Giannis Thread - 13th Season with the Bucks

[soxperry]

Even if we had the worst record in the league in consecutive years, which I don’t think is the likeliest outcome, the odds of ever giving up a #1 is 26%.

Those aren’t good odds.

Its not only about number 1. Its about having multiple cracks at top level picks.

[Frank Nova]

The east is up for grabs, I don’t see it being that hard to put together a dark horse roster that can keep Giannis happy until we can make a bigger splash in 2026-27. The 2025-26 should just be the Giannis centric try to overachieve year in the weaker conference. Is that really that hard of a sell to Giannis? Even if you don’t 100% believe that he’s still fully committed and loyal to the Bucks, you don’t think he could see that as a viable plan to just stay put and keep working?

I’m wondering how many Bucks fans are at the point now that they’ve talked themselves so deep down the rabbit hole of these loser trades that they’ll actually express frustration and disappointment if/when Giannis says he’s not going anywhere?

[soxperry]

I had a look at this today, so here is what 34 year old KD, post achilles recovery, returned. Mikal Bridges (later traded for 5 firsts, 4 unprotected), Cam Johnson (great asset still), Jae Crowder (who was quickly sent away for 5 2nds) and 4 four unprotected 1sts. I get the CBA has just things and Phx had that new owner desperation, but come on with these offers for Giannis.

Yep, just to lay it all out:

Cam Johnson
2023 unprotected PHX 1st
2025 unprotected PHX 1st
2027 unprotected PHX 1st
2028 PHX pick swap
2029 unprotected PHX 1st
2025 Top-4 protected MIL 1st
2025 unprotected Knicks 1st
2027 unprotected Knicks 1st
2028 Knicks pick swap
2029 unprotected Knicks 1st
2031 unprotected Knicks 1st
2028 MIL 2nd
2029 MIL 2nd

9 unprotected future firsts, two pick swaps, some 2nd's, and whatever they'll eventually trade Cam Johnson for lol. That's the totality of what Brooklyn got for a 34-year old Kevin Durant just 2-years ago. Copy and paste this into every Giannis trade thread you can find just to illustrate how laughable these Giannis trade proposals actually are.

This is why i like OKC as a trade partner. If we can get some of their young talent to go with a mountain of picks, you can perhaps turn guys like Chet and Jwill into those jrue/bridges type trades and in the end end up with something massive that you can keep leveraging over and over.

But idk if okc is going to feel urgency on a Giannis trade if they keep smashing everyone

[JEIS]

Giannis for....

Nobody. Our boy has a good meeting with Horsty and stays. His bro comes back. Buck sign Kpj and Sims. Horst gets rid of Brook and Prince so Doc can't play stupid a$$ line ups. We scrape the bottom of the free agency barrel and try to get a couple Trent jr type signings.

[Bango]

The east is up for grabs, I don’t see it being that hard to put together a dark horse roster that can keep Giannis happy until we can make a bigger splash in 2026-27. The 2025-26 should just be the Giannis centric try to overachieve year in the weaker conference. Is that really that hard of a sell to Giannis? Even if you don’t 100% believe that he’s still fully committed and loyal to the Bucks, you don’t think he could see that as a viable plan to just stay put and keep working?

I’m wondering how many Bucks fans are at the point now that they’ve talked themselves so deep down the rabbit hole of these loser trades that they’ll actually express frustration and disappointment if/when Giannis says he’s not going anywhere?

LOL, I didn't even think of that last point. These are some LOSER trades that are being thrown around. I think it's an easier sell than most people think to convince Giannis to stay.

[DingleJerry]

The east is up for grabs, I don’t see it being that hard to put together a dark horse roster that can keep Giannis happy until we can make a bigger splash in 2026-27. The 2025-26 should just be the Giannis centric try to overachieve year in the weaker conference. Is that really that hard of a sell to Giannis? Even if you don’t 100% believe that he’s still fully committed and loyal to the Bucks, you don’t think he could see that as a viable plan to just stay put and keep working?

I’m wondering how many Bucks fans are at the point now that they’ve talked themselves so deep down the rabbit hole of these loser trades that they’ll actually express frustration and disappointment if/when Giannis says he’s not going anywhere?

I'd be shocked if that's not the teams plan/hope. And I'd expect 90% of posters here to feel the same.

