The San Antonio Spurs are the envy of fans around the NBA. This team was lucky enough to select Victor Wembanyama with the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Landing the first pick in the draft is always a blessing for a franchise. This draft was different. Wembanyama has the potential to be a generational prospect.
Now, we’re left wondering what the Spurs will do next. This organization could rebuild around Wembanyama slowly. There’s no rush here. Wembanyama is on a rookie contract. He could take a couple of years to reach his ceiling. If the Spurs don’t want to make any major decisions any time soon, that would be understandable.
What if they went all in? If the right star became available, it would be difficult to resist the urge to pair him with Wembanyama. That would allow the Spurs to get their young prodigy a taste of winning early. Could GIannis Anttetokoumnpo of the Milwaukee Bucks be the right star?
The Trade Proposal
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: G/F Keldon Johnson, G/F Reggie Bullock, G Devonte’ Graham, 2024 First-Round Pick (SAS), 2025 First-Round Pick (ATL via SAS), 2027 First-Round Pick (SAS), 2029 First-Round Pick (SAS), 2030 First-Round Pick (Swap – SAS)
San Antonio Spurs Receive: F/C Giannis Antetokounmpo
Some prospects are generational – and we don’t even see it. The draft is not an exact science. Experts get it right, and they get it wrong. When it came to Giannis Antetokounmpo, they got it wrong – very, very wrong.
We can hardly blame them. Antetokounmpo was physically impressive, but he was raw. He was playing in a lower-level European league. Scouts didn’t know much about Antetokounmpo, and his skill development was lagging. Some saw star potential, but it didn’t seem certain enough to gamble on in the lottery.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks & San Antonio Spurs Updates
So much for that. If the Cleveland Cavaliers had been clairvoyant, they’d have selected Antetokounmpo first. Frankly, he’d have a case to go first if you redrafted the last 10 classes. Should the Spurs really pair him with Wembanyama?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
Absolutely. Let’s imagine a worst-case scenario. Wembanyama doesn’t pan out. He’s one of the most prolific busts in the history of the league. The Spurs could still justify acquiring Antetokounmpo – any team could. He’s one of the very best players in the NBA.
Now, let’s imagine a best-case scenario. Imagine Wembanyama is as good as advertised. This is the best duo in the NBA. Their combined length and athleticism would make the Spurs unbeatable. They shouldn’t win a title by putting this duo together – they should win many. The Spurs could build a dynasty by making this deal.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks & San Antonio Spurs Updates
Moreover, Wembanyama isn’t likely to be one of the biggest busts in NBA history. If the Spurs are willing to make a big bet on his development, they should like this deal. Should the Bucks?
Why The Milwaukee Bucks Do The Deal
No. The Bucks shouldn’t like any situation in which they’re moving Antetokounmpo. With that said, they may not have a choice soon. Antetokounmpo has made comments in the media that suggest that he could leave Milwaukee soon. If he forces his way out of town, this deal should suit Milwaukee nicely.
After all, they’re landing a young player with star potential. Keldon Johnson is already a solid shot-creating wing who provides some floor spacing and defense. If he improves, he will make All-Star teams. A rebuilding Bucks team should be interested in him.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks & San Antonio Spurs Updates
They should also be interested in four unprotected four first-round picks and a pick swap. If the Bucks are forced to go this route, we can assume they’ll be moving Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday and Brook Lopez as well. With all of the draft capital they’ll get for their core, the Bucks would have a great start on their rebuild. If they’re lucky, they’ll land the number one pick in the draft somewhere along the line.
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