After a turbulent offseason saga, Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s position with the Milwaukee Bucks for the next season seems solidified. But this doesn’t guarantee his long-term future with the team.
In a recent statement, Antetokounmpo revealed that he wouldn’t be surprised if the Bucks decided to trade him in the future. While he supported this by adding that the organization would only do so if it was in their best interests, such a comment is enough to raise eyebrows regarding the forward’s future with the franchise.
As things stand, the nine-time All-Star has two more years on his contract, with a player option for the 2027-28 season. Given that he is already viewed as a potential free agent target, there is an opportunity for Milwaukee to get some value for him in a trade instead of letting him walk away for nothing.
With this in mind, Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey presented a trade package that would send Antetokounmpo to the San Antonio Spurs, a team he was linked to earlier in the summer. Here’s Bailey’s proposed deal:
Proposed Trade Details
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Devin Vassell, Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle, 2026 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick (MIN), 2031 first-round pick (SAC)
Bailey’s trade proposal effectively sees the Spurs trade away the majority of their young core and shift their focus on contending for the title right away with Antetokounmpo.
With this deal having a significant impact on both teams involved, we take a closer look at how it affects each one.
The Bucks Begin Their Rebuild
A move of this nature would have massive implications for Milwaukee’s future. With the acquisition of Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, and a haul of first-round picks, the Bucks would have all the tools needed to kickstart their rebuild.
This summer has been particularly challenging for Milwaukee. For starters, the Bucks saw a marked drop-off in their overall roster strength. With Damian Lillard’s departure, the void in the backcourt rotation was only exacerbated by the overall shortcomings of the roster.
Retaining Bobby Portis and signing Myles Turner could be viewed positively, but Milwaukee still doesn’t have enough to compete in the East. In such a situation, considering a rebuild would not be ill-advised.
Hence, acquiring young guards with significant developmental potential could be the direction to move in.
Each of the Spurs’ pieces presents a lot of upside. At 24, Devin Vassell has proven himself to be a genuine offensive threat when given the opportunity. While he saw a reduction in playing time last season, Vassell remained a productive and essential member of San Antonio’s rotation.
For the 2024-25 season, Vassell averaged 16.3 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, while shooting 44.3% from the field and 36.8% from beyond the arc. When considering Milwaukee’s current shooting guard rotation, Vassell could easily earn a place in the starting rotation, allowing him to be a more significant contributor.
The pair of Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper may not have the experience that Vassell does, but they arguably have more upside. With Castle winning the ROTY award this year and Harper being the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s draft, it is clear that both players could help form a solid young core for the Bucks.
Last season, Castle positioned himself as a solid combo guard. With an average of 14.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, the 20-year-old has a lot of potential to develop into a versatile scorer and playmaker.
Meanwhile, Harper was viewed as one of the most gifted playmakers in his draft class. While boasting an impressive frame for a point guard, he also possesses impressive court vision, ball-handling ability, and strength.
Given that he has limited experience in the NBA, he could start behind Castle early on, an idea he has embraced even with the Spurs. However, there is enough potential to suggest that he and Castle could become Milwaukee’s starting duo in due time.
With the acquisition of three young players, the Bucks would also shed a significant amount of salary, something that would be offset against the money they owe Lillard after the contract buyout.
Overall, this would put them in a solid position to keep building their roster strength. With four first-rounders to go with it, Milwaukee could even emerge as a future title contender after making the right moves.
The Spurs Embrace The Win-Now Mentality
Acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo would be a very clear indication that the San Antonio Spurs would be embracing a “win-now” mentality. With the core of De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama being bolstered with the addition of the Greek forward, the Spurs would feature one of the most formidable title cores in the league.
Antetokounmpo’s addition solidifies the Spurs’ ability to contend for a title. As one of the most dominant players in the league, the forward has showcased his ability to carry a team. Following an inspiring series of performances at EuroBasket, resulting in a bronze medal for Greece, Antetokounmpo will also be motivated to win it all next season.
Last season, the 30-year-old finished third in MVP voting, as he averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game on 60.1% shooting from the field.
When factoring in his playing style, Antetokounmpo could be a great fit next to Wembanyama. His preference for dominating on the inside pairs well with Wembanyama’s affinity for operating around the perimeter. Given the tremendous rim protection ability of both stars, the Spurs could effectively boast one of the best defensive units in the league.
Acquiring Antetokounmpo would require San Antonio to change its direction. Now on a championship path, even in a loaded Western Conference, San Antonio would be a team to watch.
Should The Spurs Do This Deal?
While there is merit for both teams in this trade proposal, the Spurs may not be advised to do this trade.
Although offering De’Aaron Fox an extension raises doubts about the team’s outlook for the upcoming season, it is clear that the Spurs are investing in the development of their young core. In this regard, trading for a big superstar hasn’t been viewed favorably, something that has been voiced by their star big man as well.
Parting with all their key assets at this stage would leave San Antonio in a bad position once Antetokounmpo’s contract is due for extension. Should the Spurs fail in their ventures, there is no guarantee that the forward will stay either. Hence, the overall risk-to-reward ratio may not be worthwhile.
