This NBA trade idea sends Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Charlotte Hornets.
A blockbuster NBA trade idea sending Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Charlotte Hornets has been created.
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report created the following trade idea between the Bucks and Hornets after the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery took place on Sunday:
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Miles Bridges, Brandon Miller, Josh Green, the No. 14 pick and a 2032 first-round pick
This trade idea pairs Antetokounmpo with LaMelo Ball and Kon Knueppel.
The Bucks and Antetokounmpo are widely expected to part ways this offseason. Milwaukee almost traded Antetokounmpo at the trade deadline in February.
Antetokounmpo has spent his entire NBA career with the Bucks. He's a two-time MVP, one-time Finals MVP, one-time Defensive Player of the Year and 10-time All-Star. Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee to the 2021 championship in six games against the Phoenix Suns. The Bucks have won only one playoff series since then and missed the playoffs this year for the first time since 2016.
Antetokounmpo will make $58.5 million next season. He has a player option worth $62.8 million for the 2027-28 season. The superstar forward is eligible to sign a four-year, $275 million extension with the Bucks on October 1. If he declines the extension, Antetokounmpo will be traded, according to Milwaukee co-owner Wes Edens.
Antetokounmpo holds career averages of 24.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. It would certainly be fun to see him play alongside Ball and Knueppel.
In Year 2 of the Charles Lee era, the Hornets went 44-38 and won a play-in game. Even though Charlotte missed the playoffs again, the future is bright in Buzz City.
That future would turn into "title contender status" if the front office acquires Antetokounmpo, who averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.7 blocks per game this season.
If this trade idea happens, the Hornets can start Ball, Coby White, Knueppel, Antetokounmpo and Moussa Diabate next season. White becomes a free agent this offseason, but Charlotte is expected to re-sign the UNC product.
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