Ambition fuels greatness, and for the truly elite, one championship ring is never enough. Once you’ve tasted glory, the hunger only grows fiercer. Just ask the legends of the game. Kevin Durant has no plans to stop at two NBA championships. He wants that elusive third ring before he walks away from the game. But in the grand theatre of reality, there is a towering force ready to stand in his way. A relentless and dominant presence named Giannis Antetokounmpo, ready to block the path and rewrite the ending.

Keep in mind, both stars may or may not end their careers with their respective franchises. Well, at least the rumors strongly believe in this theory. For KD, the Suns’ move has been disastrous, and he most likely will find his way out in the offseason. Meanwhile, the Greek Freak Giannis is reportedly looking for an alternative to get himself that second title.

Now, on the Hoop Collective podcast, Brian Windhorst, Tim Bontemps, and Tim MacMahon cleared the situation that might be developing in the league. Interestingly enough, Antetokounmpo’s entry into the trade market could affect Durant’s position in it. Windy believes that the soon-to-be 37-year-old Slim Reaper could be given out on rent to other teams. But, “Giannis, on the other hand, I think you can get a gigantic call for him.” MacMahon sees why this is possible: “I mean, he’s 30, so he’s got plenty of prime.”

Third on the MVP list, the 30-year-old is the gem that Milwaukee wouldn’t want to lose. Most importantly, this playoff series would carry weight in deciding Giannis’s future with the franchise. Meanwhile, Windhorst commented: “Well, there are many people who are maybe casual observers of the NBA who would think that Durant and Giannis would be comparable in the trades.” In the present scenario, no. KD and Antetokounmpo do not have comparisons in trade.

“I would say no. Sure. I would say, and it would actually it might even hurt if Giannis comes to market. It might even hurt the Suns.” After all, if Giannis is available on the market, will Kevin Durant not have a smaller one? Simply put, the Phoenix Suns may have to remain tied to Kevin Durant and his $122 million extension. On top of that, their $400 million tax burden won’t ease, which will tighten their flexibility in the draft and trade market.

“It unquestionably hurts their leverage,” Tim Bontemps added. “There’s no question about that because he’s [Durant] not the best player available. And so if whatever the best package that’s traded is, it’s gonna be for Giannis.” Look, the Greek Freak is under contract until 2027-28 for $228 million. However, this doesn’t mean none of the franchises are going to lure him. Especially in this picture, where the Bucks are fumbling in the playoffs, anything is possible. However, it will surely be an unfitting way to end Giannis’ record-filled time in Milwaukee.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Bucks future in question amidst trade rumors

After Game 2 of Round 1 of the Playoffs series, it is clear that the Milwaukee Bucks are struggling against the Indiana Pacers. Amidst their 0-2 record so far, the only star that shines is Giannis Antetokounmpo. He’s scoring 30+ points in all the games, yet the results are not changing. Lack of support on the floor? Most likely. Therefore, this brings out a theory from Chris Haynes. Will Giannis finish his career in Milwaukee? “I don’t think so,” the insider commented.

“This 2025 playoffs for the Milwaukee Bucks are gonna be pivotal. Well, if they don’t get to the Finals, win the Finals, or even make a deep run, you can probably see some wholesale changes going on in Milwaukee. You know, you can go from coaching staff, from the front office to the players. Like, it can be a pretty big, significant wholesale if the Milwaukee Bucks don’t make a significant run this postseason.”

So, could they trade Giannis Antetokoumpo? “I could see them going in a different direction and, yeah, I can see that possibility if things go sour this post-season for sure,” Haynes concluded.

In the shifting tides of the NBA, nothing is certain. If the Bucks collapse this postseason, even Giannis could be on the move. Meanwhile, Durant’s legacy chase may hit a wall. As rumors swirl and reality sharpens, the league stands on the edge of a dramatic power shift.