2021 NBA Free Agency is just less than a year away. The list of superstars is just stacked, as it is headlined by no other than Giannis Antetokounmpo. The reigning MVP has been franchise cornerstone for the Milwaukee Bucks and an unstoppable force for opposing teams, making him arguably the most desired player in 2021.
With the Bucks eliminated from the infamous Disney NBA Bubble Playoffs, speculation has run crazy over the idea of a trade going down for the Greek Freak. The basic idea is that the Bucks would want to get assets back in return for him rather than potentially lose him for nothing.
Although Antetokounmpo has popularly voiced out his intention to stay with the Bucks, there’s no question that there’s still a big possibility he can take his talents elsewhere especially if the Bucks fail to win the championship this year. If he does leave the Bucks, the franchise might be forced to trade him in order to make the most out of his value.
For this piece, let’s take a look at the best trade packages all 29 teams can offer in exchange for the Greek All-Star if ever Giannis decides to leave Milwaukee.
Atlanta Hawks
Package: John Collins, De’Andre Hunter, Cam Reddish, 2020 First Round Draft Pick
Should Milwaukee need to send away Giannis and entertain the Atlanta Hawks, they will be able to get a young and decent power forward in John Collins. Collins is a double-double machine that can become a thorn for any opposing team. Furthermore, he can also punish opponents by shooting it beyond the arc. However, his main asset is his athleticism that allows him to provide explosive dunks. Aside from John Collins, the Bucks can also get the services of young players in De’Andre Hunter and Cam Reddish. With these players, the Bucks can have a future to invest in.
However, it is unlikely that the Bucks will entertain this offer given how other teams can make better offers in exchange for the Greek All-Star. These players are great, however they might not be enough to automatically turn Milwaukee into a legit championship contender.
For the Hawks, Giannis would automatically turn them into a championship contender especially when he is paired with Trae Young. However this isn’t the ideal destination for the reigning MVP if he wants to spend his prime years winning championships.
Orlando Magic
Package: Aaron Gordon, Evan Fournier, D.J. Augustin, Terrence Ross
Orlando Magic is a talented team but they do have interesting young players that can help any team. The player with the highest value on their trading block is Aaron Gordon, since they won’t be giving up Nikola Vučević anytime soon. The Bucks will benefit from the athleticism of Aaron Gordon, as he can produce highlight reels that can encourage Milwaukee fans to cheer the team on when Giannis departs from the city.
Aside from this, Milwaukee will be able to enjoy the scoring contributions from the likes of Terrence Ross, D.J. Augustin, and Evan Fournier. Although all of these players can contribute in the starting and off the bench roles, it is difficult to see whether Milwaukee will trade away their franchise player for a couple of role players. Giannis’s absence will be big shoes to fill and the Bucks would want to get as much as they can to fill that hole.
For the Magic, Giannis will definitely end their playoff drought. Furthermore, his presence will definitely escalate the development of Markelle Fultz. However with the Magic stacked with power forwards already, it is highly unlikely the trade will push through.
Charlotte Hornets
Package: Terry Rozier, P.J. Washington, Miles Bridges, Malik Monk, 2020 First Round Draft Pick
If the Hornets are going for the reigning MVP, they will have to give up their young core pieces. This is the sacrifice they will have to make if they want to immediately end their playoff drought. The Hornets have been struggling mightily for the past few seasons as they last made the playoffs in 2016. Should they get Giannis, they’ll be able to pair him with Devounte Graham and possibly a healthy Nicholas Batum. With this team up, there’s no doubt that the Hornets will become a playoff fixture. However in terms of how deep in the playoffs they will go, that is a big question mark.
For the Bucks, the franchise will have young pieces to work with. P.J. Washington is a remarkable talent at the power forward position. Offensively, Washington can give his big men counterparts tough nights as he can score the ball in multiple ways and give smart passes to his teammates.
However, the Bucks are definitely at a disadvantage should this trade push through. Washington, Monk, Bridges and Rozier all have the potential however it will take more time to see if they can emerge to become elite players. Because of this, Milwaukee will probably look elsewhere to fill that star player role. Furthermore, it might be better off for the Hornets to keep their first round pick as well rather than going after Giannis.
