Milwaukee Bucks level guard Damian Lillard suffered an damage in Recreation 4 in opposition to the Indiana Pacers within the first spherical of the NBA Playoffs that may have signaled the tip of his pairing with Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Lillard left the 129-103 loss with a left leg damage, and early stories concern that it may very well be a torn Achilles tendon. The Bucks at the moment are down 3-1 within the collection, and one other loss would end result of their third straight first-round postseason exit.
Antetokounmpo has lengthy emphasised a want to win and be surrounded by successful items. With out Lillard, the Bucks do not have that, and the previous MVP may request a commerce this offseason.
If Antetokounmpo does need out, then the Bucks will demand a king’s ransom for his companies. No workforce has extra to supply in a commerce than the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, in order that they very effectively may very well be the workforce that trades for The Greek Freak.
Thunder commerce proposal for Giannis Antetokounmpo
Thunder obtain: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Bucks obtain: Isaiah Hartenstein, Alex Caruso, Nikola Subject, 2025 first-round choose (by way of Warmth), 2025 first-round choose (Clippers choose swap), 2025 first-round choose (by way of 76ers), 2026 first-round choose (by way of Jazz), 2026 first-round choose, 2027 first-round choose (by way of Nuggets), 2029 first-round choose (by way of Nuggets)
Be aware: These groups must wait till June 22 to make this commerce due to Alex Caruso’s contract extension.
The Thunder do not essentially want Antetokounmpo. They cruised to the most effective file within the NBA this season, and contemplating they only swept the Memphis Grizzlies within the first spherical, they could coast to an NBA Finals victory. The workforce is led by MVP favourite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, however in addition they have unbelievable depth and tons of future draft picks.
In truth, the Thunder have extra draft capital than some other workforce within the league. A lot so, that they’ll make a blockbuster commerce and nonetheless retain sufficient capital to replenish the roster by the draft for years to return.
A commerce for Antetokounmpo may require extra draft picks than any NBA commerce earlier than. The Thunder shouldn’t be afraid to sacrifice a surplus of draft picks as a result of Antetokounmpo is that particular of a participant, although.
On this commerce, it takes seven first-rounders and three potential rotation gamers to get the deal achieved. Antetokounmpo continues to be probably the greatest gamers within the NBA. He has two MVPs and an NBA Finals MVP to his identify. On offense, Antetokounmpo is unguardable within the painted space, and he’s an elite defensive participant who can defend each inside and out of doors.
The Thunder have thrived enjoying two huge males with each Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren on the roster, however Antetokounmpo would function a large improve over Hartenstein. He’d additionally greater than make up for the protection that may be misplaced by buying and selling Alex Caruso.
Nikola Subject, final yr’s twelfth general choose, is part of this commerce proposal to sweeten the supply. Whereas the Thunder like his potential, the workforce has confirmed that they’ll thrive with out him. The would-be rookie has missed everything of his first season as a result of damage.
Associated Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder InformationArticle continues under
This commerce may seem pointless for the Thunder, particularly in the event that they do go on to win the championship. Nevertheless, the wealthy may as effectively get richer, and the workforce can outbid anyone else for Antetokounmpo’s companies if he calls for a commerce.
Ought to the Bucks begin a rebuild and commerce Giannis Antetokounmpo?
When the Bucks gained the NBA Finals in 2021, it appeared like they may compete for years to return. As an alternative, they’ve since misplaced within the convention semifinals and twice within the first spherical. A 3rd straight first-round exit seems to be proper across the nook.
The workforce wanted adjustments a few offseasons in the past, which is why they traded for Lillard. He was imagined to type half of arguably the most effective duo within the NBA with Antetokounmpo, but it surely hasn’t labored out that method, and now adjustments are imminent but once more.
Antetokounmpo desires to win, as evidenced by feedback he has made all through his profession. That’s the reason no one could be that shocked if he requested a commerce.
Buying and selling the franchise megastar would not be simple for the Bucks, but when they needed to do it, then they need to attempt to do enterprise with the Thunder. Everyone noticed how effectively the Thunder have been arrange since they traded for tons of younger expertise and draft capital after they despatched Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers.
A commerce with Oklahoma Metropolis may arrange Milwaukee similarly. On this commerce proposal, 5 of the seven first-round picks the Bucks would herald would occur inside the subsequent two NBA Drafts, so the workforce would be capable of kick off their rebuild straight away. The Bucks are low on draft picks, so including this a lot draft capital could be tremendous engaging.
The workforce additionally provides three strong items to their roster. Hartenstein and Caruso are underneath contract for years to return, that means they may nonetheless be round by the point the Bucks are able to compete once more, or they’d carry sufficient commerce worth to flip for much more draft capital.
Subject would even be a worthwhile addition. The 2024 rookie class was weak, however Subject was a lottery choose simply final yr and will escape as probably the greatest gamers from his class as soon as he is able to play.
All in all, an Antetokounmpo commerce would not be a straightforward capsule for the Bucks to swallow, but when they needed to commerce him, then there is no such thing as a higher buying and selling accomplice than the Thunder. Oklahoma Metropolis can supply a lot that Milwaukee must think about buying and selling Antetokounmpo even when he did not find yourself requesting a commerce.