NBA Trade Rumors: Toronto Raptors Trade Giannis Antetokounmpo: Masai Ujiri’s Longstanding Pursuit Might Finally Have a Shot
With Damian Lillard's Achilles tear and the Bucks facing a likely first-round exit, the NBA world is once again buzzing about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future. And few executives are more primed — or more personally motivated — to make a run at the two-time MVP than Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri.
The Proposed Trade
Raptors receive:
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Giannis Antetokounmpo
Bucks receive:
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RJ Barrett
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Jakob Poeltl
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2025 first-round pick
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2027 first-round pick
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2029 first-round pick
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2031 first-round pick
The Masai-Giannis History
Ujiri wanted Giannis badly in the 2013 draft. He tried to trade up for him — unsuccessfully — and that missed opportunity has quietly loomed over Raptors strategy for years. Now, with Toronto in rebuild mode and owning all their future firsts, this may be his last chance to get his guy.
Why It Makes Sense for the Raptors
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Giannis is the kind of player you rebuild for, not around — so if he becomes available, you pivot now.
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Defensive core of Giannis and Scottie Barnes would be elite.
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Offensively, pairing Antetokounmpo with Immanuel Quickley, Brandon Ingram, and Gradey Dick gives balance and spacing.
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Even if they give up four firsts, the Raptors still have youth and cap flexibility.
Why It Might Work for the Bucks
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RJ Barrett is just 24 and has developed into a 20+ PPG scorer with strong rebounding and playmaking.
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Jakob Poeltl provides a logical Brook Lopez successor.
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Four unprotected picks spread through 2031 gives Milwaukee long-term upside — crucial for a proper rebuild.
Still, this deal is less impressive than OKC’s hypothetical offer (which included seven firsts, plus Nikola Topić and other assets). But Toronto’s package is more appealing than many others in terms of NBA-ready talent and clean cap sheets.
The Verdict
The Raptors’ proposal is solid, especially given Ujiri’s history and desperation to land Giannis. But unless Antetokounmpo specifically signals Toronto as a preferred destination, it’s hard to imagine Milwaukee choosing this offer over what OKC or other suitors could put together.
Would you pull the trigger on this deal if you're Masai Ujiri — or would you wait to see how Barnes and the current core develop?
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