New Orleans Pelicans
Package: J.J. Redick, Jrue Holiday, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, 2020 First Round Pick
The best player on the Pelicans roster is 2019 first overall pick Zion Williamson. He would’ve been a key player that can persuade Milwaukee to give away Giannis. However, it doesn’t look like the Pelicans are ready for another major trade after giving away their former franchise player in Anthony Davis. Furthermore earlier in the year, according to New York Daily News, David Griffin has proclaimed his intention to build around Zion Williamson.
As a result, the Pelicans will have to give up a good amount of its core players in order to have a slight chance at getting the reigning MVP without giving away their current best player. If this pushes through, the Pelicans will be a force to be reckoned with as Antetokounmpo and Williamson can form a dynamic duo that will be difficult to stop especially in the paint.
On the other side, the Bucks will have a veteran scorer in Jrue Holiday and sharpshooting J.J. Redick. They will also have young pieces to work with in Ball, Ingram, and a first round pick. However with the Bucks wanting to maintain its presence in the playoffs, it might be better to entertain other teams. Although these players are talented, Ball and Ingram are still not yet polished enough to lead a team into the playoffs.
Because of this, it might be better if the Pelicans continue to develop their young core while the Bucks search for a more reasonable deal that can help them prepare for life after Giannis.
Sacramento Kings
Package: Buddy Hield, Bogdan Bogdanović, Marvin Bagley, 2020 First Round Pick
Buddy Hield and Bogdan Bogdanović are two of the rising shooting guards of today. Their sweet shooting allows them to put points on the board and destroy opposing teams from long distance. On the other hand, Marvin Bagley is a decent power forward who has also turned some heads. All of these players including a first round pick can definitely entice the Bucks. However, Antetokounmpo is a MVP-caliber superstar. Because of this, the Bucks would want more from the Kings especially how these players haven’t been proven in the playoffs.
On the Kings side, Giannis will definitely give Sacramento a chance to contend in the Western Conference. However, we are talking about how stacked this side of the NBA is. Although Giannis is competitive, he might want to spend his prime years on a team that can bring him a legitimate chance for an NBA title. As a result, it’s hard to expect this trade will become a reality.
Chicago Bulls
Package: Zach Lavine, Lauri Markkanen, Otto Porter, Coby White, 2020 First Round Pick
Just like the rest of the teams so far in this list, most of them can only offer their best young and upcoming players. The Bulls are also a rebuilding team and so far, they haven’t found much success with their group of players spearheaded by Zach Lavine, as they haven’t reached the playoffs for three straight years now. The Bulls can turn that around by going for Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, that would mean disrupting their young core and shipping away their projects to the Bucks.
Although Zach Lavine is a talented player that possesses eye-popping athleticism and decent scoring ability, it wouldn’t be enough to entice the Bucks to give up their franchise player. Despite getting Lauri Markkanen, Otto Porter, Coby White, and a first round pick, the package still seems to be lacking in star power.
New York Knicks
Package: Kevin Knox II, Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, Frank Ntilikina, 2020 First Round Pick, 2021 First Round Pick
Speaking of star power, the Knicks have been looking for a star to bring the franchise back to relevance again. However, they haven’t been able to make some positive noise ever since Kristaps Porzingis left for Dallas. Now rumored to be one of the teams gunning to have Giannis Antetokounmpo on their roster, the Knicks may be willing to give away their young core just to have the services of the reigning MVP.
The Bucks get rising stars and a two first round picks. In the long run, the Bucks may have a lot of pieces to develop into an elite team down the road. However, the same question remains: Are the Bucks willing to give up their franchise player in exchange for talented young players who have yet to reach the superstar level that can lead the franchise? This trade offer is possibly the greatest in terms of potential, but that doesn’t guarantee championships.
