Will the duo reunite? Blazers reportedly preparing offer for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Yang Hansen may get superstar teammate.

On April 25 Beijing time, according to a report by Bill Oram of The Oregonian, the Trail Blazers are ready to actively pursue Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

“The return of Damian Lillard, especially his highly valuable contract of only $14 million, not only enhances the Trail Blazers' on-court strength but also makes the team management increasingly eager, determined to go all out in recruiting and chasing other stars. If Giannis is willing to sign an extension, the Trail Blazers will fully launch their recruitment efforts, though the team won't limit itself to pursuing only this former Bucks teammate of Lillard.”

Oram revealed this news while reporting on the Trail Blazers' current playoff journey. Point guard Damian Lillard previously played alongside Giannis on the Bucks. This season, he missed all games due to an Achilles tendon tear but is now expected to return during this playoff run.

Various signs indicate that Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has played 13 seasons for the Bucks, has likely already played his last game for the team. His contract only has one year left, and he will become a full free agent in 2027. Therefore, the Bucks are likely to trade him this summer to avoid losing their core player without compensation.

This season, the Bucks performed poorly and faced internal turmoil, finishing with a dismal record of 32 wins and 50 losses. Head coach Doc Rivers has also been dismissed. Two-time MVP Giannis was plagued by injuries this season; when he played, the Bucks only managed 17 wins and 19 losses, and when he was absent, the team's record was just 15 wins and 31 losses.

ESPN insider Shams Charania, who has long followed trade rumors about Giannis, explained the fractured relationship between the star and the team.

Shams wrote: “According to sources, Bucks management is now willing to open trade negotiations for Giannis, and team executives have accepted the reality—this trade is almost certain to happen during this offseason.”

The escalation of the conflict was triggered by Giannis suffering a left knee bone bruise and hyperextension injury on March 16. Giannis himself stated he was physically ready to play, but Bucks management forcibly prevented his return.

Shams added in his report: “Bucks management demanded Giannis rest and recover, but he refused. Giannis clearly told the team that if his body recovered sufficiently, he would choose to return. Multiple sources revealed that on March 18, Giannis insisted on wanting to play against the Jazz, believing his body was fine, but the Bucks rejected it, and the team medical staff refused to grant him clearance to play. After that, Giannis told several people within the team that he hoped to return during the subsequent road trip, including games against the Suns on March 22, the Lakers on March 24, and the Trail Blazers on March 26, but he ultimately never played again.”

Shams cited Giannis' post-game interview on April 4: “Someone came and told me not to play, not to compete, it's almost insulting. I could totally play, but I had to sit on the bench. Right now, today, I'm ready to play anytime. So, I don't know where my relationship with the team will go from here.”

The partnership is likely heading toward an end, but there is still no final decision yet. The Bucks' future is full of uncertainty, and teams interested in acquiring Giannis are numerous.

It is reported that the Trail Blazers are determined to join the battle for Giannis, and Chinese player Yang Hansen may get a superstar teammate. Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers' first-round playoff series against the Spurs continues, with Game 3 scheduled today. In this best-of-seven series, the current score is tied at 1-1.