The Eastern Conference is wide open as every aspiring contender faces issues with injuries, chemistry and potential trades. The Cleveland Cavaliers are no exception, but the latest news across the league could completely shift their fortunes this year.
According to Shams Charania, the two-time NBA MVP and one-time NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo and his agent are in discussions with the Milwaukee Bucks about his future and whether it is time to find Giannis a new home.
Just in: Giannis Antetokounmpo and his agent Alex Saratsis have started conversations with the Milwaukee Bucks about the two-time NBA MVP's future – and discussing whether his best fit is staying or elsewhere, sources tell ESPN. A resolution is expected in the coming weeks. pic.twitter.com/NfrpL2Ffvr
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 3, 2025
The Greek Freak's dissatisfaction with the Bucks organization this season had already been apparent. Sitting 11th in the East with a 9-13 record, Milwaukee's divorce from an injured Damian Lillard in favor of Myles Turner has not reaped the benefits the team hoped to see.
Giannis has flirted with a trade request over the years, especially as the franchise has continually stepped back in their competitiveness and become a fringe contender at best. Despite Giannis' consistent production as a generational star, the Bucks have been incapable of building a Finals-worthy supporting cast around him.
If the Giannis era in Milwaukee comes to a close, the Cavaliers may be the first team to feel the effects as they battle to plant themselves firmly as the top team in the conference.
A Giannis trade changes everything immediately
Early into the season, a report surfaced that Giannis investigated a trade scenario during the offseason. That trade idea, notably, would have included only one team on Antetokounmpo's wishlist: the New York Knicks. According to Charania, the Knicks and Bucks were briefly involved in trade talks before things simmered down.
Now, as Giannis potentially approaches a legitimate trade request, the potential for the Knicks to land one of the best players in the league is taking shape. If Giannis heads for the Big Apple, the Cavs may see their Finals dreams crushed faster than the speed of light could ever imagine traveling.
As a first-apron team, the Knicks cannot take extra salary in a trade but can stack players to match contracts. In the simplest trade package, Karl-Anthony Towns and one other mid-sized deal gets the job done. Stacking draft capital could be all it takes to establish the greatest dynasty in Knicks history while simultaneously slamming the championship window shut for the Cavaliers.
Alternatively, if Giannis seeks refuge to the Western Conference with the Los Angeles Lakers or the San Antonio Spurs, the Cavs may suddenly have a greater foothold in the East. Cleveland already holds two of the best talents in the conference with Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. If another powerhouse jumps ship from the same division as the Cavs to the increasingly wild west, the Cavaliers could easily take advantage and dominate the Eastern Conference.
Cleveland is in a rough spot this year, battling to reestablish themselves as a premiere leader in the conference. Injuries stalled most progress the Cavs likely hoped to find, making the potential for Giannis to leave Milwaukee anxiously impactful for the wine and gold squad.
Catching a break with Giannis headed west could be relieve the Cleveland Cavaliers of another postseason blockade. Yet, with earlier reports suggesting Giannis would prefer the Knicks, the Cavs are in the most perilous position they have experienced since establishing the core four era.