In the modern NBA, star players are usually traded for draft capital above all else. The more unprotected first-round picks that a team can net for their star, the better. Sometimes, they can even come at the cost of good players.
That makes sense. When a team is trading their superstar, they’re likely to start rebuilding. That means they need draft capital. That team will also have a new incentive to tank – they may not want good players in return for their superstar. The Oklahoma City Thunder wrote the playbook. When this team traded Russell Westbrook and Paul George, they sought draft capital above all else.
Now, they’ve got a stockpile. In fact, the Thunder have the most picks that a team has ever assembled in the history of the league. With that in mind, they’re a strong candidate to acquire a star player if they become available. Could Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks become available soon?
The Trade Proposal
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: F Davis Bertans, G/F Luguentz Dort, G/F Victor Oladipo, F Ousmane Dieng, 2024 First-Round Pick (LAC via OKC), 2025 First-Round Pick (LAC or HOU via OKC), 2026 First-Round Pick (LAC), 2029 First-Round Pick (OKC), 2030 First-Round Pick (Swap – OKC)
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: F/C Giannis Antetokounmpo
Realistically, this is the life cycle of any NBA team. Every team has the same goal – to win an NBA championship. With that said, every team isn’t in a position to accomplish that goal on a short-term basis. So, some teams focus on the future.
Eventually, the future comes. Suddenly, that team is contending. They’ve got a superstar player or two on their roster. So, they’ll empty their clip of assets to put the best team that they can around that group. In time, it will either work – or it won’t. Yet, even if it works, it could stop working.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks & Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Just look at the Bucks. This team already won an NBA title behind Antetokounmpo. The odds of them winning another are starting to look slim. This roster is aging, and the Bucks are low on assets to improve. Can the Thunder offer Antetokounmpo a path to contention?
Why The Oklahoma City Thunder DO The Deal
We think so. The Thunder looked like they were ready to take a step forward last season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looked like a player with MVP potential. The Thunder could be a piece away from serious title contention.
With that in mind, Antetokounmpo is more than just a “piece”. He is one of the very best players in the NBA. Yes, the Thunder are paying a premium here to bring him in. How could they not? This is Giannis Antetokounmpo. What’s more, he embodies everything that the Thunder are trying to identify with. He’s a versatile defender with a plus wingspan and playmaking chops. The Thunder have been trying to find their own Antetokounmpo – why not go for the real thing?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks & Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Best of all, the Thunder get to keep most of their core players here. More than anything, they’re giving up draft capital. If one of Josh Giddey or Chet Holmgren doesn’t look like a fit with Antetokounmpo, they can trade either for a more complimentary piece. Should the Bucks put the Thunder in that position?
Why The Milwaukee Bucks Do The Deal
Recently, Antetokounmpo has made some comments suggesting that he could eventually leave the Bucks. That’s the basis of our speculation here. Milwaukee should not trade Antetokounmpo unless he requests a trade.
Let’s say he does. This is exactly the type of return that the Bucks should be looking for. Above all else, they’re landing four unprotected first-round picks and a swap. That’s a haul of draft capital that the Bucks can use moving forward.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks & Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Still, don’t sell the addition of Dieng short, either. Like Antetokounmpo once was, he’s a young wing with an impressive physical profile and some guard skills. We’re not saying he’s the next Antetokounmpo – that would be too bold of a claim. Still, the Bucks should be happy to see what he can develop into – after all, they’ll be rebuilding anyway.
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