Trail Blazers Poised to Pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo; Anthony Davis Viewed as Backup
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Portland, OR — The Portland Trail Blazers are expected to enter the offseason as a leading bidder for Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, multiple league sources told Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
The pursuit comes after Portland’s first playoff appearance in five years and the arrival of new owner Tom Dundon, who has pledged to spend aggressively on elite talent despite criticism over recent cost-cutting measures. General manager Joe Cronin said earlier this week the club is prepared to make a major move “at the right price.”
Potential framework for a Giannis deal
According to Fischer, any Blazers proposal would be anchored by forward Jerami Grant’s contract, which guarantees approximately $70.6 million over the next two seasons. Additional salaries would be required to satisfy league trade rules. Antetokounmpo, 31, was limited to 36 games this season because of injuries and can become a free agent in 2027, with an extension window opening before next year.
While Portland’s interest is strong, Antetokounmpo may not list the Blazers among his preferred destinations, making a long-term commitment a potential hurdle, Fischer noted.
Anthony Davis as contingency option
If a Giannis trade fails to materialize, Portland has identified Washington Wizards center Anthony Davis as an alternative target, sources told Fischer. The Blazers reportedly discussed a Davis package with the Dallas Mavericks during the season centered on Grant and draft assets, but Dallas ultimately chose Washington’s cap-clearing offer.
Davis, 32, recently questioned the Wizards’ ability to accelerate a rebuild and could be moved again before playing a game in Washington, NBA insider Chris Haynes said on SiriusXM NBA Radio. Like Antetokounmpo, Davis holds a player option for the 2027-28 season and will be extension-eligible this summer.
Portland’s offseason plans are expected to develop once the trade market formally opens, with both stars atop the franchise’s wish list.
Source: Hoops Rumors
