Latest update on Giannis trade: Interested in joining the Lakers, with Warriors odds soaring to first place

On January 31st Beijing time, Giannis's destination has become the league's focus before the trade deadline. Overnight, there have been many developments regarding him —

The Ringer reporter Becker pointed out that the Lakers might be a potential landing spot attracting Giannis. He stated: "I recently received informationthat from Giannis's perspective, the Lakers are a team to watch closely and one of the destinations he is interested in." However, Becker also admitted the Lakers currently lack the assets to offer a competitive deal and will likely have a chance only in the offseason. At present, the Lakers can only offer one first-round pick (in 2031 or 2032), but by the offseason, their trade assets could expand to as many as three first-round picks (2026, 2031, and 2033).

In addition,there has been a major shift in Giannis's next team odds, with the Warriors rising to the top spot. After news broke that the Bucks are open to offers, the Rockets briefly held the top odds, but in recent days, reports have emerged that the Rockets are not interested in pursuing Giannis, dropping them to eighth place. The Warriors have become the leading favorite, with Winhurst stating that if any team completes a blockbuster trade before the deadline, it will be the Warriors.

The latest odds for Giannis are as follows: 1. Warriors (+100), 2. Hawks (+400), 3. Heat and Timberwolves (+500), 5. Knicks (+750), 6. Pistons (+800), 7. Trail Blazers (+1000), 8. Rockets and Lakers (+1400).

Furthermore, earlier reports suggested Giannis was interested in teaming up with Philadelphia 76ers' Maxey, but so far, there is no indication that the 76ers plan to pursue the nine-time All-Star. Moreover, 76ers reporter Newbeck revealed that a league source "completely denied" the possibility of including promising rookie VJ Echikson in any trade package — regardless of which player is involved, including Giannis, the 76ers will not part with this rookie.

Raptors reporter Grange interviewed multiple insiders to explore what kind of assets the Raptors would need to acquire Giannis. Most agree that the Bucks are unlikely to accept a deal that does not include Scotty Barnes. One executive told Grange that the Raptors could still assemble a competitive offer centered around draft assets (four first-round picks plus three pick swap rights), along with promising young players like Colin Morrey-Boyles and Jamal Sheed. However, Grange believes that regardless of the approach, the Raptors’ chances of landing Giannis are very slim.

Although the Bucks are now more willing than ever to consider trading the two-time MVP Giannis, the general consensus within the league is that the "Giannis trade saga" will last at least until the trade deadline, and possibly even longer. Bucks GM Horst and his team will not rush into a trade unless they can secure the best possible return for the team.Three sources who spoke to ESPN speculate that the Bucks may wait until the offseason to make a final decision.

Currently, several teams competing for Giannis can offer more competitive trade assets during the offseason. For example, the Knicks currently have no available first-round picks but will have two (2026 and 2033) to offer in the offseason; the Heat currently hold two of their own first-round picks, and by June, they could offer up to four first-round picks (one of which is a conditional pick).

Additionally, Giannis is currently on indefinite leave due to a calf strain, which is another factor the Bucks must consider when deciding whether to wait.If the Bucks plan to tank to improve the position of their 2026 first-round pick (they own the better of their own pick and the Pelicans’ pick), then keeping this superstar forward and letting him rest fully might be the best way to achieve that goal.