Getty
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo looks on. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
The Orlando Magic have emerged as a surprising team strongly interested in trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer. Orlando had high hopes of a strong season after trading for Desmond Bane last summer to join Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner as their big three this season. Injuries and lackluster chemistry currently see the Magic in the 10th seed with minimal chances of making noise in the playoffs.
NBA reporter Kirk Goldsberry shared the following news on the Bill Simmons Podcast:
“Somebody who knows stuff told me that Orlando has actually been very active in seeking out Giannis Antetokounmpo’s services. Desperation sets in after the first round of the NBA playoffs, and that’s where I think the Rockets, the Magic, and Knicks are going to emerge. That’s the group I’m looking at, because somebody will talk themselves into it.”
Orlando clearly wants to win now due to their timeline of young prospects developing around the same time. Goldsberry believes that the Magic are already interested and will grow more interested after they are eliminated from the playoffs. The Milwaukee Bucks intend to trade Antetokounmpo this offseason if he doesn’t extend his current contract with just one more season left on it.
Orlando Joins Two Other Favorites For Giannis
Goldsberry specifically named three teams above the other options as the franchises that would be most desperate if they don’t have deep playoff runs. The New York Knicks and Houston Rockets were the other teams mentioned who would be “all in” on Giannis, assuming neither reaches the NBA Finals.
Antetokounmpo reportedly named the Knicks as his number one destination last summer and could force his way there with some leverage. New teams will want Giannis to sign an extension in exchange for giving up assets, and it remains likely he’d love to sign a long-term deal in New York.
Houston’s recent struggles have seen their hot start to the regular season floundering to create an important offseason. Rumors have picked back up due to the Rockets’ recent losses. A deep list of young assets could see Houston sending young talent back to Milwaukee in their attempt to rebuild without Antetokounmpo.
What Orlando Can Offer For Giannis
Orlando’s biggest positive in a potential Giannis trade is having two high-end young talents that have already proven a lot on the court. The Bucks would love Banchero or Wagner as the new centerpiece of the franchise to rebuild around.
Fadeaway World predicted the following trade package if the Magic believe they can get Antetokounmpo:
Orlando Magic Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Paolo Banchero, Jalen Suggs, Wendell Carter Jr., 2027 first-round pick, 2031 first-round pick
Banchero and Jalen Suggs would give Milwaukee two young prospects, including one of the best young scorers in the league. Two draft picks and another respected role player in Wendell Carter Jr. would likely outdo what other teams can offer. The Bucks have traded away most of their upcoming future draft picks, so getting a “win now” player like Banchero could be the perfect scenario to trade Giannis.