Report: Agents, NBA front offices have discussed potential Giannis-Evan Mobley swap
The Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers stick out as two Eastern Conference teams that did not advance as far as they would have liked in the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
The Bucks, led by none other than superstar big man Giannis Antetokounmpo, lost to the No. 4 seed Indiana Pacers in five games in the first round of the playoffs. The No. 1-seeded Cavaliers also saw their time in the playoffs come to a close at the hands of the Pacers, as they lost to Indiana in decisive fashion in the second round.
NBA agents and front offices have allegedly discussed a hypothetical trade involving All-Star big men on the Cavaliers and Bucks. Per Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, the hypothetical deal would send Antetokounmpo to the Cavaliers and big man Evan Mobley to the Bucks.
If the Cavaliers could land Giannis Antetokounmpo without giving up too many key pieces beyond Evan Mobley, the move could be exactly what they need to make a serious push back to the NBA Finals.
While none of Cleveland’s current core players have made it to the conference finals in their careers, Antetokounmpo has championship experience. He led the Bucks to the 2021 NBA title and earned Finals MVP honors for his dominant performance against the Phoenix Suns.
Right now, Antetokounmpo would be a clear upgrade over Mobley. The two-time MVP posted impressive numbers in the 2024–25 season, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game.
On the other side, Mobley would provide Milwaukee with a promising cornerstone for the future. He took a major leap in his fourth season, earning his first All-Star selection and winning Defensive Player of the Year.
As impressive as Mobley already is, he still has untapped potential. At just 23 years old—and turning 24 soon—his best basketball may still be ahead of him.
