't be some throw-in. He could be a legitimate building block to have at the center position for the future.
3. Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs
Fresh off taking home Rookie of the Year, where he joined elite company alongside David Robinson, Tim Duncan and Victor Wembanyama as the only players in Spurs franchise history to take it home, Stephon Castle is just getting started. The 6-foot-6 point guard looks like a two-way menace in the making, and he's still just 20. Castle won the award despite having to share point guard duties with Chris Paul and De'Aaron Fox; it would be interesting to see him as a lead guard.
4. Cameron Johnson, Brooklyn Nets
Although he might not be a franchise building block like Thompson or Castle, Cameron Johnson is no slouch. The 29-year-old is coming off his best season yet, having averaged 18.8 points while hitting a career-best 2.8 triples per game. He could be a great complementary piece if the Milwaukee Bucks aim to remain competitive in this hypothetical scenario, but he could also get moved again to further stock up on assets.
5. Jimmy Butler, Golden State Warriors
Unlike most of the players on this list, Jimmy Butler is not some young lottery ticket. He's a proven multi-time All-Star. His potential fit with the Milwaukee Bucks post-Giannis might not be the best for rebuilding purposes, but if they wish to remain competitive, he could help. The Bucks could also opt to do what Portland did when they acquired Jrue Holiday in the Damian Lillard trade and send him to a contender to gather more compelling assets.
6. Reed Sheppard, Houston Rockets
Despite going third overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Sheppard didn't get much run with the Rockets this past season. However, the potential is undeniable. In a brief stint in the G League this past season, he averaged 30.7 points, 7.3 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 2.7 steals while shooting 40.5 percent from deep on 12.3 attempts per game. Sure, the NBA is a different beast than the G League, but the 20-year-old has the chops to be a legitimate force at this level if given a shot.
7. Jalen Green, Houston Rockets
Green did himself no favors during this past postseason run with the Rockets, averaging a pedestrian 13.3 points on 37.2 percent shooting, including 29.5 percent from deep. His value is incredibly low at the moment, but there is still some potential there. At 23, he possesses the shot creation and athletic ability that doesn't grow on trees. He must become more consistent if he wants to take the next step, and perhaps a change of scenery could help in that regard.
8. Devin Vassell, San Antonio Spurs
Despite a down season in 2024-25, Vassell still played a prominent role in San Antonio's success with averages of 16.3 points, four rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.3 steals. He's one of those young players who could take off in a new situation where they are more of a focal point. At 24 and under contract for four more seasons, Vassell could become a building block for the Milwaukee Bucks, giving them an exciting young wing to build around.
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