Looking at a potential trade between the Milwaukee Bucks and Portland Trail Blazers.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is likely to be moved in the offseason as the Milwaukee Bucks go in a new direction next year.
Giannis has reportedly had interest from teams like the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Golden State Wariors dating back to last offseason.
The Knicks were reportedly the front runners last offseason, but the Heat and Timberwolves were actively engaged with the Bucks leading up to the trade deadline.
This offseason, more teams are expected to have discussions with the Bucks, who will either look move Giannis to where he wants to be or take the best offer for their team moving forward.
A Trade With The Blazers?
According to NBA Insider Chris Haynes, the Portland Trail Blazers have interest in acquiring Giannis.
"The Portland Trail Blazers have "serious interest' in acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo and are investigating behind the scenes about getting a deal done," said Haynes.
Giannis reportedly wants to stay in the East and play for a contender, with the Boston Celtics and Heat being the two front-runners for his services.
The Blazers are not in the East, and though they made the playoffs this season, are not a championship contender at the moment. The Blazers did make progress this past season and do have some solid pieces that might interest the Bucks if they decide to take the best offer or if Giannis changes his mind on a potential destination.
Potential Mock Trade
The Blazers could offer up Jerami Grant and Scoot Henderson, which makes the deal work financially. At the very least, Grant is a good veteran player who can help a team going in a different direction. He's also good enough to be flipped at a later date for more long-term assets.
Henderson was the third overall pick in 2023 and is only 22 years old. He hasn't quite blossomed into the star player that the Blazers were hoping for when they drafted him, but there is still time for him to develop.
The Bucks could be more interested in Shaedon Sharpe than Henderson, but one of them would be involved in the deal.
The real assets for Milwaukee are their draft picks, which are current held by the Blazers thanks to the Damian Lillard trade. The Blazers have the Bucks' first round picks in 2028, 2029, and 2030.
Getting back their picks in 2028 and 2029 would go a long way in their rebuild after trading Giannis.
Blazers Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Bucks Receive: Jerami Grant, Scott Henderson, Milwaukee 2028 and 2029 first round picks
