The San Antonio Spurs have long been linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo in NBA trade rumors, and he recently added heat to any speculation that he will be moved.
After losing in the first round of the NBA playoffs for the third season in a row, it seemed almost inevitable that the Milwaukee Bucks would trade superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. He has long been clear that he wanted to be a Buck for life, although front office mismanagement led to him souring on the organization.
The San Antonio Spurs seemed like a perfect fit. Between Giannis, De'Aaron Fox, and Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs would quickly have the best trio in the entire league. Between Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan, and Harrison Barnes, the Spurs could easily match his salary, and youngsters like Dylan Harper, Carter Bryant, Stephon Castle, and the Spurs' draft picks could be used to sweeten the pot.
Of course, any deal would divide Spurs fans. Should Castle be traded or not? Do the Spurs really want to go all-in now?
After Milwaukee got off to an 8-5 start with Antetokounmpo playing at an MVP level, those debates simmered down, as he was no longer expected to demand a trade. Since then, however, the Bucks are a putrid 1-8.
Antetokounmpo did very little to hide his disappointment, adding fuel to the fire surrounding his availability.
If he demands a trade, two things are expected to happen.
First, the Bucks will move him. Not only do they owe it to him, but he could fetch enormous value, allowing the team to quickly acquire assets for their rebuild.
Second, if he asks out, all 29 other teams will show at least some interest. After all, he is a top-three player in the world, still very much in his prime.
The Spurs have some of the best means to add him. If they want to make a competitive offer, nothing is standing in their way.
If Antetokounmpo is put on the trade block, the Spurs will have to make some tough calls. When they added Fox, they managed to hang onto Castle and the pick that would become Harper.
In a deal for Antetokounmpo, the Spurs will have to match his salary, give up most of their remaining draft picks, and pick between Harper or Castle.
Let the debates over who has a higher ceiling begin!
Right now, there is virtually no threat to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the West. However, if the Spurs could add a top player and get Wembanyama back, it's hard to imagine even the Thunder putting up much of a fight.
However, it won't all be sunshine and rainbows. Wembanyama will be owed a maximum extension sooner rather than later. Antetokounmpo's contract won't run forever, and the Spurs already extended Fox to a maximum deal.
The salary cap will present some problems. For a roughly four-year title window with the Greek Freak and then a prime Wemby taking over after that? It could be worth a massive trade package.