The Los Angeles Lakers don’t have the pieces to pull off a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, reckons former NBA player Chandler Parsons.
During Wednesday’s episode of “Run it Back” on Fan Duel TV, Parsons felt that a package built on Austin Reaves won’t be enough to woo the Milwaukee Bucks. Reaves added that the Knicks are in a far better position to pull off a deal with the Bucks.
“The Lakers have nothing that the Bucks will want for Giannis,” Parsons said.
“I guess Austin Reaves would be good, but I’d rather have an All-Star caliber player KAT [Karl-Anthony Towns] from the Knicks and [Mikal] Bridges or someone like that.”
“It’s physically impossible for the Lakers,” added Parsons. “I just don’t see it. I don’t see the pieces coming back to equal Giannis… don’t see this happening.”
Austin Reaves, a Free Agent
It’s worth noting that, since Reaves has the option to be an unrestricted free agent in 2026, the Bucks may not have interest in him unless he and his representation express interest in playing in Milwaukee. As such, he’s likely off the table in a potential deal.
Parsons stressed that teams such as the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs and even the Oklahoma City Thunder are better-positioned to pull off a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade due to the abundance of draft picks and young players at their disposal.
The Spurs could potentially build a package around Dyland Harper and/or Stephon Castle, along with multiple first-round picks. The Rockets could similarly build a package around Reed Sheppard or Amen Thompson, Tari Eason and picks.
The Lakers, meanwhile, have only one tradeable first-round pick.
Spurs to Be ‘Aggressive’
Incidentally, the Spurs are fascinated with the idea of pairing Antetokounmpo with franchise star Victor Wembanyama. Per the Dallas Hoops Journal, the Spurs will “aggressively” pursue a potential deal for the two-time MVP.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Antetokounmpo’s days in Milwaukee could be numbered. On Tuesday, the NBA insider reported that Antetokounmpo’s representation began “active talks” with the Bucks on his future with the franchise.
“Giannis Antetokounmpo and his agent, Alex Saratsis, are having conversations with the Milwaukee Bucks about the two-time NBA MVP’s future — and discussing whether his best fit is staying or a move elsewhere, sources told ESPN on Wednesday.
“A resolution to these talks is expected in the coming weeks, sources said, which will shape whether Antetokounmpo is available ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.”
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