This is purely a discussion on IF Giannis forces their hand and does ask for a trade.

[German Athens]

Even if we had the worst record in the league in consecutive years, which I don’t think is the likeliest outcome, the odds of ever giving up a #1 is 26%.

Those aren’t good odds.

Its not only about number 1. Its about having multiple cracks at top level picks.

Yeah, and I understand that’s how a number of current contenders got there.

But if we were to step back for a second, the expected value of each pick isn’t actually all that good, either. If we know something about an upcoming draft, that’s informative, but beyond 2026, I’m not sure we can say that.

Time runs together for me, but I made a post recently looking into the expected value (median) over the last 15 drafts. For #1, it was KAT a perennial all-star, but not a guy who’s a perennial all-nba player. For #2, it was D’Lo, a single all star. For #3, I think it was RJ Barrett.

More generously how I’ve always mapped it in my head is that a #1 is someone like KAT, a #2 is a 3-time all-star like Khris or Beal, and a #3 is a really good starter or a guy who sneaks on one all-star team like Conley or Derrick White.

By pick 4, you aren’t even expecting an all-star worthy player.

In our situation, if we come to NOP or POR asking for our picks back, it’ll either be because we want to Tank or don’t believe in our ability to do anything else. Both those situations give the other teams a ton of leverage, and we’d probably have to give 2 prized 1sts for a single 1st back, or a good 1st for a swap which is disgusting to me. I just don’t like that asset play when you consider the lottery odds, how neither of those teams are likely playoff squads anytime soon, and even the expected value of a better pick.

[soxperry]

Even if we had the worst record in the league in consecutive years, which I don’t think is the likeliest outcome, the odds of ever giving up a #1 is 26%.

Those aren’t good odds.

Its not only about number 1. Its about having multiple cracks at top level picks.

Yeah, and I understand that’s how a number of current contenders got there.

But if we were to step back for a second, the expected value of each pick isn’t actually all that good, either. If we know something about an upcoming draft, that’s informative, but beyond 2026, I’m not sure we can say that.

Time runs together for me, but I made a post recently looking into the expected value (median) over the last 15 drafts. For #1, it was KAT a perennial all-star, but not a guy who’s a perennial all-nba player. For #2, it was D’Lo, a single all star. For #3, I think it was RJ Barrett.

More generously how I’ve always mapped it in my head is that a #1 is someone like KAT, a #2 is a 3-time all-star like Khris or Beal, and a #3 is a really good starter or a guy who sneaks on one all-star team like Conley or Derrick White.

By pick 4, you aren’t even expecting an all-star worthy player.

In our situation, if we come to NOP or POR asking for our picks back, it’ll either be because we want to Tank or don’t believe in our ability to do anything else. Both those situations give the other teams a ton of leverage, and we’d probably have to give 2 prized 1sts for a single 1st back. I just don’t like that asset play when you consider the lottery odds, how neither of those teams are likely playoff squads anytime soon, and even the expected value of a better pick.

Teams always have the option to sign vets and chase the play in. Its pretty easy to beat out the tanking teams in the standings . Thats the leverage we have in getting those picks back. "You dont want to play ball? Fine, enjoy the 13th overall pick." It goes both ways

Brooklyn essentially pulled this off and i dont think it cost them all that much. They got two of their own firsts for two swaps and a pick

[JEIS]

I love that on one hand media is saying "the era of Superteams are over, teams need to spread the money around"and on the other hand.....

"Spurs need to team up Wemby, Giannis, Fox and get one more star there."

They are both rightish. The problem is when the 3 stars are making 50ish mil a year. You get the Wemby types on a rookie deal still and it still works.
Teams can't be deep enought if injuries happen.... Like Kris... Giannis and now Dame. Other teams Steph... Tatum... Embiid..George... When that 50 to 100 million is split between quality role players.

[Prez]

Seeing so much Jrue stuff, I have zero interest in bringing back Jrue on his current deal. The dude is going to make $35 mil/yr for 3 more years after this in his age 35-37 seasons when he's already showing significant decline in just the past two. We are not in a position to pay that kind of money to a 5th option guy nor is our team as talented Boston's to even put him in that type of role.

When was that Giannis meeting supposed to happen again?

