After a disappointing 2024-25 NBA season for both the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks, both teams are expected to explore rebuilding options. The Suns, with Kevin Durant, and the Bucks, with Giannis Antetokounmpo, could have the two most valuable trade candidates in the NBA this summer.
Of course, Giannis is younger, more durable, and a better player, in addition to being under contract for longer, so the Bucks will control the trade market. Both players have been linked to the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs, although every team is expected to at least inquire about a possible trade.
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The two teams are in identical situations.
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) guards Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34)© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Not only are both the Suns and Bucks expected to look into trading their stars, but both teams have a clear trade partner lined up.
The Suns owe the majority of their future first-round picks to the Rockets, and the Bucks owe two future picks to the New Orleans Pelicans.
On top of that, the Rockets can offer a promising young player in Jalen Green for the Suns to build around, and the Bucks could take on Zion Williamson, who is oozing with potential.
If the Suns or Bucks want to regain control of their future with their own draft picks, as opposed to the alternative of taking on picks from another team, I exchange for their stars, each team can really only deal with one other franchise, and the return they would get is fairly predictable.
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Of course, teams like the Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder could still get in on the bidding war, and even the Miami Heat have the means to add one of the superstars.
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