The entire NBA world is buzzing about the Milwaukee Bucks' superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Wednesday morning, reports surfaced that he had expressed a desire to be traded away over the summer, before the season began. After Damian Lillard ruptured his Achilles tendon, ending his and the Milwaukee's playoff run, he was released during that time, and the Bucks were unable to fortify their roster in any other way. Twenty-two games into the 2025-26 campaign, they do not appear to be a title contender, and Antetokounmpo has reached a breaking point. On Wednesday afternoon, both Brian Windhorst and Shams Charania confirmed that the superstar was leaning toward an exit and investigating a way out. While the assumption remains that he'll seek a new home that features a title-ready roster, any trade will cripple his new home's value due to his massive price tag. Can Chicago insert itself in the mix? Here are three things that may give them a fighting chance at turning the entire franchise around.
1. Chicago Has The Assets
The biggest question to ask when trying to field an offer for a superstar of this magnitude is how appealing a package the team can build. In Chicago's case, they've got a surplus of young assets. With one of the league's youngest rosters, featuring 14 players aged 25 or younger, they will be able to integrate several developmental pieces. Next, they possess all of their own first-round draft picks for the next seven years, and own the Portland Trail Blazers' first-rounder in 2026. Lastly, they have the cap space availability to handle a deal of this magnitude. With expiring contracts in Nikola Vucevic and Coby White, it's an appealing proposition for Milwaukee to be free of nearly $35 million in cap space this summer.
If the Bulls really have no interest in building slowly, rather than going after AD (a huge risk), they should just risk it all on Giannis. Send all available FRP’s, Noa, Coby+expirings of Vooch, Collins, Huerter and see if that gets MIL to bite. The worst they can say is no
— Bulls Central (@BullsCentralYT) December 3, 2025
2. Giannis Has Spoken Highly Of Chicago
Although it was brief and several years ago, Antetokounmpo had previously mentioned donning the black and red before. He's well aware of the franchise's illustrious history, the importance of Chicago to basketball, and spoke with great regard for the organization. Was this a nice way of dismissing his chances of ever playing for the team, or a subtle nod at a potential future desired destination? His team reaching out to the Bulls affirms the interest is at least present for joining the legendary basketball mecca. They have reportedly named Chicago to their short list and are keeping it on the radar of teams to monitor.
Giannis forcing his way out of Milwaukee.
— Die-Hard Chicago Bulls Fans (@Bullsfans) December 3, 2025
…to Chicago?! 😳pic.twitter.com/9EazvdnUwB https://t.co/8kRNhb8tGQ
3. Built For A Star
The city of Chicago is a perfect place for a star. With one of the league's biggest markets, including league-leading attendance each of the last three seasons and a top-five revenue figure during those years, it's built for a superstar. The previous two mega-stars to represent the organization were Derrick Rose and Michael Jordan, two legends in the city and of the sport. Does the history, legend, and appeal of the massive market draw Antetokounmpo to Chicago?
Sources: The Chicago Bulls are preparing an aggressive, all-in pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo and are expected to submit a formal trade package to Milwaukee in the coming days,
— Hoop Intel (@TheHoopIntel) December 3, 2025
(per @Ary_Report )#NBA #BullsNation pic.twitter.com/TI3gM9Rkqt
Between the lines, the Bulls surprisingly have a great supporting cast for a star like the Greek Freak. They've got three-point threats down the entire roster, a flurry of above-average perimeter defenders who are versatile and athletic, and a point guard with some of the best playmaking skills in the league. While it is unlikely that he would gamble on such an unproven product over a more championship-ready team, the Bulls' structure would fit his skill set extremely well.
The prospect of adding Giannis Antetokounmpo remains a pipe dream, but these three things would be Chicago's last hope. Can they put together an enticing package for the former NBA Finals MVP?
