A blockbuster trade proposal has the Milwaukee Bucks altering the NBA landscape by trading franchise superstar and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to a Western Conference heavyweight.
The Bucks are off to a disappointing 13-11 start this season despite elite production from Giannis Antetokounmpo, who’s averaging 32.7 points, 11.4 rebounds and 6.0 assists per contest.
Though the Bucks have gone 9-2 over their last 11, it’s hard to pinpoint them as a serious title contender. They’re 0-3 against the defending champion Boston Celtics and 0-2 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the top two clubs in the East.
Giannis Antetokounmpo hasn’t at all hinted at wanting to leave the Bucks, having signed a three-year extension worth $186 million. But if the Bucks decide to shake up their underachieving core, they would get a king’s ransom for Giannis.
Fran Leiva of Fadeaway World proposed a blockbuster trade idea that has Milwaukee sending Antetokounmpo to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and first-round picks in 2029 and 2031:
“This trade package would definitely bring some strong pieces to Milwaukee. Reaves’ shooting and playmaking would be a huge plus for the Bucks, while Hachimura offers versatility on both ends, and D’Angelo Russell adds a scoring punch.
Yet, the lack of a top-tier young star or high draft capital could make the Bucks hesitate, as they might be looking for a package with either more picks or a young star. From the Lakers’ side, adding Giannis to pair with LeBron and Davis would be a dream scenario, making them immediate title favorites.”
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Giannis Antetokounmpo over his last 9 games:
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 11, 2024
37 PTS – 7 REB – 4 BLK
34 PTS – 11 REB – 4 AST
30 PTS – 11 REB – 1 AST
31 PTS – 11 REB – 5 AST
28 PTS – 8 AST – 91% FG
42 PTS – 12 REB – 11 AST
32 PTS – 11 REB – 6 AST
37 PTS – 11 AST – 67% FG
41 PTS – 9 REB – 71% FG
MVP numbers 🤒… pic.twitter.com/4Qxh2eFoYb
The Lakers are a dangerous team with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but adding a generational talent like Giannis Antetokounmpo would essentially guarantee multiple championships.
Los Angeles has struggled to find a third star to help their ageing super tandem. They certainly wouldn’t do better than Antetokounmpo.
Bucks Shouldn’t Consider Trading Giannis Antetokounmpo Yet
If the Bucks endure another disastrous finish in the 2025 postseason, then the front office must hold tough conversations. Giannis, Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton are as good of a trio as it gets, but a roster shakeup feels inevitable if they suffer a third straight loss in the opening round of the postseason.
Obviously, trading Giannis would net the Bucks the ideal package of young assets and players who can contribute right away. But the best bet for now is to ride it out with this current group and see if they can play like a championship team.