The Knicks will definitely end the slump of their superstar hunt, should the trade push through. In fact if Giannis gets on board with the Knicks, it might just be the next hottest free agent destination that can make New York a championship caliber team. However with their recent track record, it is safe to keep expectations low.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Package: Kevin Love, Colin Sexton, Larry Nance, 2020 First Round Draft Pick
Cleveland has been struggling ever since Lebron James left for the Lakers in 2018. They have a chance to bring back their glory days if they can get Giannis Antetokounmpo. The reigning MVP will automatically be the face of the franchise that can bring the franchise its next championship. However, the Cavs will probably have to give up one of their few silver linings in Colin Sexton. The Cleveland standout has shown flashes of his potential, but it will be disrupted once the franchise decides to ship him to the Bucks if ever they go for the reigning MVP.
On the Bucks side, they might be able to maintain relevance in the east. Aside from Colin Sexton, the presence of Kevin Love will definitely help Milwaukee space the floor and control the rebounds. Furthermore, Larry Nancy’s size and athleticism might also help shore up the frontline of the Bucks’ rotation. More importantly, a first round pick may also help cushion the absence of Antetokounmpo.
Although the Bucks may get some quality players, it is difficult to say that the Bucks would be persuaded to give the go-signal to this trade proposal. Sure, the Bucks want to stay relevant when Giannis leaves. However, they would prefer to get at least a superstar-caliber player in exchange for the Greek Freak. Unfortunately, Kevin Love would be in the latter stage of his prime by 2021.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Package: Josh Okogie, Jarrett Culver, James Johnson, two 2020 First Round Picks
The Minnesota Timberwolves are a struggling team in the NBA as well. However, they can become a Western Conference threat if Giannis comes on board. The Timberwolves can possibly form a big three out of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Karl-Anthony Towns, and D’Angelo Russell. On paper, this big three has the potential to win championships for the franchise.
If the Timberwolves are going to try to make the dream team-up happen, they will have to give up their developing young players in Josh Okogie and Jarrett Culver. Aside from this James Johnson, who has been giving decent numbers will have to be shipped out as well. More importantly, the Timberwolves will have to give up their future in the form of two first round picks in the upcoming draft.
On the Bucks side, this proposal might not be enough to entice them. Giving up Giannis for a couple of talented players and two first round draft picks might not be a good trade on their end. Because of this, they might ask for at least one of their stars in either Towns or Russell. Again, there must at least be superstar-caliber player that the Bucks want to get out of a Giannis deal.
Memphis Grizzlies
Package: Jaren Jackson Jr., Dillon Brooks, Gorgui Dieng, 2021 First Round Pick
Memphis are one of the rising teams in the league today. However for the past years, they’ve been a team that could barely get inside the playoff picture. If they are going to go for Giannis Antetokounmpo, they might just increase their chances to become a playoff contender in the Western Conference. The hitch here is that to get the Greek Freak, they will have to give up some of their best young players.
It would be a huge gamble for the Grizzlies to give up players like Jaren Jackson and Dillon Brooks. Firthermore, although Antetokounmpo is a MVP-caliber player, it would be hard to convince the Bucks to accept this trade. Like the previous teams in this list, the lack of an established superstar can prove to be a big factor when trading the Greek Freak.
Detroit Pistons
Package: Blake Griffin, Derrick Rose, 2022 First Round Pick
If the Bucks are looking for a superstar who can lead them after Giannis’ departure, the Pistons might have something interesting to offer. Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose are arguably two of the best players in the league today if healthy. This is the hitch, two of these MVP-caliber superstars have been riddled with injuries that have prevented them to reach their full potential. Furthermore, Griffin and Rose aren’t getting any younger.
However if the Bucks find a way to make them stay healthy, the franchise would continue to be a feared team in the Eastern Conference for a season or two with the those players at the helm. In order to maintain their team’s presence in the playoffs in the bigger picture, the 2022 First Round Pick will be holding the key to their future.
On the Pistons’ side, Antetokounmpo might be able to bring Detroit back in the playoffs. Furthermore it gives the team a lot of young legs to work with. The Greek Freak is just approaching his prime years and the Pistons have a lot of young legs in Langston Galloway and Luke Kennard. Furthermore, they also have a 2020 First Round Pick. In the long run, it looks like Pistons can become relevant once again, at least on paper.
