Nets could land coveted draft picks by facilitating a blockbuster Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, bolstering their rebuild with valuable assets.
The Brooklyn Nets may not be in the running to acquire the Milwaukee Bucks' 2-time MVP and 2021 Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the franchise could stand to gain plenty from a hypothetical deal involving him.
Brooklyn is not currently in a position to bring in proven talent, focusing instead on maintaining a nice stash of first-round draft picks and promising young players to build for the future.
With that being said, a trade involving Antetokounmpo prior to the upcoming Feb. 5 trade deadline could seriously benefit the Nets in several ways, as their roster makeup and financial situation makes them a perfect third team in a trade sending the all-time talent to a contending team with real title aspirations.
In a proposed blockbuster three-team trade from a collection of ESPN's NBA insiders, the Nets would become a part of a massive deal shipping both Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Heading back to Milwaukee would be Cleveland's 2025 Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley, Lonzo Ball, Brooklyn's Jalen Wilson and a 2031 first-round pick from the Cavaliers. Finally, Brooklyn would net Max Strus along with both a 2030 and 2032 pick swap from Cleveland.
Though it's not the most appealing deal at first glance, the Nets' involvement in this deal as a valued third team would give them an easy opportunity to bring in solid draft compensation for little to no cost whatsoever.
In this respect, Brooklyn could take a page out of the Chicago Bulls' book and learn from the three-team deal they were able to complete with the Cavaliers and Sacramento Kings on Sunday. Chicago's ability to absorb the expiring contract of Dario Saric was rewarded with two (essentially) free second-round draft picks, as both Sacramento and Cleveland were appreciative of Chicago helping to facilitate a trade sending Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder to the Cavs in exchange for two-way wing De'Andre Hunter.
Now, the Nets have a chance to fulfill this exact same responsibility, but on a much larger and more impactful scale. Facilitating a trade for Antetokounmpo is an entirely different game than a trade swapping role players, and it would give them a real chance to bring in a few first-round picks for helping to get such a monumental blockbuster deal across the finish line.
If possible, the Nets should be begging to join in on this deal, because first-round draft picks are waiting to be had and they'll have to give up very little to add a few of them to their stockpile of assets.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our NETS ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected.