With all the latest reporting, Giannis Antetokounmpo could be the next superstar to be on the move, as signs are pointing to a breakup between him and the Milwaukee Bucks.
While the New York Knicks appear to lead the charge for the 2021 Finals MVP, they might not have the flexibility or right package to offer the Bucks for Antetokounmpo. However, over the past few months, the San Antonio Spurs have consistently been named one of the teams that could make a serious trade offer for the Greek star.
The latest news from Shams Charania on Antetokounmpo’s uncertain future in Milwaukee isn’t the first time the Spurs have been rumored to be interested in the nine-time All-Star. They have the young players and draft assets that could easily rival those of the Knicks, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, or any other team.
But most importantly, at least for them, is that they have Victor Wembanyama. Putting the established Antetokounmpo alongside the next potential face of the NBA would drastically change the landscape of the league, and perhaps be the start of another dynasty in San Antonio.
Spurs Trade Pitch For Giannis Antetokounmpo
Zach Kram of ESPN highlighted a Spurs trade idea for Antetokounmpo. It would involve sending out a ton of their current assets, but pairing Wembanyama with a proven star would instantly elevate the team’s ceiling as a perennial title favorite.
Here’s what a trade would look like:
San Antonio Spurs get: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks get: Stephon Castle, Harrison Barnes, Kelly Olynyk, Jordan McLaughlin, 2027 first-round pick (via Hawks), 2029 first-round pick, 2032 first-round pick
While San Antonio would add the nine-time All-NBA forward, a potential deal would almost certainly include Castle, who is coming off a winning Rookie of the Year last season, and is elevating his game even higher this year.
If not Castle, which seems unlikely, the Spurs would need to give up second overall pick Dylan Harper or recently traded-for De’Aaron Fox, along with potentially a few more assets compared to the trade outlined above. But still, a deal like this is about adding Antetokounmpo, and whatever the Spurs have to give up, they’ll likely just have to live with it.
“Still, the potential to team up two MVP candidates in the frontcourt might be too great for the Spurs to resist,” Kram wrote. “After all, the Spurs are 15-6 with Fox, Castle, Harper and Wembanyama all missing time. And the Giannis-Wemby pairing could dominate for the next several seasons.”
With the Fox trade, San Antonio has proven that they are in their championship window with Wembanyama. Though it would come at a steep price, adding Antetokounmpo would drastically speed up that window and turn them into an immediate title contender in the West.
Why Would Milwaukee Do This Trade?
As mentioned, the reason for San Antonio doing a deal like this is obvious, especially considering the talent in the loaded Western Conference.
But for Milwaukee, they have a few ways of looking at the potential of this type of trade. No, it wouldn’t bring back a bonified star like a Knicks’ offer for Karl-Anthony Towns would look like, but it would give them more flexibility moving forward, especially with the rise of Castle.
“Castle would be a prime pickup if the Bucks have to trade their two-time MVP, as he seemed in the midst of a sophomore leap before straining his left hip flexor last month,” Kram added.
At this point, if Antetokounmpo doesn’t want to stay, there is not a lot the Bucks can do, except listen to the offers other teams are putting on the table and taking the best one.
The Spurs have been listed as top candidates for the Greek star by Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated, CBS Sports, and numerous others. They have the picks and young stars; it just comes down to whether the Bucks want to engage in a full rebuild or not.
An Antetokounmpo and Wembanyama duo would prove dangerous across the league, on both offense and defense, likely until the end of the decade. Both are some of the most unique players the NBA has ever seen, and if they play anything close to how it would look on paper, teams might need to step up their trade offers to Milwaukee.
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