The Magic are finalizing a deal to hire Sean Sweeney, who spent 2014-18 as an assistant for the Milwaukee Bucks, as their next head coach. It took absolutely no time for people to wonder whether the move could be enough to make Giannis Antetokounmpo consider going to Orlando.
Last week, Sam Amick and Eric Nehm of The Athletic reported that the Magic hadn't discussed pursuing an Antetokounmpo trade this summer (subscription required), though they reached out to the Bucks before the deadline.
They could've reached out to Milwaukee over the offseason regardless of its head coach hire, but now that Sweeney will be in charge, it's something the Magic could make a more aggressive push for.
The Stein Line previously reported that Miami and Boston are believed to be Antetokounmpo's top current destinations, but Orlando could be up there now.
A question being asked throughout the NBA this afternoon: How might Sean Sweeney’s arrival in Orlando, after he forged a close relationship with Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, boost the Magic’s chances in the Giannis Trade Sweepstakes?
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) May 29, 2026
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Giannis Antetokounmpo-Sean Sweeney reunion could be in play
Where Antetokounmpo wants to go holds weight because he could decline his player option for the 2027-28 season to hit unrestricted free agency. The team that trades for him won't want things to even get to that point. Before a deal happens, they'd want reassurance that he truly wants to be there and wouldn't pull a Kawhi Leonard, though they could justify a one-year rental if Giannis helped them win a title.
We know that Giannis wants to win a second championship and that he prefers to stay in the East. The Magic aren't the first team to come to mind to help make Antetokounmpo's wish come true, but Sweeney is capable of changing the culture and getting Orlando on the right path. Look at what he's helped San Antonio do in one season.
Given Giannis' existing relationship with Sweeney and the coach's track record and defensive background, he could already be considering an Orlando trade. To make that happen, it will take more than Antetokounmpo wanting to be there.
Would Magic give up Paolo Banchero in Giannis trade?
Milwaukee will want a young, blue-chip prospect, draft assets, or a combination of both in an Antetokounmpo deal. The Bucks would almost certainly push to get Paolo Banchero, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 draft, giving them a star to build around. They have even more reason to do so now that Evan Mobley is reportedly off the table.
Orlando could look at its current roster and conclude that it doesn't have what it takes to compete with New York, San Antonio, or Oklahoma City (because it doesn't). With Giannis set to hit the market, the Magic could see that as an opportunity they can't pass on and capitalize on it by ending the Banchero era after three straight first-round playoff exits.
Sweeney could have a hand in that, as could John Hammond, who was the Bucks' GM when they drafted Giannis, and currently works in the Magic's front office as a senior advisor to the president of basketball operations.
Maybe Orlando isn't willing to make Milwaukee the kind of offer it wants for Antetokounmpo, but after Friday's Sweeney news, it feels like things might be falling into place.
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