NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN reported on August 4 that Giannis Antetokounmpo is still evaluating his future with the Milwaukee Bucks.
With Charania’s report in mind, NBA writer Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report created the following trade idea between the Bucks and San Antonio Spurs:
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Harrison Barnes, Stephon Castle, Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan, 2027 first-round pick (via ATL), 2029 first-round pick, 2031 first-round pick (most favorable of SAC or SAS)
This blockbuster trade idea would pair Antetokounmpo with Victor Wembanyama, one of the rising stars in the NBA.
Wembanyama averaged 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 3.8 blocks last season for the Spurs while shooting 47.6% from the field, 35.2% from beyond the arc and 83.6% from the free-throw line. He has fully recovered from his blood clot.
The Spurs would have a lethal “Big 3” of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox if Antetokounmpo were to be traded to San Antonio.
A top 75 player of all time, Antetokounmpo will make $54.1 million next season. The Bucks signed him to a three-year, $175 million extension in October 2023. There is no no-trade clause in the contract.
Antetokounmpo is a two-time MVP, a one-time Finals MVP, a one-time Defensive Player of the Year and a nine-time All-Star. The superstar swingman has career averages of 23.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks with the Bucks, who have won only one postseason series since winning the 2021 championship against the Phoenix Suns.
The 30-year-old Antetokounmpo was his usual stellar self last season. He averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.2 blocks while shooting 60.1% overall. Milwaukee, though, lost to the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the playoffs for the second year in a row.
The Spurs haven’t made the postseason since 2019. They would be a title contender with Antetokounmpo in the fold next to Wembanyama and Fox.
If Antetokounmpo requests a trade from the Bucks, it will be fascinating to see if the Spurs pursue the future Hall of Famer.