Giannis Antetokounmpo is a two-time MVP, nine-time All-Star, NBA champion, and much more, so why would the Milwaukee Bucks ever trade him?
Well, the answer is they likely won’t unless he demands a change of scenery. This scenario is more likely than ever after the Bucks fell in the first round of the playoffs for the third consecutive season. The only good news is that if Antetokounmpo asks out, Milwaukee should be able to fork up an astronomical return from a handful of organizations around the NBA.
This potentially includes the Houston Rockets, a team that is on the verge of elimination and desperate for a true No. 1 option. The Athletic predicts the Rockets, Bucks, and Portland Trail Blazers to work together in a trade that sends Antetokounmpo to Houston, an ‘untouchable’ star to Milwaukee, and more. The full hypothetical details are as follows:
Bucks receive: Amen Thompson, Jalen Green, Cam Whitmore, Donovan Clingan, 2025 first (via Phoenix), 2027 first (via Phoenix), 2029 first (most favorable of Milwaukee, Portland or Washington), 2028 and 2030 Milwaukee swap rights extinguished
Rockets receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jerami Grant
Blazers receive: Alperen Şengün, Jock Landale
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
This is quite the return haul for the Bucks, especially after the Rockets have put the untouchable tag on Thompson in trade conversations, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.
“The evaluation of the initial playoff experience for the Rockets’ rising young stars will be an important element of those internal discussions. A blockbuster trade would require the Rockets to give up some of that young talent, although Houston has made it known to other front offices that Thompson is considered untouchable,” MacMahon wrote.
Rebuilding with a core of Thompson, Green, Whitmore, Clingan, and whatever assets can be mustered from a trade centered around Damian Lillard is far from the worst-case scenario. While they would not be competing for championships right away with this roster, five years down the line this core could cause serious trouble in the Eastern Conference.
“I’m not moving Antetokounmpo unless he asks out. I would expect the Bucks to look at every avenue for success with him over the next couple of months before it gets here,” The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie wrote. “The Bucks should have two goals in any Antetokounmpo deal: Acquire as much young, cost-controlled talent as possible and get as many of their picks back as possible.”
Antetokounmpo provides the Rockets with arguably the most important factor needed for a title-contending team. A leader and true top option to turn to on the biggest stage. While the Bucks don’t want to lose this caliber of player, there may be no choice due to the lack of success since hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy in 2021.
MORE MILWAUKEE BUCKS NEWS
Bucks trade proposal flips Giannis Antetokounmpo for $197 million All-Star of same archetype
NBA insider shares huge announcement of 2 teams that may pursue trade for Bucks legend Giannis Antetokounmpo
