The newest drama in the NBA is centered around Zion Williamson. The first pick of the 2019 NBA draft is in the midst of accusations around his commitment to the New Orleans Pelicans, the team that drafted him. The latest came from his former teammate, JJ Redick, who stated that Williamson was a detached teammate.  This has opened the door for some trade rumors and when a player of this magnitude is available, teams will be standing in line—even a defending champion like the Milwaukee Bucks.

Here are two reasons why the Bucks must trade for Zion Williamson this offseason.

2 reasons Bucks must trade for Zion Williamson this offseason

Keeping Giannis Antetokounmpo happy 

Before the Bucks won the title, there were a ton of rumors that Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP, might be leaving Wisconsin. It is difficult to say how credible the rumors were, especially since Antetokounpo signed the massive extension worth $228 million over five years in December of 2020. Still, the league is such that even after signing an extension, unless the team is constantly winning, it can be tough to hang onto a superstar.

This is especially true for the Bucks. Milwaukee is a fairly small market and with the rising fame of the Greek Freak, his international status and future beyond basketball, the Bucks might need to go the extra step to keep him happy. He is signed to a massive long-term deal, but so was Ben Simmons, and he forced his way out of Philadelphia. Of course, that situation is completely different, but still speaks to the precedent of superstars pushing for trades even after committing to their incumbent franchise.

It is difficult to envision Antetokounmpo doing the same, especially since he said that all he wants to do is win. With the Bucks winning the title and still contending this year, all his wishes have been granted. Yet, the NBA is a volatile business so giving yourself another reason to keep your superstar happy is the best course of action for a franchise.

Whatever the cost, the Bucks should go for Zion Williamson if he becomes available.  He is the best player that will be available for a trade in the foreseeable future, so the Bucks might not get a similar opportunity should the tide turn negative with Antetokounmpo.

Sure, it might seem great right now, but the context of this relationship between the Bucks and their biggest star must be understood. The Bucks need to continually keep contending for this team to keep Antetokounmpo. Publicly, it seems like Antetokounmpo is thrilled to call Milwaukee home, but the NBA is incredibly volatile. Thus, by getting Williamson, the Bucks could be ensuring that their superstar has a partner in crime that can keep the Bucks relevant for the foreseeable future.

Continuation of contention 

The Bucks have a great team now, but a lot of their pieces are older and they are heavily reliant on Antetokounmpo playing at his historical two-way level. Khris Middleton is 30, Jrue Holiday is 31 and Brook Lopez is 33.

On the other hand, Williamson is just 21 years of age, so if he does get paired up with Antetokounmpo, who is 27, they'd comprise a duo that could compete for titles both now and going forward. The Bucks also have other supporting pieces who would fare well with the Antetokounmpo-Williamson tandem, especially in terms of timing.

Bobby Portis, who the Bucks signed after a great run for them in last year's playoffs, has been playing great and is 27. Grayson Allen, although he has a reputation of being a dirty player, is also playing good basketball and is 26. The duo of Antetokounmpo and Williamson, complemented by Portis, Allen, and the veterans like Middleton and Holiday, would comprise a fantastic roster, especially when they get other veterans on minimum deals to round out the roster.

It bears reminding that this is just hypothetical. The Bucks would likely lose at least two of the mentioned players in trading for Williamson, but even then, they'd free up space to sign more players that can help them immediately. Antetokounmpo and Williamson would be a great pairing that would make the Bucks top-tier championship contenders for years on end—and maybe even basketball's next dynasty.