If Giannis Antetokounmpo finally demands a trade, one team is the perfect landing spot for him, but no one is talking about it.
You clicked or opened this post, not knowing anything about where I’m going to send Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Maybe you follow my work and think I can build a trade that will send him to the San Antonio Spurs. That’s tired and played out! Of course the Spurs could build a compelling package if he wants to leave the Milwaukee Bucks.
So could the Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and OKC Thunder.
Giannis has been linked to all of those teams. It’s been done. While looking for the “perfect” landing spot, there are three criteria that make it fun.
Feasability
Intrigue
Shock
Whoever trades for him will have to offer a massive package of picks and players, right? A player of Giannis’ caliber won’t come cheap, but there are teams with the means to add him. For drama’s sake, there’s one clear-cut option.
The Phoenix Suns Should Make the Trade
In 2021, the Greek Freak gave us one of the best Finals games ever. In Game 6, he scored 50 points, swatted five shots, and gobbled 14 rebounds. It was one of the best title-clinching games ever.
Of course, it came against the Phoenix Suns.
Antetokounmpo is no stranger to putting an on-the-rise team on his back. He did it in Milwaukee. The Suns were expected to be near the bottom of the standings this season, but are instead 13-9, very much alive in the playoff hunt.
Add to the roster one of the best players to ever step on a court, and you have yourself a title contender. Of course, the Suns would have to give up everything, and even then, it might not be enough to get a deal done.
Full Mock Trade Details
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Jalen Green, Royce O’Neal, Khaman Maluach, Ryan Dunn, Koby Brea, 2026 first-round pick (WSH can swap), 2029 first-round pick (HOU can swap), 2029 second-round pick, 2031 first-round pick (second-least favorable of WSH, PHO, and MIL), 2032 first-round pick swap, 2032 second-round pick
Phoenix Suns Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Alex Antetokounmpo, Amir Coffey
Coffey is included simply so the Bucks only have to waive one player after this deal is completed. For the Suns, the result is apparent. Devin Booker, Grayson Allen, and Dillon Brooks will space the floor and play perimeter defense, and Mark Williams and Giannis will hold down the paint.
Antetokounmpo and Booker will share playmaking duties, and Phoenix should rise up the standings.
The Bucks, meanwhile, can try to rebuild with Green, Ryan Rollins, Ryan Dunn, and Khaman Maluach. If that doesn’t work, they add some first-round picks.
Teams like the Spurs, Warriors, and Heat can offer more immediate selections, although by the time 2032 rolls around, Booker will be 36 and Giannis will be 37. It could be a very valuable asset.
Of course, the Suns have fallen victim to the whole “trade everything for a superstar” schtick before, but Giannis is a winning player. Can the same be said for Kevin Durant or Bradley Beal?
I know this trade won’t happen. Phoenix will be outbid. However, a lineup of Allen, Brooks, Booker, and Antetokounmpo should be able to elevate the Suns from the middle of the pack to rivals of the Thunder.
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