At the very least, the Milwaukee Bucks have to be considering what life will be like without Giannis Antetokounmpo. The organization just has to do their due diligence after the former back-to-back MVP declared his intention to leave the team if his championship goals no longer align with those of the franchise.
If the Bucks are left with no other choice but to deal Giannis away, you can be sure that they’re going to get a major haul in exchange. One team that could be capable of conjuring up such a package is the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Thunder Acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo in Bonkers Deal
James Peircey of NBA Analysis Network imagines a scenario wherein the Thunder fast-forward their championship window by giving up a big chunk of their war chest of future assets in exchange for an opportunity to win a title in the immediate future with Giannis Antetokounmpo in the mix.
Here’s the proposed blockbuster deal:
Milwaukee Bucks Rceive: F Davis Bertans, G/F Luguentz Dort, G/F Victor Oladpio, G/F Josh Giddey, 2024 First-Round Pick (Top 4 Protected – HOU via OKC), 2025 First-Round Pick (OKC), 2026 First-Round Pick (LAC via OKC), 2027 First-Round Pick (OKC), 2028 First-Round Pick (Swap – OKC), 2029 First-Round Pick (Swap – OKC)
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: F/C GIannis Antetokounmpo
OKC lose a whole lot in this deal but at the end of the day, you can’t say that it’s not worth it. They get to hold on to All-Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who they will now get to pair with Antetokounmpo. The likes of Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren will still be in the picture, giving the Thunder an extended championship window that should last for at least five to seven years.
Bucks Reset With Massive Haul From Thunder
The Bucks, on the other hand, will likely need to embrace a full rebuild in the event that they have to part ways with Giannis. No other team in the NBA is as asset-rich as the Thunder, which makes them a perfect trade partner in this respect.
The big prize for Milwaukee here will be Josh Giddey (at least for now). The 20-year-old is coming off a sensational sophomore campaign, and he’s definitely a potential All-Star-caliber player. The Bucks could opt to build around the 6-foot-8 forward while pairing him with an All-Defense team candidate in Lu Dort.
Milwaukee would have secured their future in this deal as well with no less than five additional first-round picks from OKC — one for each year through 2029. The Bucks will likely look into trading away Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, and pretty much everyone else on the current roster in exchange for even more future assets. They may have lost Giannis Antetokounmpo, but it shouldn’t be long before this team will be in the championship conversation again.
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