As the NBA playoffs push toward the Conference Finals, many eyes remain diverted to the offseason and what it could hold for one of the league’s biggest stars.
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks could be on the outs with the only franchise he’s ever played for if the rumor mill is to be believed.
According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick (subscription required), the “Greek Freak” is “believed to be interested in joining a true title contender.”
Even Phoenix Suns fans on a lethal dose of hopium probably don’t anticipate Giannis believing this Suns team is a “true title contender.” And, even if Antetokounmpo believes that teaming up with face of the Phoenix franchise Devin Booker gets the team to that threshold, another wrinkle in Amick’s reporting throws cold water on rumors that the Suns could take yet another big swing for a former MVP.
Amick reports that in addition to being interested in joining a “true title contender,” he writes that it is “widely believed” in league circles that Antetokounmpo desires to remain in the Eastern Conference.
Welp.
Provided the Eastern Conference doesn’t boast SGA’s juggernaut Oklahoma City Thunder or Victor Wembanyama’s upstart San Antonio Spurs, it makes sense that Giannis would target an easier path to the NBA Finals by staying in the East. At least for the moment, the New York Knicks’ window of opportunity there seems wide open.
And while a team up between Giannis and Book is tantalizing on paper, Suns fans for multiple reasons need to significantly temper those expectations.
Giannis to The Valley? Rumored trade doesn’t seem likely
In addition to Amick’s reporting that Giannis is looking to stay in the Eastern Conference and upgrade his title chances, local reporting in Phoenix also suggests a Giannis to The Valley plot line remains a pipe dream.
Where Amick’s report throws cold water on the rumors, Arizona Sports 98.7 FM radio host John Gambadoro took a fire blanket to any smoldering embers of a Book/Giannis team up happening with the Suns.
Come on - what insiders are saying that? National guys?No the Suns are not getting Giannis. There have been zero discussions about him. ZERO. The Suns aren't doing that - SMH. https://t.co/0F3TlyyTC6
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) April 23, 2026
In an April post on X (formerly Twitter), Gambo did not mince words. “No the Suns are not getting Giannis,” he wrote. “There have been zero discussions about him. ZERO.”
Well, then.
The Suns and GM Brian Gregory should always be doing their due diligence so as not to ignore any avenue to improving the roster. And while it seems Phoenix learned its lesson ahead of this year’s trade deadline by not making any more huge blockbusters for an established star like they did with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, overlooking a chance to add a former league MVP wouldn’t be wise.
Nevertheless, it seems owner Mat Ishbia has made clear that continuity and keeping trade acquisitions Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green is the priority. Each guy’s contract, as it did in the Durant blockbuster, make them trade-worthy assets.
But at least at this time, it doesn’t appear as though the Suns intend to make any more big swings at the expense of roster depth, which still remains an issue heading into the summer.
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