[Ron Swanson]

Giannis was apparently in San Fran yesterday for a Google/tech event. No idea if that means he flew back today and/or if the meeting was scheduled for today or tomorrow. My guess is tomorrow or Friday.

[PG Graveyard]

Giannis was apparently in San Fran yesterday for a Google/tech event. No idea if that means he flew back today and/or if the meeting was scheduled for today or tomorrow. My guess is tomorrow or Friday.

Obviously it means he’s being traded to Golden State.

[NYG]

The legs of this deal seem decent...

Team X gets:
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Bucks get:
Trey Murphy
Tidjane Salaun
Josh Green
Grant Williams
4th Overall Pick
7th Overall Pick
Their '26 and '27 picks returned

Hornets get:
Zion Williamson

Pelicans get:
(Insert Team X Package Here worth Murphy, Zion, 7 and the Bucks picks)

[Frank Nova]

The east is up for grabs, I don’t see it being that hard to put together a dark horse roster that can keep Giannis happy until we can make a bigger splash in 2026-27. The 2025-26 should just be the Giannis centric try to overachieve year in the weaker conference. Is that really that hard of a sell to Giannis? Even if you don’t 100% believe that he’s still fully committed and loyal to the Bucks, you don’t think he could see that as a viable plan to just stay put and keep working?

I’m wondering how many Bucks fans are at the point now that they’ve talked themselves so deep down the rabbit hole of these loser trades that they’ll actually express frustration and disappointment if/when Giannis says he’s not going anywhere?

I'd be shocked if that's not the teams plan/hope. And I'd expect 90% of posters here to feel the same.

This is purely a discussion on IF Giannis forces their hand and does ask for a trade.

How can Giannis force the Bucks hand? He can “request” a trade and we can deny that request based off the return value clearly not being met. Then what happens? Giannis bitches and moans? Giannis doesn’t play to the best of his ability in spite of the organization? He requests that his request is met? His leverage is based off good faith by the franchise and that’s a 2 way street. None of these trade rumors or proposals are even in the realm of consideration when he’s under contract 2 more seasons..

[BigO]

The legs of this deal seem decent...

Team X gets:
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Bucks get:
Trey Murphy
Tidjane Salaun
Josh Green
Grant Williams
4th Overall Pick
7th Overall Pick
Their '26 and '27 picks returned

Hornets get:
Zion Williamson

Pelicans get:
(Insert Team X Package Here worth Murphy, Zion, 7 and the Bucks picks)

Horrible.

[Matches Malone]

Giannis was apparently in San Fran yesterday for a Google/tech event. No idea if that means he flew back today and/or if the meeting was scheduled for today or tomorrow. My guess is tomorrow or Friday.

He was in San Fran for the google event and what's funny about that is you have reporters like Sam Amick of the Athletic going on Rich Eisen talking about Giannis saying how close he is to him and saying, "I believe he's back in Greece right now." Just goes to show most of these reporters have no clue what he's up to and just going on TV saying whatever.

Watch on YouTube

[jakecronus8]

The legs of this deal seem decent...

Team X gets:
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Bucks get:
Trey Murphy
Tidjane Salaun
Josh Green
Grant Williams
4th Overall Pick
7th Overall Pick
Their '26 and '27 picks returned

Hornets get:
Zion Williamson

Pelicans get:
(Insert Team X Package Here worth Murphy, Zion, 7 and the Bucks picks)

Horrible.

Team X doesn't work for me. Why wouldn't NO cut Milwaukee out of the deal and just work with Charlotte directly while keeping our picks if that package was available?

[NYG]

The legs of this deal seem decent...

Team X gets:
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Bucks get:
Trey Murphy
Tidjane Salaun
Josh Green
Grant Williams
4th Overall Pick
7th Overall Pick
Their '26 and '27 picks returned

Hornets get:
Zion Williamson

Pelicans get:
(Insert Team X Package Here worth Murphy, Zion, 7 and the Bucks picks)

Horrible.

Team X doesn't work for me. Why wouldn't NO cut Milwaukee out of the deal and just work with Charlotte directly while keeping our picks if that package was available?

