With Giannis Antetokounmpo back on the court after recovering from a calf injury, the sweepstakes for his services is about to heat up.
The Milwaukee Bucks have done everything possible to try to keep their superstar happy, but if they don’t improve their position in the Eastern Conference fast, the Greek Freak could force his way to a title contender.
One team that looks like it can win it all this year? The San Antonio Spurs. In a new trade proposal from ClutchPoints’ Bailey Bassett, the team acquires Antetokounmpo for some salary matchers and a boatload of draft picks.
Here’s the full trade proposal:
- Spurs receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Bucks receive: Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, Kelly Olynyk, four first-round picks, four-second round picks
Who says yes to this deal? Who says no? Let’s see it through and find out:
Why San Antonio Spurs Make This Trade
San Antonio would make this deal in a heartbeat if it presents itself. The Spurs are well ahead of schedule in terms of their rebuild, so much so that they are one of only a handful of squads with a legitimate shot to hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy at the end of the season.
The team is propelled by its backcourt, including a rejuvenated De’Aaron Fox and reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, with Devin Vassell and Dylan Harper for depth. But trying to get to the rim on a frontcourt of Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama? Yeah, good luck.
San Antonio is already 3-0 against the defending NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, but the postseason is an entirely different challenge, especially for a young team. Antetokounmpo, motivated to win a second title, provides the kind of veteran presence and experience that could help the Spurs overcome any first-time jitters.
Shipping out eight draft picks is certainly a high price to pay, but San Antonio already has the young core it needs to compete for years to come. The title window for the Spurs is right in front of them, and Antetokounmpo would help them smash it open.
Why Milwaukee Bucks Make This Trade
If you’re the Bucks, this may be as good as you’re going to get for your franchise player in terms of the draft assets coming back. The only other team that could compare would be the Thunder, but their general manager, Sam Presti, seems to have a pretty good system going that would get blown up in a deal for the Greek Freak.
Milwaukee dealing Giannis would probably mean a total rebuild for the 2021 NBA champions. Myles Turner and Kyle Kuzma would also become trade candidates, allowing general manager Jon Horst to begin completely from scratch (so maybe he can move towards building the organization like the Thunder). Four first-rounders and four second-rounders for Antetokounmpo is a great place to start from.
The New York Knicks are Giannis’ preferred destination, and Bassett proposes the Bucks would receive Josh Hart and OG Anunoby in a deal. But New York can’t offer draft capital beyond first-round swaps and second-round picks, likely not enough to entice Milwaukee.
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