Over the last decade, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks have been thorns in the Detroit Pistons' side. Not only have they been the team to beat in the Central Division race during that span, but they have also completely dominated the Pistons. They have swept the Pistons in their lone playoff matchup and won a whopping 25 of their last 26 regular-season games. Milwaukee is currently on a 13-game winning streak against the Pistons, one of the most lopsided matchups in recent NBA history.
That will likely change starting with the 2025-26 season, however. The Bucks are expected to go through significant changes in the offseason, likely starting a rebuilding phase with Damian Lillard injured and Antetokounmpo on the trade block.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Staying in the East Would Be Disappointing for the Pistons
Some Pistons fans are hoping that Antetokounmpo is a target for Detroit. The Greek Freak could help catapult the Pistons to true title contenders. While we haven't heard much about the Pistons' potential interest in the two-time MVP, a new rumor about an Eastern Conference rival could change the power balance.
Raptors insider Doug Smith reported on Sunday that there is mutual interest between Toronto and Antetokounmpo. He added that the Bucks star wants to remain in the East, presumably because it gives him a better chance to win a title, making the Raptors a potential landing spot.
It would be disappointing if Giannis wants to stay in the East, but the Pistons don't aggressively pursue him. Detroit has the ability to make a very competitive trade offer thanks to its draft capital and young players with upside. The Raptors are further behind in the pecking order, but will likely pass the Pistons in the East hierarchy if they were to add Antetokounmpo to their already intriguing core. They would have to part ways with at least one of Immanuel Quickley, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, and Scottie Barnes in such a deal, but they would still have enough to be a dangerous playoff team.