The proposed trade would land Giannis Antetokounmpo with the Golden State Warriors
Getty
The proposed trade would land Giannis Antetokounmpo with the Golden State Warriors
The Portland Trail Blazers have reportedly indicated they “would love to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo directly,” according to The Stein Line’s Marc Stein.
Portland has emerged as a dark-horse suitor for the Milwaukee Bucks star before Thursday’s trade deadline. The Blazers might have the trade ammunition to make it happen. Portland controls Milwaukee’s first-round picks from 2028 through 2030, giving them leverage other teams don’t possess.
The hang-up is that “Antetokounmpo’s camp has continued to signal no interest in a contract extension with the Blazers,” per Stein. But Portland might have reasons to believe they could win him over. Damian Lillard could handle recruiting duties. The Blazers’ maturing roster, headlined by first-time All-Star Deni Avdija, is starting to pop.
Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley proposed a framework for how Portland could acquire Antetokounmpo before Thursday’s deadline.
Buckley’s Proposed Giannis Trade Framework
Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks
GettyGiannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks.
Buckley’s proposed deal would send Jerami Grant, Scoot Henderson, Yang Hansen, Matisse Thybulle, and three first-round picks (2028, 2029, and 2031) to Milwaukee in exchange for Antetokounmpo, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, and Jericho Sims.
The pitch makes sense from Portland’s perspective. The Blazers have tried entering the Antetokounmpo market for a reason. Their post-Lillard rebuilding efforts produced young, ascending talents, but adding an established elite might be necessary to crack the contending ranks.
The post-Achilles version of Lillard who will turn 36 before next season doesn’t qualify as that elite talent anymore. But he could be an awesome third star next to Antetokounmpo and Avdija.
Even in the loaded Western Conference, that’s a potentially top-shelf trio. Once Lillard returns from his Achilles injury, Shaedon Sharpe might be closer to his own star launch. Throw an intimidating interior anchor like Donovan Clingan behind that quartet, and Portland could have basketball’s next two-way power.
The supporting cast would still include Jrue Holiday, Toumani Camara, Robert Williams III, and other role players. The high-end outcomes are visible without squinting hard.
The Antetokounmpo-Lillard Connection
Giannis Antetokounmpo
GettyDamian Lillard #0 and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34.
While the Antetokounmpo-Lillard combination never fully clicked in Milwaukee, the connection still looks snug-fitting on paper. They can create gravitational forces around both the arc and the basket, benefitting each other even when they aren’t in direct two-man actions.
Avdija’s efficiency should soar with legitimate star power around him. The 25-year-old forward is averaging 25.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists this season while shooting 35. in 6 percent from three. Adding Antetokounmpo would take defensive pressure off him and create easier scoring opportunities.
Buckley’s proposed package would also bring Thanasis Antetokounmpo to Portland, which could help Giannis get comfortable in his first NBA home outside of Milwaukee. Sims would provide emergency center protection behind Clingan and Williams.
Milwaukee’s Perspective
Buckley notes that if Antetokounmpo trade talks are entering final stages, the Bucks are approaching a total bottoming-out. Milwaukee would be liquidating veterans while scrambling for assets to rebuild.
That’s what makes Portland a strongly preferred trade partner. Unless the Bucks can bring back some of the picks they sent away attempting to appease Antetokounmpo, they’ll never reap draft-lottery rewards from racing to the bottom.
Milwaukee would have to wait for the assistance of these assets, but they could focus on a youth movement. Ryan Rollins has shown flashes this season. Getting out of Portland might help Henderson get things on track. Hansen could benefit from a pressure-free environment.
The picks are clearly the franchise’s focus, but there are secondary prizes too. Milwaukee could reroute Thybulle to a defense-needy suitor for an additional asset. The Bucks could shop Grant to big-wing suitors, though they could wait for the right return.
The Reality of Portland’s Giannis Pursuit
Buckley’s framework is creative and addresses needs for both sides. But the reality is that Portland faces significant obstacles in landing Antetokounmpo.
The biggest issue is that Giannis’ camp has signaled no interest in extending with the Blazers. That’s a massive red flag for any team considering gutting their young core and future picks for a player who might leave in free agency.
Portland would be gambling that Lillard’s recruiting, their young talent, and the opportunity to contend could change Antetokounmpo’s mind. That’s a huge risk for a franchise that just completed a lengthy rebuild.
Final Word
Portland’s interest in Antetokounmpo is real. Buckley’s proposed framework demonstrates how a deal could work mechanically. The Blazers control Milwaukee’s future picks, which gives them leverage other suitors don’t have.
But wanting to trade for a superstar and actually landing him are vastly different things. Antetokounmpo’s camp doesn’t want Portland. That’s the fundamental problem no amount of draft capital can solve.
The Blazers could gamble that winning him over is possible once he’s in the building. They could bet that Lillard’s friendship and a talented young core would convince Giannis to stay long-term. That’s a massive risk for a franchise that’s invested years in rebuilding.
With less than six hours to go before the deadline, Milwaukee is still holding onto Antetokounmpo. If they do eventually move him, it will likely be to a team that can offer both assets and a situation Giannis wants to be in. Portland can provide the former but not the latter.
The Blazers would love to trade for Antetokounmpo. But love isn’t enough when the player doesn’t want to be there. Unless Giannis’ camp changes its stance, Portland’s pursuit will remain wishful thinking rather than realistic possibility.