DHJ Quick Take
- Top Priority Giannis: The Trail Blazers are expected to be a prime suitor for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is expected to be traded this offseason. Giannis and Damian Lillard were teammates in Milwaukee and have a close relationship.
- Anthony Davis as Plan B: If the pursuit of Giannis fails, Portland is expected to pivot to Anthony Davis, who could be traded by the Washington Wizards this offseason.
- Aggressive Offseason Stance: Under new ownership (Tom Dundon), Portland is signaling a shift toward an “aggressive push.” The Blazers made the playoffs this season, losing to the San Antonio Spurs in the first round.
The Portland Trail Blazers are expected to emerge as a prime trade suitor for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. The Blazers may also pursue Washington Wizards big man Anthony Davis if they don’t land Antetokounmpo.
“I’ve heard from multiple league sources that the Blazers are expected to emerge as a prime trade suitor for Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo. … Sources have insisted this week that the Blazers are as interested in actually trying to land Antetokounmpo for themselves as other frequently mentioned suitors such as Miami, Minnesota, Golden State and New York. … I’ve likewise been advised by sources close to the situation to regard Portland as a potential Davis suitor should it fall short in its Antetokounmpo pursuit,” Fischer wrote.
The Blazers lost to the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the 2026 playoffs in five games. Damian Lillard will play next season after missing all of this season recovering from his Achilles tear. Lillard was teammates with Antetokounmpo on the Bucks for two years. The two All-Stars have a very close relationship. Lillard is also friends with Davis.
Antetokounmpo has spent his entire NBA career with the Bucks. He’s a two-time MVP, one-time Finals MVP, one-time Defensive Player of the Year and 10-time All-Star. Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee to the 2021 championship in six games against the Phoenix Suns. The Bucks have won only one playoff series since then.
Antetokounmpo will make $58.5 million next season. He has a player option worth $62.8 million for the 2027-28 season. The forward is eligible to sign a four-year, $275 million extension with the Bucks on October 1. If he declines the extension, Antetokounmpo will be traded, according to Milwaukee co-owner Wes Edens.
Antetokounmpo holds career averages of 24.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. It will be fascinating to see where he’s playing next season.
Davis, acquired by Washington from the Dallas Mavericks at the trade deadline, didn’t play for the Wizards this season because of ligament damage in his left hand. The future Hall of Famer will make $58.5 million next season. He has a player option worth $62.8 million for the 2027-28 season.
A top-75 player of all time, Davis has played for the New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers and Mavericks. He’s a 10-time All-Star and one-time NBA champion with career averages of 24.0 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.3 blocks per game. The Chicago native has made five All-NBA teams and five All-Defensive teams.
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