Which team is in the best position in the NBA? By default, you’d have to say the Denver Nuggets. They just won an NBA championship, so they’re the de facto answer. On the other hand, the Oklahoma City Thunder aren’t far off, either.
This team doesn’t just have the most draft capital in the NBA. They’ve got the most draft capital in NBA history. If a star player becomes available, the Thunder can acquire them if they want to do so. Could Giannis Antetokoumnpo become available soon?
We’re not sure. The Milwaukee Bucks will do whatever they can to hang onto the former back-to-back MVP. With that said, Antetokoumnpo made some comments recently that implied that he may not be a lifetime Buck. Could the Thunder step in and acquire Antetokoumnpo?
The Trade Proposal
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
Make no mistake – this would break the internet. Sure, there are rumors afoot. There are plenty of situations around the NBA that are worth monitoring. Damian Lillard, James Harden, and Pascal Siakam could all get moved. Even the most recent MVP, Joel Embiid, could soon be a trade candidate.
None of them are Antetokoumnpo. Let’s be honest – Antetokoumnpo shares a tier with Nikola Jokic. The recent Finals MVP is the only player in the league who’d command more attention if he demanded a trade. We don’t see that happening anytime soon. As far as trades go, Antetokouimnpo is the biggest fish in the sea.
NBA NEWS, TRADES & RUMORS: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks & Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
It’s almost impossible to conceptualize a fair deal. If Antetokoumnpo hits the open market, he’ll fetch a potentially unprecedented package. Should the Thunder really offer this much up for Antetokoumnpo?
Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Do The Deal
Of course they should. Here’s a question: Why have the Thunder stockpiled so many first-round picks? Have they done so in order to draft dozens of players? That’s doubtful. In time, the Thunder are expected to broker a blockbuster trade. They’re waiting for the right star to hit the market.
Antetokoumnpo is the right star. In fact, he’s the type of player that the Thunder have been targeting in the draft. He’s a long, defensively versatile playmaker.. He’s also, you know…one of the very best players in the NBA.
NBA NEWS, TRADES & RUMORS: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks & Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
The Thunder would be building around Antetokoumnpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren moving forward. The former duo should be one of the best offensive pairs in the league, while the latter duo could anchor the league’s best defense. If the Thunder can surround them with spacing, they should win an NBA championship in time. Should the Bucks put them in that position?
Why The Milwaukee Bucks Do The Deal
Well, no. If Antetokoumnpo is willing to commit to the team, the Bucks will have averted disaster. They need to do everything they can to keep their superstar. Unfortunately, there’s a possibility that there’s nothing they can do.
If so, the Bucks will have to make a trade. They should prioritize draft capital above all else – the Bucks will need to rebuild. This team checks that box. Here, Milwaukee is landing four unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps.
NBA NEWS, TRADES & RUMORS: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks & Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Even that’s not enough for the Thunder to land Antetokoumnpo. That’s why they’re also sending the Bucks Josh Giddey. He’s a young player with star potential as a jumbo playmaker. This is the type of young player the Bucks will want as they navigate life without Antetokoumnpo – if they have to at all, that is.
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