When news broke that Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo may be hitting the NBA trading block by summer—if not at next week’s NBA Trade Deadline—speculation ensued. “If he’s really, really, for
reals, no take-backs going to be dealt this time, who could be in line to receive the multi-time MVP and former World Champion?”
As it turns out, at least a couple sources are quietly suggesting that the Portland Trail Blazers could be in line, or at least on the list.
ESPN cap guru Bobby Marks has listed the Blazers among the Top 11 teams with the most to offer Milwaukee as part of his rundown of suitability in the Giannis Sweepstakes for all NBA franchises. Portland stands with the Detroit Pistons, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks, and several more organizations with an angle to chase the dream. What’s more, Marks ranks Portland’s difficulty as a 4 out of 10, edging out all contenders besides the Pistons, Golden State Warriors, and Toronto Raptors.
Marks relays:
Portland has young players and the Bucks’ own 2029 pick to use in deals. But would gutting a promising young roster be worth a short-term contention window — and a Damian Lillard-Antetokounmpo reunion?
Remember the 2023 trade that sent Lillard to the Bucks? The draft picks that Milwaukee sent to Portland included two years of pick swaps (2028 and 2030) and its own unprotected first in 2029. (After getting waived by Milwaukee in July, Lillard is now back on the Trail Blazers as he rehabs a torn Achilles.)
Milwaukee would most certainly ask for Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara or Shaedon Sharpe. Avdija is putting up All-Star numbers on one of the best non-rookie contracts. Camara signed an extension before the regular season and is not available. Sharpe signed a rookie extension and has a poison pill restriction, making it difficult to trade him.
Apron status: $7.9 million below the first apron (hard capped)
Draft assets:
- 2028 and 2030 first-round swaps with Milwaukee
- 2028 first-round pick (via Orlando)
- 2029 first-round picks (most and least favorable of own, Boston and Milwaukee)
Although lesser-known, media analyst Jake Weinbach also suggested that the Blazers could be in the mix for Giannnis. The overall weight may not be there and there’s no evidence he’s giving anything but his opinion, but blue checks and Giannis? For our purposes, we’ll take it.
So here’s the question of the day. If Portland did have an avenue to a Giannis deal, would you make it? And what is the maximum that you’d give up? Let us know in the comments below what you think.
For reference, Antetokounmpo is currently averaging 28 points, 10 rebounds, and just shy of 6 assists in 29 minutes per game over 30 appearances for the Bucks. He shoots 65% from the floor and 40% from the three-point arc. The 31-year-old is in his 13th NBA season. His current contract runs through 2028. He’s making $54.1 million this year, rising to $58.5 million next season, finishing with a $62.8 player option in 2027-28.
