The future of Giannis Antetokounmpo has been at the center of NBA debates for months, and in Milwaukee, they assume that his departure is just a matter of time. The continuity of the project has run its course, and the franchise acknowledges that keeping the Greek as the main focus leads nowhere. Therefore, the scenario is clear: either the trade happens before the next trade deadline, or at the latest, it will happen in the summer. The sense of inevitability is overwhelming. The NBA rumors keep swirling.
With this premise, the Bucks are no longer looking at the market to tweak the roster around Giannis; instead, they aim to maximize his value before it's too late. Rebuilding is the key word. This is where several franchises come into play, with the New York Knicks being the most advanced in discussions but not the only one with the real capability to close such a deal.
In this context, the option of Los Angeles Lakers gains traction, especially for the summer, but we present an immediate trade option. The Los Angeles franchise sets a clear line: Luka Doncic is not up for negotiation (also considering that LeBron James has a veto right, and they won't suggest he moves to Milwaukee at this stage). However, there is room to build a competitive offer that fits both economically and athletically. The proposed package includes Marcus Smart, Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton—enough contract volume to absorb Antetokounmpo's salary without breaching the collective bargaining rules.
Possible Trade
| Milwaukee Bucks receive | Los Angeles Lakers receive |
|---|---|
| Marcus Smart | Giannis Antetokounmpo |
| Austin Reaves | |
| Gabe Vincent | |
| Rui Hachimura | |
| Deandre Ayton |
For Milwaukee, the exchange aligns perfectly with the idea of starting anew. Giannis' departure releases the heaviest contract from the roster and allows for the acquisition of several usable pieces from day one. Ayton provides youthful inside presence, Smart brings leadership and defense, Reaves adds playmaking and scoring, while Hachimura and Vincent complete a deep rotation. The price to pay involves a subsequent roster adjustment since the number of players would increase, but that's a secondary issue in the rebuilding process.
On the Lakers' side, holding onto a very short roster would entail a risk, but with plans to rebuild around Giannis and Luka in the summer with additional pieces. The trade puts them in the luxury tax bracket, limiting their future flexibility and requiring them to fill the roster with minimum contracts. In return, they acquire one of the most dominant players of the last decade without disrupting their two pillars. The equation is simple: less depth but an immediate and impactful addition to the title contention.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Así sería el posible traspaso de Giannis Antetokounmpo a Los Angeles Lakers ahora mismo