Top Team In The East Circling Giannis Antetokounmpo This Off-Season

The Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes were the talk of the NBA this past summer, and ahead of the 2026 trade deadline, many expected him to be dealt for a blockbuster return. However, the Milwaukee Bucks opted to hold onto the two-time MVP, ending all of the discussion in one of the most anticlimactic ways possible following months and months of speculation.

Now, with the off-season again looming and the Bucks sitting in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, the expectation around the NBA is for those trade talks between team and player to pick up again. Since that speculation has begun, many teams have been linked to the Greek Freak, and now, another has been named as one that could enter discussions, with the Orlando Magic now becoming a genuine landing spot for the two-time MVP.

According to Kirk Goldsberry, the Magic have been 'very active' in seeking out Giannis and the potential of adding him to the team, and with the team already sitting in 8th in the East, with Antetokounmpo, they could be a genuine threat to the top spot.

One thing that would make this difficult is the move they made to land Desmond Bane last summer, as Orlando may have given up many of the assets that Milwaukee would want in a deal for Giannis. Ultimately though, they'll be one of many teams kicking the tires with the Bucks on a deal, but if they can add Antetokounmpo to a team with this young core, the future will be even brighter for the Magic.