NBA superstars are often the subject of trade rumors. Why wouldn’t they be? Whether they’re available or not, people are going to wonder about their availability. So, when a superstar makes comments that suggest he could leave his team, the speculation runs rampant.
Recently, Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks has made comments suggesting as much. He’s said that if the Bucks aren’t in a place to contend soon, he could head elsewhere. This is a situation that fans around the NBA are going to keep an eye on. Antetokounmpo is one of the most impactful players in the NBA.
When he’s healthy, so is Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans. Unfortunately, his frequent injuries have led to rampant speculation about his availability. Could the Pelicans flip him for Antetokounmpo?
The Trade Proposal
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: F Zion Williamson, C Jonas Valanciunas, 2024 First-Round Pick (MIL via NOP), 2025 First-Round Pick (MIL via NOP)
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: F/C Giannis Antetokounmpo, G/F Grayson Allen
Antetokounmpo has inserted himself into what’s been a busy summer for trade rumors. He’s not supposed to be here. We’ve got plenty of stars to speculate about. Antetokounmpo hasn’t requested a trade – why are we talking about it?
After all, there’s plenty to talk about. James Harden has requested a trade, and so has Damian Lillard. Most of the discourse is focused on that pair of star guards, and understandably so. Still, Antetokounmpo has drawn plenty of attention on his own. Why?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Simple. Lillard and Harden are both nearing the end of their careers. Antetokounmpo is an in-prime superstar who isn’t far removed from an MVP season. Any possibility that he’ll become available will inevitably get people talking. Could the Pelicans really make a move for him?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
On paper, the Pelicans have the talent to compete for an NBA title. Yes, that talent is mostly young – but plenty of players on this roster are proven producers. Williamson is no exception. When healthy, he’s as productive as any player in the NBA.
When healthy. Those two words get attached to Williamson on a regular basis. Not Antetokounmpo. He’s among the most durable superstars in the NBA. Still, that’s not why the Pelicans are trading for him here. They’re trading for him because he’s one of the best players in the league. Adding him would help them compete for the NBA title.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Would there be a more talented forward duo in the NBA than Antetokounmpo snd Ingram? The Pelicans are also stacked with complimentary players like Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones. If they wanted to look into moving some more young players, they could build a very serious title contender around Antetokounmpo. Should the Bucks put them in that position?
Why The Milwaukee Bucks Do The Deal
The Bucks don’t do this deal unless Antetokounmpo requests a trade. That’s obvious. They’ll do everything that they can to keep their superstar wing. On the other hand, if he requests a trade, Milwaukee’s hands will be tied. Is this the right return for him?
It depends on who you ask. The Bucks could certainly get more draft capital elsewhere. If they preferred, they could likely land four or five unprotected first-rounders in another deal. With that said, they couldn’t get control of their own next two drafts from anyone but the Pelicans – they own the picks.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
They also wouldn’t get that type of draft capital along with a player like Williamson. If he can turn his career around, he could be as productive as Antetokounmpo. In that event, the Pelicans could win this deal – they’d be getting an equal and much younger player in addition to a pair of picks. That’s a trade that would get the entire NBA world talking.
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