In one of the most jaw-dropping proposals of the NBA offseason, ESPN’s Chris Herring has suggested a blockbuster trade that would send two-time MVP and 2021 NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Detroit Pistons.
The hypothetical deal, pitched amid speculation that Antetokounmpo may be open to a move, would reshape the Eastern Conference and possibly the entire NBA landscape.
Detroit Pistons Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Tobias Harris, Jaden Ivey, Isaiah Stewart, 2027 Detroit Pistons first-round pick, 2029 Detroit Pistons first-round pick, 2031 Detroit Pistons first-round pick
The Pistons Go From Dark Horses To Instant Contenders
At face value, this seems like a no-brainer for the Pistons, who just made their first playoff appearance in six years. Cade Cunningham emerged as a bona fide star in a competitive six-game battle against the Knicks, and pairing him with a generational force like Giannis would catapult Detroit from promising to frighteningly formidable.
Herring’s argument is rooted in Eastern Conference dynamics. With Boston likely without Jayson Tatum for most of the season and Cleveland facing second-apron limitations, the East is as wide open as it’s been in years.
The Knicks are shifting pieces, and the Bucks, without Damian Lillard for much of next season, may be staring down a reset. In that context, Detroit swinging for the fences makes strategic sense. They control their draft future for the next seven years and have ample financial flexibility.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Will Have To Force The Issue For This Trade To Work
But for Milwaukee, the logic is more muddled. Giannis remains one of the league’s most valuable assets, a franchise cornerstone, a future Hall of Famer, and a perennial MVP candidate. Trading him within the Central Division, even with a substantial package, could haunt the Bucks for a decade.
Tobias Harris, while a dependable veteran, is 32 and on an expiring deal. Jaden Ivey has shown flashes but hasn’t yet proven he can be a true cornerstone. Stewart is a rugged big man, but projects more as a role player than a game-changer.
And the picks? With Giannis and Cade in Detroit, those selections are likely to fall in the late first round, hardly franchise-altering assets.
The Bucks Would Be Making A Massive Mistake If They Accept This Deal
While ESPN’s suggestion is creative and fits a narrative of aggressive rebuilding for the Bucks, it’s unlikely to satisfy Milwaukee’s front office. The Bucks are still trying to maximize their championship window, and even if Giannis were to request a trade, they could extract more value from a team outside their division.
As the trade market heats up with recent hauls for players like Desmond Bane and Mikal Bridges, the Bucks would be foolish to settle for less.
From Detroit’s perspective, this would be a historic heist. But for Milwaukee? Unless Ivey morphs into a legitimate All-Star and the draft picks overperform expectations, this feels like a lopsided surrender.
Unless Giannis forces the issue, Milwaukee should keep the Greek Freak or hold out for a far richer deal.
