The NBA is an increasingly international league. Take a look around. The league’s reigning MVP wasn’t born in America. The runner-up for the award wasn’t, either. Overall, the league is full of international superstars. Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks is one of the biggest of them all.
Lately, his future in Milwaukee has come into question. Antetokounmpo has made some comments suggesting that he could leave the Bucks if he doesn’t feel that they’re in a position to contend. This is concerning for Bucks fans. This organization needs to do everything in its power to keep Antetokounmpo in town.
What if they can’t? If Antetokounmpo demands a trade, he’ll have a plethora of suitors. He’s one of the very best players in the NBA – plenty of teams would be happy to add him. What about the only non-American team in the NBA? Here’s a deal that has Antetokounmpo heading to the Toronto Raptors.
The Trade Proposal
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: G/F Gary Trent Jr., G Dennis Schroder, F/C Chris Boucher, F Scottie Barnes, 2026 First-Round Pick (TOR), 2028 First-Round Pick (TOR), 2030 First-Round Pick (TOR)
Toronto Raptors Receive: F/C Giannis Antetokounmpo
Is the United States of America still basketball’s superpower? The results of the recent FIBA tournament suggest otherwise. The United States didn’t even get a medal. Is their time at the dominant international force in basketball coming to a close?
We wouldn’t go that far. It’s fair to say that America didn’t send the best team that it could to the tournament. They may have made some mistakes, too. Perhaps Walker Kessler should have been a more prominent part of their rotation. One fact remains: only the United States can field a roster full of NBA players from top to bottom.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks & Toronto Raptors Updates
At the same time, the international community is knocking on their door. Countries all over the world can field impressive teams. Canada is no exception – they did manage to place in FIBA. Should the Bucks really send Antetokounmpo north of the border?
Why The Milwaukee Bucks Do The Deal
Not if they can help it, no. The Bucks are not itching to trade Antetokounmpo. Here, we’re operating under the pretense that he has requested a trade. In that event, the Bucks’ hands will be forced. In that event, this would be a good return.
It’s headlined by Scottie Barnes. The Bucks may be acquiring their franchise player immediately after losing their last one here. That’s a rare opportunity. Barnes could be a similarly dominant two-way wing to Antetokounmpo in just a few years. Meanwhile, Trent Jr. is a solid young player to add to a rebuilding club as well.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks & Toronto Raptors Updates
Could the Bucks get more draft capital for Antetokounmpo elsewhere? Yes. Still, teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and New York Knicks don’t have a young player like Barnes to offer (assuming that the Thunder wouldn’t make Shai Gilgeous-Alexander available). Meanwhile, Milwaukee can flip more valuable veterans for first-round picks elsewhere. This is about getting Barnes. Should the Raptors part with him?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
The Raptors will have more dilemmas after making this deal. On the other hand, some may call them options. They’ll be absolutely loaded in the front court. In time, they’ll have to decide what works best for them.
The Raptors could play jumbo ball. Imagine a frontcourt featuring Jakob Poeltl, Antetokounmpo and Pascal Siakam with OG Anunoby at the 2. How do you score on that type of line-up? Alternatively, the Raptors could move Poeltl and play Antetokounmpo as a full-time 5 and create the most mobile, versatile defender in the league. The possibilities here would be endless.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks & Toronto Raptors Updates
They’re also effectively a moot point. The Raptors are trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Toronto may have the largest Greek community of any NBA city – Antetokounmpo is likely to enjoy Toronto’s multiculturalism. Even with an influx of international talent, Antetokounmpo remains one of the best non-American players we’ve ever seen.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