San Antonio Spurs
Package: LaMarcus Aldridge, Rudy Gay, Derrick White, 2020 First Round Draft Pick
The Spurs haven’t made an appearance in the NBA Finals since they won the championship in 2014. San Antonio has been a playoff contender fo the past few seasons, but the absence of the likes of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Kawhi Leonard have certainly been felt. However should Antetokounmpo be traded to the Spurs, that could certainly revive the Spurs dynasty. Imagine a lineup with Giannis, DeMar Derozan, and Dejounte Murray. That lineup could potentially give opposing teams a run for their money.
However for that to happen, the Spurs would have to likely give up their best big man in LaMarcus Aldridge. Aldridge is an All-Star big man who can space the floor and control the boards. Furthermore, they would have to give up Rudy Gay who is also an All-Star caliber vet that can help the team put points on the board. More importantly, San Antonio would be gambling away its future by possibly letting go of Derrick White and a first round pick.
For the Bucks, it would certainly give them a new All Star to lead the team at the power forward position in Aldridge. Although Aldridge isn’t getting any younger, it has Derrick White and a first round pick that can help lead the team in the future.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Package: Steven Adams, Dennis Schröeder, Danilo Gallinari
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been one of the top playoff contending teams in the NBA this season. If they can get the Greek Freak on board, there’s no question that a team up between Antetokounmpo, Chris Paul, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will do some damage. To make this happen, the Thunder might have to give up their most valuable big man in Steven Adams and key players in Schröder and Gallinari.
The Bucks won’t be accepting the offer unless they get at least Steven Adams, Gilgeous-Alexander, or Chris Paul. However with other teams offering some superstars, it might be difficult for OKC and the Bucks to make this trade happen. Sure Steven Adams, Dennis Schröeder, and Danilo Gallinari will create a big impact but it would be better if they can compliment their talents with a superstar.
Dallas Mavericks
Package: Tim Hardaway Jr., Seth Curry, Dwight Powell, 2020 First Round Pick, 2022 First Round Draft Pick
The Dallas Mavericks are a superior team with Luka Dončić and Kristaps Porzingis leading the team. Add the reigning MVP into the mix and Dallas becomes a NBA title contender once again. However, it might be difficult for Dallas to close the deal without giving away one of its two superstars in Dončić or Porzingis.
For the Bucks, Hardaway, Curry, and Powell could be great players to add in their rotation. However, the Bucks are looking for a new face that they can build around. Although these players can play their roles effectively, these players aren’t the ones the Bucks want to get in exchange for their MVP.
Brooklyn Nets
Package: Spencer Dinwiddie, Caris Levert, Jarrett Allen
The Nets are about to make some noise in the NBA once Kevin Durant returns in shape to play alongside Kyrie Irving. Both of these players are in their primes and there’s no question that the Eastern Conference will put on notice. Imagine adding Antetokounmpo in the mix and you now have another super team that can potentially win at least an NBA championship. For the Nets, losing three talented players for an MVP won’t be a bad deal. Given their superstar presence, it might be enough to convince veterans and talented role players to sign with the team.
For the Bucks, Dinwiddie, Levert, and Allen are young up and coming players. With them in the roster, the Bucks have a great shotblocker in the paint in Allen. Scoring wise, Dinwiddie and Levert can hold their own against the league’s best guards and wingmen.
The Nets might be willing to go all in. However, the Bucks might not because there are possibly more benefits in other trade proposals by other teams.
Los Angeles Clippers
Package: Lou Williams, Montrezl Harrell, Patrick Beverley
The Clippers are one of the hottest teams right now, thanks to Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. If the Clippers get to sign Giannis, they make a case to become one of the best super teams in the league today. This will further increase their chances of winning an NBA title.
In return, the Bucks get an outstanding Sixth man in Lou Williams, an athletic big man in Montreal Harrell, and lockdown specialist Patrick Beverley. It is hard to see whether the Bucks will accept the Clippers’ offer. Should they want to trade with the Clippers, the Bucks will probably ask for George or Leonard. However, it is very unlikely for the franchise to just let go one of its superstars.
