Giannis Antetokounmpo future sparks wild NBA trade scenarios

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is weighing, alongside his agent, whether to open negotiations with other NBA teams if he and the Bucks cannot find a clear path forward for the next phase of his career.

The forward strained his right calf during a game against the Detroit Pistons, who remain atop the Eastern Conference. Early estimates indicate he will miss between two and four weeks.

As soon as his situation became public, several teams surfaced as potential destinations: the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs. Outlets such as ESPN even pointed to possibilities like the Atlanta Hawks or Houston Rockets.

One proposed Giannis trade aims to offer upside on both ends

First proposal:

The first option has the Lakers receiving Giannis Antetokounmpo. Milwaukee would take Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, Gabe Vincent and Dalton Knecht, along with an unprotected 2031 first round pick from Los Angeles and unprotected first round swap rights in 2026, 2028, 2030 and 2032.

Second Proposal:

A second proposal would send Giannis and his brother Thanasis Antetokounmpo to Los Angeles. In return, the Bucks would receive Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht, as well as first round pick swaps in 2026, 2028, 2030, 2032 and beyond.

The main hurdle in any hypothetical deal is the salary cap. Austin Reaves makes roughly $40 million less than Giannis, meaning the Lakers would need multiple players to balance the numbers. That explains the long list of names and draft assets included in the proposals.

Even after parting with the players involved in these scenarios, Los Angeles would still have Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia. But the roster would lack depth and be vulnerable if injuries hit later in the season. At full strength, though, they could remain competitive.

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