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21 hours ago
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Giannis Antetokounmpo’s journey with the Milwaukee Bucks has been amazing.
He brought the team their first championship in 50 years and solidified himself as an all-time great.
Unfortunately, now, the team isn’t what it used to be, and their future together is up in the air.
Trading for Antetokounmpo would require a massive haul, and Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes proposes an idea that may be too good for the Bucks to refuse.
“This is all about San Antonio acknowledging that contention windows are short, and that the kind of good health necessary for a sustained run isn't a given,’ Hughes said Tuesday.
“Hence this go-for-it move to acquire a two-time MVP who is still very near his prime. Antetokounmpo is the singular driver of offense (Victor) Wembanyama isn't (so far), and his ability to collapse defenses should draw attention away from and create space for Wemby to thrive.”
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The full trade has the San Antonio Spurs acquiring Antetokounmpo and giving the Bucks Stephon Castle, Harrison Barnes, Kelly Olynyk, Jeremy Sochan, and five first-round picks.
Looking at this from San Antonio’s perspective, it is a massive amount to give up just for one player, but when you look deeper, it isn’t all so bad.
They lucked out with Dylan Harper and now don’t need both De’Aaron Fox and Castle.
Luke Kornet will be fine as a backup, so losing Olynyk isn’t detrimental.
Barnes and Sochan production can be replaced by Giannis, and the picks are well worth it if they win a championship.
A frontcourt of Victor Wembanyama and Antetokounmpo has the potential to be historic on both sides of the ball for years to come.
It opens up room for guys like Harper and Devin Vassell to keep progressing alongside Wembanyama.
If Giannis decides he no longer wants to be part of the Bucks, San Antonio has the best package to acquire him.
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