This offseason NBA trade proposal pairs Giannis Antetokounmpo with Cleveland Cavaliers stars James Harden and Donovan Mitchell.
An offseason NBA proposal sending Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Cleveland Cavaliers has been created.
NBA writer Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report created the following blockbuster trade proposal between the Bucks and Cavaliers:
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: PF Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: F/C Evan Mobley, G/F Max Strus, SG Tyrese Proctor, 2026 first-round pick (projected No. 29 overall), 2031 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick swap
This massive NBA proposal idea pairs Antetokounmpo with Cavaliers stars James Harden and Donovan Mitchell.
Cleveland could have a new "Big 4" of Antetokounmpo, Harden, Mitchell and Jarrett Allen.
"Pairing Antetokounmpo and Mitchell together is extremely tempting for Cleveland," Swartz wrote. "Assuming Harden returns (player option), the Cavs would still have a core of Jarrett Allen, Jaylon Tyson, Sam Merrill, Dennis Schröder and others. Trading for the two-time MVP may help convince a certain franchise star to take a pay cut to come back to Cleveland as well."
The Cavaliers haven't advanced past the second round of the playoffs in the Mitchell era, which began in 2022-23. Cleveland is under immense pressure to reach the conference finals this season after trading for Harden.
If the Cavaliers falter in the 2026 playoffs, it will be fascinating to see what happens to the Wine and Gold's roster.
The Bucks never felt urgency to trade Antetokounmpo at this year's NBA trade deadline. Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee are expected to discuss their future again in the offseason.
A future Hall of Famer, Antetokounmpo is a two-time MVP, one-time Finals MVP, one-time Defensive Player of the Year and 10-time All-Star. He has a player option worth $62.8 million for the 2027-28 season.
The Bucks can offer Antetokounmpo an extension in October. It will be intriguing to see if Antetokounmpo remains with Milwaukee or finally gets traded.
If Antetokounmpo doesn't sign an extension with Milwaukee, the forward is expected to get traded. It's doubtful that the Bucks would trade Antetokounmpo to the Cavaliers since the two teams are division rivals. However, Mobley could be the best player Milwaukee can get for Antetokounmpo.
Cavaliers Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Cavaliers. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.