Giannis Antetokounmpo’s loyalty to the Milwaukee Bucks hasn’t stopped trade rumors and suggestions from swirling around. The Greek Freak has been in demand for years, especially after winning the 2021 NBA championship. And while the Bucks haven’t had the best playoff luck post their title win, Antetokounmpo remains at the center of the team’s journey.
Of course, with the NBA trade deadline on its way, there are ample predictions surrounding the Bucks star.
Western Conference Team Could Overtake the League With Blockbuster Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade
Now, despite multiple trade rumors floating around, not every team can afford a contract like Antetokounmpo’s. Currently signed to a three-year, $186,000,000 contract, any team trading for Antetokounmpo will have to move around multiple pieces.
In a recent article, Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley suggested a trade that would send Antetokounmpo to the San Antonio Spurs.
- Bucks receive: Stephon Castle, Jeremy Sochan, Keldon Johnson, Kelly Olynyk, a 2027 first-round pick (via the Hawks), a 2030 first-round pick (via SAS, the Mavericks, or Timberwolves), and a 2032 first-round pick.
- Spurs receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo.
According to Buckley, the Spurs — currently focused on Victor Wembanyama’s rise — could use a player closer who can match (or surpass) his level.
The Spurs, currently ranked third in the Western Conference, have had a good 8-3 win-loss record. And while Wembanyama is impressing the NBA world, he might need a stronger roster.
Buckley added that since the Spurs could technically afford Antetokounmpo’s contract, they could go ahead and “build the most physically imposing frontcourt powering that this league has ever seen.”
Because what would be more impressive than a Wembanyama-Antetokounmpo duo?
Antetokounmpo, averaging 33.4 points and 11.9 rebounds per game, is currently playing his 13th season. If he’s with San Antonio, the 30-year-old will bring valuable championship experience to the table, capable of leading a younger roster.
Wembanyama, in his third year with the Spurs, is averaging 26.2 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists while shooting 50.5% from the field. The young talent would benefit by playing with Antetokounmpo, making it easier to carry the team to a potential title.
Buckley highlighted their skills in his report, writing: “A Wembanyama-Antetokounmpo pairing would be impossibly long, unfairly agile and absurdly skilled. Beyond that, their games should complement one another. Collectively, they could silence opposing scorers of nearly all sizes and play styles, and on offense, Wemby’s shooting and Antetokounmpo’s relentless rim attacks would buy the other all the breathing room they needed.”
If such a trade does happen, the Spurs would catapult to the top of the league, ultimately leading as a contender for multiple years.
Antetokounmpo could easily transition into a mentor-focused role, with Wembanyama taking over and honing his skills over the years.
Having said that, Antetokounmpo is currently listed as probable for the Bucks’ next game on Friday, Nov. 14, against the Charlotte Hornets.
