For the Milwaukee Bucks, the focus remains on winning another championship with Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the charge. But around the NBA, speculation is already building about what could happen if the Bucks stumble again — and how other teams, particularly the Los Angeles Lakers, are circling.
One name that pops up in those conversations is Lakers guard Austin Reaves.
Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints recently suggested that if Milwaukee is forced to entertain a trade for Antetokounmpo to the Lakers, Reaves would be the first name on the Bucks’ wish list.
“It’s almost a surefire thing that if the Lakers and say, the Bucks, get into trade negotiations for Giannis, the first name in terms of players that Milwaukee is going to ask about is Reaves,” Irwin said on the “Lakers Lounge” podcast.
Big Star in Small Market
For the Bucks, the logic is clear.
If they were ever forced to part ways with their two-time MVP, they would demand young, established talent in return — and Reaves fits that bill. The 26-year-old has developed into one of the Lakers’ most dependable players, averaging a career-best 20.2 points on 46% overall shooting and 37.7% from the 3-point line, 4.8 assists against 2.2 turnovers last season. He also showed flashes of star potential when LeBron James and Luka Doncic were out, dropping a career-high 45 points in a Lakers’ 124-117 win over the Bucks’ rivals, the Indiana Pacers, in February.
Reaves can realize his potential as an All-Star with his own team. Coming from a small town in Arkansas, the small-market team in Milwaukee could be a great fit. He also has contractual flexibility that could benefit the Bucks. He turned down the Lakers’ four-year, $89.2 million extension earlier this summer and is expected to test unrestricted free agency next offseason.
According to Spectrum SportsNet’s Jovan Buha, his next deal could exceed $120 million. If Antetokounmpo did push for a move, Reaves could easily become part of a sign-and-trade package, helping the Bucks maximize their return.
Bucks Still Hold Leverage
Still, it’s important to note — Milwaukee isn’t in a hurry to move their superstar.
Antetokounmpo is under contract through the 2026-27 season, with a player option for 2027-28. The Bucks’ top priority remains building a contender around him and avoiding the type of disappointment that could force his hand.
That’s why the Bucks continue to tweak their roster, stretch-waived Damian Lillard’s $113 million to sign former Pacers center Myles Turner.
Milwaukee’s front office knows its championship window is still open, and as long as Antetokounmpo is locked in, the franchise remains in the hunt.
Giannis’ Future Remains in Doubt
However, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Aug. 4 that “nothing is set in stone” with Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee.
Still, the Bucks’ top exec continues to exude confidence that Antetokounmpo will remain in Milwaukee.
“We kind of laugh internally. It’s where we’ve been for ten years,” Bucks president Peter Feigin said on an NBATV Summer League broadcast. “Giannis loves Milwaukee, Milwaukee loves Giannis. We’re in a good place. We feel great about it. It’s business as usual.”
What would change the equation is if Antetokounmpo makes his intentions clear — for example, by signaling he would only sign his next extension with a specific team. In that scenario, the Lakers would certainly try to enter the conversation. But Milwaukee would maintain leverage, because teams rarely let go of a generational talent without extracting maximum value.
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