With the 2026 NBA Draft drawing near, attention around the league remains fixed on the Milwaukee Bucks and the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo. While Milwaukee would rather retain its franchise cornerstone, the organization could be forced to consider offers if the two-time MVP signals that he does not intend to sign an extension in October. Rather than risk losing him for nothing in free agency next summer, the Bucks would reportedly explore a trade.
According to reports from Jake Fischer, several teams that have held discussions with Milwaukee believe the club’s demands are extremely high. League executives have repeatedly described the asking price as “unrealistic,” suggesting the Bucks are seeking packages so substantial that any team acquiring Antetokounmpo could be left without enough supporting talent to compete for a championship.
That situation creates a difficult balancing act. Antetokounmpo is believed to be looking for a destination capable of contending for a title should he leave Milwaukee after 13 seasons. However, meeting the Bucks’ expectations could significantly weaken a potential suitor’s roster and undermine those ambitions.
Even so, Milwaukee has reason to pursue a premium return. Despite dealing with injuries in recent seasons, Antetokounmpo remains among the NBA’s elite players. Still, with only one guaranteed year remaining on his contract, the Bucks may eventually have to lower their demands compared with what they might have received a year or two ago.
Stewart preparing for a possible departure from Detroit
The Detroit Pistons are expected to be among the league’s most active teams this offseason after another disappointing playoff exit. One player who could be affected by the franchise’s plans is Isaiah Stewart, who reportedly anticipates being traded during the summer.
Stewart delivered a productive regular season, averaging 10 points, five rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting 55% from the field. His postseason performance, however, fell well below that standard. Across the playoffs, he averaged only four points and 2.4 rebounds and gradually lost his place in the rotation to Paul Reed during Detroit’s second-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
League sources cited by Fischer indicate that Stewart is not simply available in trade talks but is actively preparing for the possibility of leaving Detroit. The Pistons are reportedly looking to strengthen their perimeter shooting and playmaking depth, and Stewart could be included in transactions designed to address those needs.
Interest in the 25-year-old appears to be strong. His contract contains two guaranteed seasons at $15 million annually, along with a team option for 2027-28, making him an attractive target. Fischer reported that the Bucks, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, and San Antonio Spurs have all shown interest.
Celtics weighing options after playoff disappointment
Boston has also emerged as a team to watch during the offseason. Although the Celtics have been linked to Antetokounmpo, completing such a blockbuster move would likely require major sacrifices, potentially including franchise star Jaylen Brown.
Reports suggest Boston is exploring ways to move up from the No. 27 pick in the upcoming draft. At the same time, rival teams have continued to inquire about both Brown and Derrick White. While the Celtics are not believed to be actively shopping either player, league sources indicate the organization has been more receptive to listening to proposals than in previous years.
A departure involving White would still come as a surprise. The veteran guard remains highly regarded within the franchise, and his two-way impact has regularly placed him in All-Star discussions during his time in Boston.
The Celtics entered last season with expectations that it could serve as a transition year. Nevertheless, they exceeded many projections by winning 56 games and securing second place in the Eastern Conference despite roster changes and an extended absence for Jayson Tatum during the opening 62 games.
Stevens calls for honest evaluation of roster
Boston’s promising regular season ultimately ended in disappointment. After taking a 3-1 series lead against the Philadelphia 76ers in the opening round, the Celtics were eliminated, prompting questions about the team’s direction.
In May, president Brad Stevens emphasized the importance of taking a realistic look at the roster. He acknowledged that Boston is not far from contention but stressed the need to increase the team’s margin for error if it hopes to return to the top of the conference.
Stevens also pointed to the organization’s recent track record, noting multiple appearances in the Eastern Conference finals and NBA Finals that resulted in only one championship. From his perspective, a first-round exit demonstrated that the current group still has work to do.
Looking ahead, Stevens expects a more competitive league environment. He noted that several teams prioritized draft positioning during the previous season and suggested that many of those clubs will be more focused on winning next year. As a result, Boston anticipates a tougher regular season that could provide a clearer measure of where every contender truly stands.