Denver Nuggets
Package: Michael Porter Jr., Gary Harris, Bol Bol
The Nuggets are a young and hungry team which makes them very dangerous. They’ll be able to add some more firepower if Giannis Antetokounmpo should join them. With him around, the Nuggets will be able to showcase at least two giant ball handlers on the floor alongside Nikola Jokić.
The Bucks will get some young legs in Michael Porter Jr., Gary Harris, and Bol Bol. This will help them rebuild for the future. Because of their talents, it may allow them to maintain their presence in the playoffs. However, how deep they will go is a different story.
This deal probably will not push through, given how the Nuggets already have resident big man, Nikola Jokić. Furthermore, the Bucks can look elsewhere to get more established players.
Phoenix Suns
Package: Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, Aaron Baynes
Devin Booker is one of the hottest players in the NBA restart right now. His long distance shooting off the dribble and in catch and shoot situations make him a deadly player on the court. Despite being one of the best performing players for the Suns, there have been clamors for him to take his talents elsewhere. One of those players that supported that was Golden State Warriors Star Draymond Green.
Booker is the franchise player for the Suns. Because of this, Phoenix will do its best to keep him around. However if Giannis should be placed in the trading block, the Suns and the Bucks have something to talk about.
Both players are franchise cornerstones and both teams can benefit from this exchange. Although Booker isn’t an MVP just yet, he has the tools to become one in the near future. Because of this, the Suns can make up for that by giving away its project in Mikal Bridges and veteran big man Aaron Baynes. These players can give the Bucks some pieces to work with in order to allow Booker to make Milwaukee a competitive team.
For the Suns, if ever they do get Giannis Antetokounmpo, he can immediately make an impact alongside Ricky Rubio, DeAndre Ayton, and Kelly Oubre Jr. With this lineup, you can make a bet that Phoenix will become a playoff fixture in the near future. However, this will only happen if the stars will align. As of now, the chances are still quite slim.
Indiana Pacers
Package: Victor Oladipo, Jeremy Lamb, Doug McDermott
The Indiana Pacers have been a dark horse for the past few seasons. There’s no doubt that they want to go deeper into the playoffs and to win an NBA Championship. The Pacers have an All-Star player that will become a free agent in the same year as Giannis and that is Victor Oladipo. The athletic guard has been a great leader for the Pacers. However, it is worth noting how injuries have prevented the guard from upgrading to a higher level. Because of this, the Pacers will have to add key players into the mix which includes Jeremy Lamb and Dough McDermott. With this, the Bucks will be able to have key pieces that can cushion the void left by their franchise player.
The Pacers, on the other hand, will become more formidable with Giannis at the helm. A reunion with Malcolm Brogdon and a team-up with Myles Turner, TJ Warren, and Domantas Sabonis can give elite teams a run for their money.
Utah Jazz
Package: Rudy Gobert, Joe Ingles
Rudy Gobert is the best big man for the Utah Jazz. He is also makes a case to be the best defensive big man in the league today. The towering center’s contract is expiring in the same year as Giannis Antetokounmpo’s contract. Should Giannis want to go to Utah and Gobert to the Bucks, it will benefit both of the teams in different ways.
Gobert isn’t the modern NBA big man and he isn’t an MVP type of player. However, he does offer the Bucks an excellent defensive anchor. Furthermore in order to make the trade more enticing, the Jazz might have to give up their all around forward in Joe Ingles. The Bucks can have the tools to become an Eastern contender even if Giannis leaves the team.
On the other hand, the Jazz will become even more dangerous. Although Gobert’s defensive presence will be missed, Giannis Antetokounmpo can definitely make up for it by giving his version of defense while improving the team’s offense. Furthermore, a one-two punch between Donovan Mitchell and the Greek Freak will strike fear into their opposing teams.
