Giannis Antetokounmpo, Rockets
Getty
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo draws intrigue from the Houston Rockets.
Should the Detroit Pistons consider trading for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo? An ESPN insider believes it would be an ideal match.
The Pistons announced themselves as a future Eastern Conference powerhouse during the 2025 playoffs. The young squad, led by rising superstar Cade Cunningham, pushed the New York Knicks to six games in the first round, after winning 44 games in the regular season — a year after they won 14.
As the Pistons continue to rise, several analysts have floated the idea of Cunningham being paired with “The Greek Freak” in a weakened conference. ESPN’s Chris Herring floated a trade proposal that would also help the Bucks fast-track their rebuild process.
Pistons would receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Bucks would receive: Tobias Harris, Jaden Ivey, Isaiah Stewart, three first-round picks (2027, 2029, 2031)
“Adding a player of Antetokounmpo’s ilk would speed up the timeline but also give All-NBA guard Cade Cunningham and the Pistons a real shot in the East sooner rather than later,” wrote Herring, making a case for the Pistons to trade for the two-time MVP.
Jaden Ivy Could be Bucks’ Franchise Star
It’s easy to forget that Jaden Ivy, a former No. 5 overall pick, missed the Pistons’ final 55 games of the 2024-25 season, including the playoffs, with a lower leg injury. Prior to his injury, the dynamic guard averaged a career-high 17.6 points at impressive 46/41/74 shooting splits. Many believe Ivy has the potential to be a franchise cornerstone if given the opportunity. Herring explained why the Bucks would benefit from landing Ivy.
“Milwaukee might hesitate in making a deal within its division and might ultimately want to swing bigger than this,” wrote Herring. “But Ivey, still just 23 and coming off a season that was far more efficient than his first two, has shown real, palpable flashes. Stewart is 24, and is a rugged rebounder capable of bigger minutes than what he currently receives alongside fellow youngster Jalen Duren.
“And the veteran Harris, still just 32, was solid for the Pistons — particularly on defense — throughout Detroit’s playoff run. It would be enough for the Bucks to remain competitive, with a chance for Ivey to achieve stardom as he enters his prime.”
Giannis – Pistons A Great Fit?
Herring isn’t the only analyst who has urged the Pistons to make a run at Antetokounmpo.
ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins believes that Antetokounmpo and Cunningham are wired very similarly and would make a great 1-2 punch for the Pistons.
“Listen to me; I know you like young guys with the same mentality as you. I know you don’t want to shortcut nothing, but you might want to consider going play with that boy Cade Cunningham down there in Detroit,” Perkins said, via ClickonDetroit.com.
“I’m telling you right now that would be a problem,” Perkins continued. “The east is wide open. If I’m Giannis, I’m seriously considering going to Detroit.
“Detroit is back on fire. Great basketball city, a lot of culture, and you have a rising young superstar a rising young superstar in Cade Cunningham.”
It’s worth noting that Antetokounmpo has consistently praised Cunningham since the latter arrived in the NBA as a rookie. Could the mutual respect lead to a pairing?