The Bucks could potentially avoid a rebuild if they involve Giannis in a three-team trade.
The Milwaukee Bucks could potentially be involved in a blockbuster three-team trade involving Giannis Antetokounmpo before the NBA Draft begins on June 23.
Marc Stein and The People’s Insider Jake Fischer highlighted via the Stein Line that Antetokounmpo is “determined to stay in the Eastern Conference,” but also acknowledged from the Bucks that they would like to “include Portland in an eventual multi-team Giannis trade” as a way to get back some of their draft capital from the Damian Lillard trade.
If the Bucks are to move Antetokounmpo, they have to act now, since they could set themselves up for the future without needing a full rebuild.
What Would the Bucks receive?
While front-runners like the Miami Heat have been persistent in their effort to land the Greek Freak, the Bucks have a much better anticipated trade package if they leverage with teams in the Western Conference.
A highly sought-after three-team trade package proposed by NBA reporter Evan Sidery involving the Boston Celtics and Portland Trail Blazers is the direction the Bucks should go in.
This allows the Bucks the opportunity to develop for the future as well. Following this year’s draft, the Bucks don’t have their own rights to a first-round draft pick until 2031.
For a Bucks squad that has a slew of free agents this summer, including five player options, this three-team trade benefits them in more ways than one.
How do the Bucks Benefit?
From a financial perspective, the Bucks would easily be able to manage the incoming salary. Jerami Grant is owed over $34 million next season, and Scoot Henderson is owed just over $13.5 million at the end of his contract. Shaedon Sharpe would be the only potential risk, as he enters the start of his 4-year, $90 million rookie contract extension.
With the Bucks potentially freeing up over $58 million Antetokounmpo is owed next season, they could take this roughly $72.5 million hit and still stay below the first apron.
The Bucks would also get three unique scorers and playmakers. Making this biggest jump this year, Sharpe averaged a career high due to his developments in finishing at the rim and improving his shot creation.
While Henderson is still searching for a consistent rhythm with the ball, he has shown great strides with his perimeter shooting at a 35.2% clip. In Milwaukee, he would have more playing time and could be a reliable wing guard, especially if Kevin Porter Jr. doesn’t pick up his player option.
The last piece in Grant not only gives them a veteran presence, but also someone who only improves with age. Grant has always been a reliable perimeter defender and low-post shot-blocker with his large wingspan, but he has developed into a true combo forward and can serve as a stretch four.
A Win-Win Trade
This trade would also satisfy all teams involved. The Celtics would have a new dynamic duo in Jayson Tatum and Antetokounmpo and become a formidable force in the East again, while the Trail Blazers would also get an elite guard-forward duo with Deni Avdija and Jaylen Brown that could strengthen their growing threat in the West.
Ultimately, for the Bucks, they get three reliable scorers at different phases of their careers and gain the draft pieces they lost in the Lillard trade.
