March 18, 2017; Oakland, California, USA. Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in the second quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors beat the Bucks 117-92. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports (NBA News)
The Golden State Warriors have expressed interest in Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo in the past. The Dubs’ alleged interest with the eight-time All-Star reportedly resurfaced after the Bucks suffered another early playoff loss.
The only way Giannis can leave Milwaukee is if he requests a trade. In this scenario, the Bucks would expect an extraordinarily high price from potential trade partners. Do the Warriors have the clout to make a deal happen?
Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks holds the ball against the Sacramento Kings in the third quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski/USA TODAY Sports
According to Eddie Bitar of Fadeaway World, the Warriors have enough assets to bring Giannis to the Bay Area. The following are the eye-popping specifics of a blockbuster trade deal between Golden State and the Bucks.
That’s a lot of assets in exchange for one person. However, for the Warriors, this may be a risk worth taking. Bitar appears to think so:
“While the loss of key players like Kuminga and Wiggins would definitely be painful, the potential to add a generational talent like Giannis may drive the Warriors back to the top of the NBA standings. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks stand to benefit from this transaction by getting a plethora of talented young players, as well as future draft assets to aid in their own roster growth, but they may not have enough talent to continue making the playoffs as they are currently constituted,” Bitar noted.
March 3, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) prepares to face the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports
There is a scenario in which the Bucks win despite losing their cornerstone superstar. This wacky trade plan may be one of those.
Losing Giannis will be a devastating blow, but the fact that they can protect their future with this contract makes it quite appealing – all things considered, of course.
Andrew Wiggins, a previous All-Star, might help the Bucks remain competitive alongside Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton. Jonathan Kuminga, on the other hand, has the potential to be a cornerstone stud in the near future. This transaction, which includes extremely promising players in Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis, secures the Bucks’ capacity to compete in the post-Antetokounmpo era.