The Milwaukee Bucks held no real intention of trading Giannis Antetokounmpo before the NBA’s February trade deadline, primarily because more advantageous draft pick offers from potential suitors would become available in the offseason.
Furthermore, the intensity of the playoffs inherently exposes teams’ true capabilities, laying bare their deficiencies and precisely illustrating their distance from contending with a dominant force like the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
As the second round of the playoffs nears its conclusion, significant developments have emerged. Some unexpected teams now find themselves believing they are just one Antetokounmpo away from securing a championship. Conversely, certain teams that initially downplayed the need for Giannis now recognize a major roster overhaul is essential.
Reports indicate the Bucks are indeed “open for business” regarding an Antetokounmpo trade.
Consequently, let’s examine some prospective playoff teams as suitors, beginning with the Timberwolves, who recently suffered elimination by the Spurs on their home court and may be contemplating significant changes.
(Joseph Raines/Yahoo Sports Illustration)
Minnesota Timberwolves
Western Conference semifinals: Timberwolves fell to the San Antonio Spurs, 4-2
The Timberwolves were unable to reach a third consecutive conference finals. What happens now? As reported by Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, both the Timberwolves and Antetokounmpo had shown mutual interest in a trade during the regular season. Antetokounmpo was reportedly keen on joining Anthony Edwards, and Minnesota actively pursued complex multi-team arrangements to make it happen.
The Wolves might be convinced, if fully healthy, that they could still contend in the West with their current roster, given their strong performances against Denver and San Antonio (despite Donte DiVincenzo’s absence and a hampered Edwards). However, following their second-round elimination, it is improbable that their interest in Antetokounmpo’s services would diminish.
The pairing could present an unusual dynamic. Ideally, the Wolves would position Antetokounmpo in Julius Randle’s role, but with Rudy Gobert also occupying the frontcourt, this would create a situation with two non-shooting players in the same area. What an impressive defense they would form, though. Perhaps, in the context of *this* Western Conference, where the Thunder and Spurs are dominant, the strategy is to unite Edwards with Giannis and address other concerns later.
Eastern Conference semifinals: Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons deadlocked, 3-3
The Cavaliers inquired about Antetokounmpo’s availability earlier in the season, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, though the specifics of any potential deal remained largely hypothetical. This made sense; the Cavs, who had secured 64 wins last season, had experienced a regression, necessitating some form of adjustment among their four key players.
Consequently, Cleveland opted to trade 26-year-old All-Star guard Darius Garland for 36-year-old future Hall of Famer James Harden, fully committing to a championship pursuit. Yet, the Cavs now face the risk of another second-round exit. Such a defeat would undoubtedly prompt them to consider trading more of their core players — including Evan Mobley.
First round: Trail Blazers succumbed to the San Antonio Spurs 4-1
According to Bill Oram of The Oregonian, the Blazers “are ready to present an offer” for Antetokounmpo’s services, provided he is willing to sign a long-term contract extension in Portland.
They possess a unique advantage that no other team can offer the Bucks: their own draft selections. Since the trade of Damian Lillard to Milwaukee in September 2023, Portland holds the rights to the Bucks’ 2029 first-round pick, in addition to swap options in 2028 and 2030.
Naturally, the Blazers have also re-signed Lillard, who is projected to return from a ruptured Achilles at age 36 next season, and his synergy with Antetokounmpo already proved to be challenging in Milwaukee. Likewise, Deni Avdija led the league in drives this year, and his aggressive downhill style would offer some redundancy alongside Antetokounmpo.
First round: Hawks defeated by the New York Knicks 4-2
Rich Paul, the agent representing Atlanta’s Jalen Johnson, actually floated a Johnson-for-Antetokounmpo trade idea on his podcast in January, although the proposed swap never materialized.
“If I were the Bucks, I’d be seeking a young player with high character, significant talent, and a high basketball IQ,” stated Johnson’s agent. “I’d contact Atlanta. I want Jalen Johnson. He’s a Milwaukee native.”
Furthermore, the Hawks possess the No. 8 overall pick in June’s draft, obtained from the New Orleans Pelicans. This package could prove highly appealing to Milwaukee. Moreover, few teams boast a superior roster construction to surround Giannis than the Hawks.
First round: Rockets lost to the Los Angeles Lakers 4-2
Before acquiring Kevin Durant last offseason, the Rockets were considered prime contenders to land Giannis (if the Bucks ever made him available), thanks to Houston’s abundant supply of talented young players and draft picks. The Rockets could easily formulate an appealing trade proposal for Milwaukee built around either Alperen Şengün or Amen Thompson.
However, reports earlier in the season suggested the Rockets were not pursuing Antetokounmpo, preferring instead to observe how far their young core could take them. Ultimately, it became clear that an existing core without Durant could not elevate them anywhere near championship contention, as they fell to the Lakers, thereby opening up all possibilities, including a renewed pursuit of Giannis.
First round: Raptors trailing the Cavaliers 3-2 (Game 6 scheduled for Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET)
The Raptors, a team rich in competent players but lacking a singular dominant force, are perpetually in pursuit of a superstar. Consider their achievements during Kawhi Leonard’s single season with the team.
Meanwhile, Collin Murray-Boyles proved to be a valuable asset in these playoffs, potentially enhancing any trade offer Toronto could present to Milwaukee. By combining him with corresponding salaries and a collection of draft assets, the Raptors could unexpectedly enter the conversation for Antetokounmpo, a scenario that seemed improbable at the season’s commencement.
First round: Magic defeated by the Detroit Pistons, 4-3
The Magic were, by most accounts, in disarray. A talented starting lineup featuring Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane, Jalen Suggs, and Wendell Carter Jr. failed to meet expectations, and even a narrow upset bid against the Detroit Pistons in the opening round of the playoffs wasn’t enough to prevent head coach Jamahl Mosley’s dismissal.
Might they still persuade themselves, with a new coach and the collective maturation of their relatively youthful core, that they could contend next season? Or, more probably, would they consider an upgrade, such as replacing Banchero with Antetokounmpo?
Eastern Conference semifinals: 76ers lost to the New York Knicks, 4-0
It is uncertain how the Sixers would execute a trade for Antetokounmpo that did not involve rookie standout VJ Edgecombe. He is anticipated to be the cornerstone of the franchise’s future, alongside Tyrese Maxey, together forming one of the league’s most skilled backcourts.
However, Philadelphia will soon operate under new leadership following Daryl Morey’s departure, and if the incoming executive envisions a more promising future with Giannis leading the team, there is no telling what actions the Sixers might take to make it happen, including potentially trading Edgecombe.
