Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Risk for Contending Teams

Merlin sees Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Bucks growing uncertain as Milwaukee sits outside the playoff and play-in picture. A 10-time All-Star and still the best player who could hit the trade market, he is 31 and showing a dip in production (28.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists) with troubling late‑season injuries that make contending teams think twice. Merlin remembers the 2021 title and the two MVPs, yet warns that limited shooting, durability questions and a likely massive extension through his mid 30s turn any deal into a calculated gamble. Like the Garnett and O'Neal moves, Giannis can still deliver title juice, but buyers should not pay like he is decades away from decline.