Former Bucks Player Claims Giannis Will Be Traded to Orlando

Villanueva believes Antetokounmpo will be part of a blockbuster deal with the Magic.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:14am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game between the Milwaukee Bucks and Orlando Magic, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of color.A cubist interpretation of the potential blockbuster trade between the Bucks and Magic, deconstructing the star players and team dynamics into a dynamic geometric composition.Today in Orlando

Former Milwaukee Bucks forward Charlie Villanueva believes that Giannis Antetokounmpo will be traded to the Orlando Magic in exchange for their All-Star forward Paolo Banchero. Villanueva made the claim during an appearance on the 'To the Baha' podcast, stating that he is 'involved in the Milwaukee Bucks situation' and knows where Giannis is headed.

Why it matters

Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the NBA's biggest superstars, and a potential trade would have major implications for both the Bucks and Magic franchises. This rumor adds to the ongoing speculation around Giannis' future in Milwaukee after an injury-plagued season.

The details

Villanueva stated on the podcast: 'You know where he's going? Orlando Magic. Remember I said that. Giannis is going to the Orlando Magic. Paolo (Banchero), have a good night.' The Magic are reportedly among the teams keeping an eye on Giannis for a potential blockbuster deal, as the two-time MVP has two years left on his max contract with a player option for 2027-28.

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo will be extension-eligible by October 1st.

The players

Giannis Antetokounmpo

A two-time NBA MVP and superstar forward for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Charlie Villanueva

A former NBA player who spent four seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Paolo Banchero

The All-Star forward for the Orlando Magic.

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What they’re saying

“You know where he's going? Orlando Magic. Remember I said that. Giannis is going to the Orlando Magic. Paolo (Banchero), have a good night.”

— Charlie Villanueva, Former Milwaukee Bucks Player

The takeaway

This rumor, if true, would shake up the NBA landscape and significantly impact both the Bucks and Magic franchises. It remains to be seen if Villanueva's claim holds any truth, but it adds to the ongoing speculation around Giannis Antetokounmpo's future in Milwaukee.