Spurs get:
Giannis Antetokounmpo

-Gives: Stephon Castle, Jeremy Sochan, Harrison Barnes, Keldon Johnson, 2nd Overall Pick, 14th Overall Pick, 2027 Unprotected Hawks 1st, 2029 Unprotected Spurs 1st and 3031 Earlier of Kings/Spurs 1st

Bucks get:
Trey Murphy III
Jeremy Sochan
Tidjane Salaun
Josh Green
4th Overall
7th Overall
2026 Bucks Pick Swap Returned
2027 Unprotected Milwaukee Bucks First Round Draft Pick Returned
2027 Unprotected Atlanta Hawks First Round Draft Pick

-Gives: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Hornets get:
Zion Williamson

-Gives: Grant Williams, Tidjane Salaun, Josh Green and 4th Overall Pick

Pelicans get:
Stephon Castle
Keldon Johnson
Harrison Barnes
Grant Williams
2nd Overall Draft Pick
14th Overall Draft Pick
2029 Unprotected San Antonio Spurs First Round Draft Pick
Earlier of 2031 Kings/Spurs First Round Draft Pick

-Gives: Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, 7th Overall Pick, 2026 Bucks Swap Returned and 2027 Unprotected Bucks 1st

Does that make it better?

[RiotPunch]

Horrible.

Team X doesn't work for me. Why wouldn't NO cut Milwaukee out of the deal and just work with Charlotte directly while keeping our picks if that package was available?

Spurs get:
Giannis Antetokounmpo

-Gives: Stephon Castle, Jeremy Sochan, Harrison Barnes, Keldon Johnson, 2nd Overall Pick, 14th Overall Pick, 2027 Unprotected Hawks 1st, 2029 Unprotected Spurs 1st and 3031 Earlier of Kings/Spurs 1st

Bucks get:
Trey Murphy III
Jeremy Sochan
Tidjane Salaun
Josh Green
4th Overall
7th Overall
2026 Bucks Pick Swap Returned
2027 Unprotected Milwaukee Bucks First Round Draft Pick Returned
2027 Unprotected Atlanta Hawks First Round Draft Pick

-Gives: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Hornets get:
Zion Williamson

-Gives: Grant Williams, Tidjane Salaun, Josh Green and 4th Overall Pick

Pelicans get:
Stephon Castle
Keldon Johnson
Harrison Barnes
Grant Williams
2nd Overall Draft Pick
14th Overall Draft Pick
2029 Unprotected San Antonio Spurs First Round Draft Pick
Earlier of 2031 Kings/Spurs First Round Draft Pick

-Gives: Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, 7th Overall Pick, 2026 Bucks Swap Returned and 2027 Unprotected Bucks 1st

Does that make it better?

In this scenario we would just take the Spurs deal if Castle/#2/#14/ATL picks are being offered.

[NYG]

Team X doesn't work for me. Why wouldn't NO cut Milwaukee out of the deal and just work with Charlotte directly while keeping our picks if that package was available?

Spurs get:
Giannis Antetokounmpo

-Gives: Stephon Castle, Jeremy Sochan, Harrison Barnes, Keldon Johnson, 2nd Overall Pick, 14th Overall Pick, 2027 Unprotected Hawks 1st, 2029 Unprotected Spurs 1st and 3031 Earlier of Kings/Spurs 1st

Bucks get:
Trey Murphy III
Jeremy Sochan
Tidjane Salaun
Josh Green
4th Overall
7th Overall
2026 Bucks Pick Swap Returned
2027 Unprotected Milwaukee Bucks First Round Draft Pick Returned
2027 Unprotected Atlanta Hawks First Round Draft Pick

-Gives: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Hornets get:
Zion Williamson

-Gives: Grant Williams, Tidjane Salaun, Josh Green and 4th Overall Pick

Pelicans get:
Stephon Castle
Keldon Johnson
Harrison Barnes
Grant Williams
2nd Overall Draft Pick
14th Overall Draft Pick
2029 Unprotected San Antonio Spurs First Round Draft Pick
Earlier of 2031 Kings/Spurs First Round Draft Pick

-Gives: Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, 7th Overall Pick, 2026 Bucks Swap Returned and 2027 Unprotected Bucks 1st

Does that make it better?

In this scenario we would just take the Spurs deal if Castle/#2/#14/ATL picks are being offered.

So I guess Pelicans and Hornets make their own deal and Spurs and Bucks make their own deal