Giannis' next team odds suddenly shift! Spurs surpass Knicks to become the top favorite, Rockets rank fifth

As of December 5th Beijing time, there was a significant shift in the odds for Giannis' next team, with the Spurs moving ahead of the Knicks to become the leading candidate, while the Rockets hold the fifth spot. The updated odds are: 1. Spurs (+150), 2. Knicks (+160), 3. Hawks (+600), 4. Heat (+700), 5. Rockets (+800), 6. Raptors (+1000).

It is worth noting that the Knicks were previously ranked first, but after reports emerged that they would not have the same exclusive negotiation window with Giannis as they did this offseason, their odds dropped sharply, allowing the Spurs to overtake them.

ESPN insider Shams reported that if Giannis’ trade becomes inevitable, the Bucks will engage in talks with multiple teams across the league. Shams stated: “Sources revealed that the Knicks had an exclusive negotiation period lasting several weeks in August, but this will not happen again. If the Bucks start trade discussions, this 9-time All-Star is expected to attract interest from many other teams as a potential destination.”

After NBA reporter Mattur revealed that the Spurs would "actively" pursue Giannis and aim to pair him with Wembanyama, the Spurs' odds surged to first place within 24 hours. The report highlighted that the Spurs strategically preserved all their assets during the offseason to prepare for a possible Giannis trade.

“Sources say one reason the Spurs did not fully chase Durant in the offseason was that management wanted to keep enough trade assets available to acquire Giannis. San Antonio could offer the Bucks numerous draft picks along with young players like Vassell, Harper, and Kastel.”

The report states that the Spurs can build a trade package around last season’s Rookie of the Year candidate Kastel and/or Harper, combined with a large amount of draft capital. Besides owning all their own picks, the Spurs also hold the Hawks’ 2027 unprotected first-round pick, plus top-tier pick swap rights with the Celtics in 2028 and the Mavericks in 2031.

In contrast, the Knicks currently have no first-round picks available for trade. To facilitate a deal, they would either need to build a package centered on at least two of Towns, Anunoby, and Bridges, or involve a third team to acquire draft assets.

As for the Rockets, who are ranked fifth, if they want to acquire Giannis, they will likely need to prepare an offer centered around Sengun.

It now seems highly probable that Giannis will leave the Bucks this season. Which team do you think he will ultimately join? Feel free to share your thoughts.