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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 04: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts during the first quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Fiserv Forum on March 04, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been using the same core of players for the last couple of years. Donovan Mitchell is still the superstar who runs the team despite the trade for James Harden. It is also an extremely expensive team, as well.
Cleveland is over the second apron of the luxury tax. That means this season is likely going to be the last year that this core gets a chance to win a title. The trade for Harden acknowledged that, although he is likely going to get a contract extension this summer.
Like many teams at the trade deadline, the Cavs made some calls to the Bucks about Giannis Antetokounmpo. They are now projected to re-engage with Milwaukee about acquiring the superstar forward.
The Cavaliers are Predicted to Land Giannis Antetokounmpo
According to Bleacher Report, the perfect offseason trade for the Cavaliers would be one for Antetokounmpo. Here is the entire trade scenario:
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: PF Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: F/C Evan Mobley, G/F Max Strus, SG Tyrese Proctor, 2026 first-round pick (projected No. 29 overall), 2031 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick swap
Trading Mobley for Antetokounmpo would be a massive risk for Cleveland. While he has had some injury issues early in his career, he doesn’t come close to holding the same baggage Antetokounmpo does. Mobley is still just 24 years old.
Antetokounmpo is in his early 30s and is projected to play the least amount of games of his career this season. He just suffered another injury, as well. While he is a top-three player in the league when he is healthy, the question of health is starting to become a bigger factor.
Antetokounmpo clearly isn’t fully committed to Milwaukee. The Cavs would be giving up a fortune to go all-in around a core of Antetokounmpo, Harden, and Mitchell for next season. The East will be a better conference next season, as well.
Cleveland is Trying to Become a Title Contender This Season
Right now, the Cavaliers sit fourth in the Eastern Conference standings. Now that they have become fully healthy, the team looks better put together. Despite all of the injuries, Cleveland has the fifth-best offense in the NBA. That has allowed them to stay in the hunt for home-court advantage.
Mitchell is flirting with a first-team All-NBA selection this year. He has been the offensive driver all season long, and he has lived up to the expectations. The Cavs are very good when they are able to spread the floor around Jarrett Allen and Mobley.
The Cavs won’t be the only team to pursue Antetokounmpo in the offseason. Because the Bucks decided to wait until the summer to field offers, the number of teams that can truly pursue is much greater. Milwaukee can get a better deal as they force teams into bidding wars.
Trading Mobley and three first-round picks is probably the best deal that the Cavaliers can offer. It might be a bit too much based on how Antetokounmpo has played thus far this year. Yet, it might be the only way to land him.