Washington Wizards
Package: Bradley Beal, Rui Hachimura
The Wizards have been spearheaded by John Wall and Bradley Beal for a while now. These are All-Star caliber players however, it doesn’t seem to be taking the Wizards past the Conference Semi-Finals ever since the two got together in 2013. Because of this, a minor revamp may be required to improve the team’s chances of making it deeper into playoffs.
To get deeper, the services of Giannis Antetokounmpo will increase their chances dramatically. The league MVP has shown that he can dominate the Eastern Conference, and it might be easier for him to do so especially when playing alongside a top-tier guard in John Wall. However, that would mean giving up sharpshooter Bradley Beal and Wizards rookie Rui Hachimura, as he plays the same position as the Greek Freak.
Hachimura is still quite raw but it allows the Bucks an opportunity to mold him like how they developed the reigning MVP. The young forward has the size and skills to evolve into a Giannis type of player in the future. While developing Hachimura, they can make All-Star guard Bradley Beal as the leader of the team. Overall, this isn’t really a bad trade for both teams.
Portland Trail Blazers
Package: CJ McCollum, Jusuf Nurkić
If you want the Greek Freak, you have to make a sacrifice. The Blazers will have to just that if they want the services of Giannis Antetokounmpo. To get him, they might have to give up two excellent players in their rotation. McCollum and Nurkić have been instrumental in the Blazers’ success. There’s no doubt that they will become even better players should they move to Milwaukee and play for Mike Budenholzer.
For Portland, they might lose two critical players. However, a dynamic duo composed of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard can accelerate the team’s success. With Antetokounmpo, the defense will be less focused on Lillard. Furthermore, Antetokounmpo will be there to provide some size while also helping generate the team’s offense, especially when Lillard gets cold.
The trade is quite reasonable. However, it is still big question mark whether both teams will agree to this exchange.
Los Angeles Lakers
Package: Kyle Kuzma, Dwight Howard, Danny Green
The Lakers are one of the teams that fans will be watching once Antetokounmpo hits free agency. Fans already got excited when Giannis Antetokounmpo reacted to a video game where he appeared in a Lakers uniform. There’s no question that Los Angeles has always been an attractive destination for any free agent. With Lebron James approaching closer to retirement, having the Greek Freak on board will increase the chances of winning an NBA championship. The Lakers will be able to enjoy its latest Big Three with James, Antetokounmpo, and Davis which will be a matchup nightmare for any opposing team.
In return, the Bucks get Kyle Kuzma, Dwight Howard, and Danny Green. Kuzma brings some young legs to the team. It is also interesting to see on how he performs as the go-to guy for a franchise. Aside from this, the Bucks get veteran experience from former All-Star Dwight Howard, who has shown signs of a rejuvenated career, and 2019 NBA Champion Danny Green.
The pieces that the Lakers will offer are interesting. However, I don’t think it will be enough to entice the Bucks to give away their MVP.
Houston Rockets
Package: James Harden
This seems unlikely but if the Rockets don’t make the Finals anytime soon, the franchise might be prepared to move on from James Harden. There’s no better way to exchange Harden for another MVP in Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak certainly has the ability to maintain Houston’s dominance in the Western Conference. Aside from giving the Rockets a new look, a team up between Antetokounmpo and Russell Westbrook will be a spectacle that opposing teams can potentially dread. Besides, the Rockets could use some height especially when the three-ball is not clicking and the small-ball tactic runs into a ditch.
For the Bucks, having James Harden on board will allow them to have a new face of the franchise. With Harden as the new face, the Bucks won’t need to rebuild as much. All they would have to do is get some pieces to surround the former MVP. If Harden can dominate the Wild Western Conference, he might even be more unstoppable if he plays in the East.
With the way thing are going now, it is very unlikely the Rockets will give up Harden anytime soon. However crazy things have happened in the league before, so don’t be too surprised if this exchange does become a reality.
Miami Heat
Package: Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Kendrick Nunn
The Miami Heat want to win championships again. Because of this, they are one of the front runners to land Giannis Antetokounmpo. In fact, they even made it known they are willing to trade any player in their roster to land the reigning MVP. Should they become successful, the Heat could possibly rule the East and even have a shot at winning the championship.
