The Portland Trail Blazers have surfaced as a possible third-team facilitator in discussions involving Giannis Antetokounmpo, but Portland has also communicated to the Milwaukee Bucks that they would have genuine interest in pursuing Antetokounmpo directly if the opportunity presents itself.
The Blazers currently roster both Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday, two players with whom the Bucks superstar previously built strong on-court chemistry during his time in Milwaukee.
In addition to those familiar connections, Portland controls several valuable future Milwaukee first-round picks and pick swaps spanning from 2028 through 2030.
That stockpile of draft assets is the primary reason Portland has been mentioned in various trade frameworks where Antetokounmpo ultimately ends up with another team.
In those scenarios, the Trail Blazers would take back one or two players for their own roster, while redirecting the draft capital to Milwaukee on behalf of a team that lacks the necessary picks to assemble a competitive offer on its own.
Blazers Interested In Acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo Vs Only Helping To Facilitate Trade https://t.co/4IrwQVc3Ls
— RealGM (@RealGM) January 31, 2026
