After years of false starts and months of speculation, Giannis Antetokounmpo has finally been traded by the Bucks. This will likely be the beginning of a variety of cascading moves from other teams, including the Sacramento Kings who could find openings to make some of their own key trades.
For the last few years, Milwaukee has dipped their toes in the trade market for their star player without fully committing. The hype started feeling more real in the last year, which only ramped up after the Bucks failed to make the playoffs in 2026. That was the first time since 2016.
In the hours before the 2026 NBA Draft, the Bucks committed to sending Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to Miami in exchange for Tyler Herro, Kasparas Jakucionis, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kel'El Ware as well as an absolute haul of draft picks. That includes the Heat's 13th pick in 2026.
Left out of the deal were the Boston Celtics, who were the Greek Freak's other top destination. They're package reportedly only included Jaylen Brown and a handful of picks. The Heat's trade offer gives the Bucks a lot more options and versatility as they plan out their post-Giannis era.
How the Kings fit into all of this
Naturally, Sacramento was not on Antetokounmpo's short list of destinations. They also likely couldn't put together a trade package that came close to matching what the Heat were offering. It's also worth noting that they do not have the payroll room for someone like Antetokounmpo.
What they do have are interesting trade options for the Bucks post-Giannis, particularly in the form of Zach LaVine or Domantas Sabonis. Milwaukee has shown interest in LaVine as recently as the 2026 Trade Deadline, and might need his services as shooter even more once this trade fully shakes out.
The Bucks currently have 16 players on their roster, which is a problem. They have four player options and one team option to deal with by June 29th as well as one restricted free agent and one player whose contract becomes fully guaranteed on July 4th. There are decisions to be made.
Everyone in the league knows that the Kings want to move both LaVine and Sabonis, and are on the hunt for at least one more first-round pick in 2026. There is a deal here for the Bucks to get at least one of these players while making some room on the bench, and it might not cost them much.
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