The NBA offseason is heating up fast—and so is the conversation around Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. As rumors swirl about his future, the former MVP sends subtle (but serious) signals that his next chapter might be where Uncle Sam doesn’t take a bite out of his paycheck.
NBA insider Sam Amico reports Giannis is now “intrigued by the idea of playing in a state with no income tax.” That might sound like a financial flex, but it could be a major hint when it comes from one of the league’s biggest names. With the Bucks potentially needing to consider a trade if they can’t keep him long-term, it’s time to start reading between the lines.
Let’s break it down: states with no income tax and an NBA team include Florida, Texas, and Tennessee. The Memphis Grizzlies (Tennessee) are basically off the table, lacking the star power or trade assets needed to bring the Greek Freak to town.
That narrows the field to the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic in Florida, and three Texas squads—the Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, and San Antonio Spurs. Of those, the Magic and Mavericks are unlikely contenders. While rich in assets, Orlando lacks the trade bait, and Dallas isn’t itching to let go of its core.
That leaves three squads still in the game: the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, and Miami Heat.
Each of these teams could realistically swing a deal for Giannis—and each would instantly become a serious title contender if they did. Fans and analysts alike have been tossing hypothetical trade packages for both the Rockets and Spurs. At the same time, the Heat are a frequent name in the Giannis sweepstakes thanks to their history of attracting superstar talent.
If we’re talking odds, here’s how it’s stacking up:
San Antonio leads the charge. With a roster full of promising young stars and a stack of lottery picks in this year’s draft, the Spurs have the talent and the assets to make Milwaukee listen.
Houston comes in second, boasting fewer picks but more proven NBA talent with sky-high upside.
Miami is a wild card, flashy but likely lacking the trade firepower to outbid the Lone Star State.
One thing’s clear: Giannis has options, and Milwaukee has decisions to make. If the Bucks want to avoid losing their cornerstone for nothing, they’ll have to choose wisely—select a team the Greek Freak is vibing with, and pick up the phone before it’s too late.
Could the palm trees of South Beach, the bright lights of H-Town, or the culture and legacy of the Spurs be Giannis’ next stop? All signs point to a state where the tax man isn’t knocking—and a title might be waiting.