With Giannis dominating the paint, scorers like Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson. Furthermore, the Heat already has a solid supporting cast in Goran Dragić, Andre Iguodala, and Kelly Olynyk. Should this pieces blend well with each other, it may be enough to rule the East.
For the Bucks, losing Giannis Antetokounmpo would be a big loss for the franchise. However, getting Jimmy Butler on board will help ease their loss. Butler is one of the best wingmen in today’s game. Furthermore, his leadership and skills can maintain the steady rise of the Milwaukee Bucks. Aside from that, a steadily improving Kendrick Nunn and a talented young big in Bam Adebayo can still make some noise in the NBA.
Golden State Warriors
Package: Andrew Wiggins, Eric Paschall, 2020 First Round Pick
The Warriors may not have made the playoffs this year, but don’t count them out just yet. If all things fall into place for them, they might just make another super team to gun for another dynasty. Imagine a team with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson. Based on talent alone, you know this team means business.
In exchange the Bucks get young legs and a talented forward in Andrew Wiggins. Wiggins has been a decent individual contributor. However, he has been struggling in terms of team success. Having him on the Bucks, gives the franchise a leader and potential talent they can build around. While doing so, they can also have a plan B, as they can still develop Eric Paschall and draft a talented player using the first round pick.
Although the Bucks will be giving up the Greek Freak in this scenario, the franchise’s future is bright should this exchange happen. On the other hand, the Warriors have more chances of increasing their title collection.
Toronto Raptors
Package: Kyle Lowry, OG Anunoby, Serge Ibaka, Fred VanVleet
If the Bucks want to lessen the blow of Giannis leaving the franchise, it might be a good idea to deal him to Toronto. Exchanging the Greek Freak for some of the best pieces that were responsible for bringing down the heavily favored Golden State Warriors will definitely help the Bucks to add some necessary championship experience and to further develop its winning culture.
For the Raptors, having Antetokounmpo would make Masai Ujiri a happy man. Giannis will definitely change the Raptors’ outlook but in a positive manner. The reigning MVP turned the Bucks into a championship contender, who knows how far the Raptors will go with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Pascal Siakam running opposing teams to the ground.
Philadelphia 76ers
Package: Ben Simmons, Josh Richardson, Furkan Korkmaz
The Sixers have a lot of talent in Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. However with repeated playoff exits and and nagging injuries, the team hasn’t been able to win any championships and let alone make an appearance in the NBA Finals. With Simmons declared out for the season, the time has come for the Sixers front office to contemplate whether to move on from their dynamic duo.
If Antetokounmpo is in the trading block, it might not be a bad idea to make a trade happen. Sixers can give away Ben Simmons, who has the potential to become an MVP-caliber superstar. The Bucks will also get Josh Richardson and Furkan Korkmaz. Simmons can easily fill the void left by Giannis Antetokounmpo,. At the same time, the Bucks now have a new franchise player that they can build around.
The Sixers will continue to have two MVP candidates on their roster in Giannis and Embiid. These two behemoths can dominate any opponent they face. With their team up, it might be impossible for any opposing player to make his move in the paint.
Boston Celtics
Package: Jaylen Brown, Gordon Hayward, Marcus Smart
The Boston Celtics have been a worthy rival of the Milwaukee Bucks. However, the Celtics can be a great partner for a Giannis trade. The Bucks will receive most of the team’s young and developing core in Jaylen Brown, Gordon Hayward, and Marcus Smart. These are talented players who have the ability to takeover a game. In fact, they can serve as the key to the Bucks’ future. Aside from this, it should be enough to at least consider the Bucks a playoff ticket. Since the Eastern Conference isn’t as stacked, the Bucks can still do well with these players and perform well without their prized MVP.
On the other hand, the Celtics have the biggest chance to regain their past glory. With a super team of Giannis, Kemba Walker, and Jayson Tatum, the Boston Celtics will automatically become a championship contender, at least on paper. But with Brad Stevens coaching the team, I am pretty sure there is a good chance he will find a way to blend these highly talented players together.
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