An October Giannis trade idea

[DrModesty]

Trade is between the Bucks and Hawks. It assumes Giannis is open to being traded of course. Ever since the draft day trade between Atlanta and NOP I have felt that this has become the most intuitive landing spot for Giannis.

The reason I say October is because 3 months need to pass for the recently signed guys to be movable.

Hawks OUT : Bucks IN

Jalen Johnson
Dyson Daniels
Luke Kennard
2026 best of NOP/MIL 1st
2027 lesser of NOP/MIL 1st (protected 1-4)

Hawks IN : Bucks OUT

Giannis Antetekounmpo
Gary Harris
Taurean Prince

Why?

Atlanta: They bring in a legitimate superstar in Giannis during a time where the East is ripe for the picking, and who matches up strongly against the biggest current western conference threat in OKC. Trae is an elite ball handler who can set Giannis up and also take on closing/half court responsibilities. Porzingis is a stretch 5 which pairs well with Giannis' shooting weaknesses. Atlanta would still have assets they can move next off season to change the make up of the team depending on how the year plays out. Atlanta will still be surrounding Trae with good defenders as Giannis takes Johnsons spot at PF and NAW replaces Daniels at SG. Prince and Harris help with depth as rotation vets because a 3 for 1 trade would leave Atlanta with a very thin bench for the upcoming season. Assumedly Trae would be thrilled with the organization making this move too.

Milwaukee: Johnson and Daniels should fit as 2 long term starters for the next iteration of the Bucks and provide a level of 'sure thing' in the return. Jalen Johnson is a player with star upside and is only 23 years old. I don't think he projects to be more than an All star, but he is a player of significance who has been improving. Dyson Daniels is also young (22) and improving. He might have significant untapped potential as a lead ball handler, but at a minimum can be a versatile player that you can put on the oppositions lead perimeter ball handler. Kennard is mostly salary filler, but his shooting would be good with the other 2 players Atlanta are sending the Bucks. Turner and Portis as shooting bigs also pair well with them, as the biggest weakness of Johnson and Daniels is their 3 point shooting.

Beyond this, the Bucks would be getting a very high value pick in the upcoming draft. They are already going to get the worse of the two, so if they end up in line to get both it could be a franchise rejuvenating draft. They would also have a significant chance at a lottery pick the following year as it is very unlikely that both their own and the NOP pick fall top 4 in the 2027 draft. The protections are a must as the pick goes to NOP if it falls in that range, meaning Atlanta can't unprotect it. The Bucks would also be doing right by Giannis if they traded him to Atlanta, which can help keep the relationship healthy in the long term.

I opted for Daniels instead of Risacher because the Bucks have miserable guard play and it is entirely possible that Risacher doesn't even end up being better than Daniels in the long run, though he is probably the higher value asset right now.

Giannis: He gets to stay in the East which bodes better for his chances at a championship. He would be on a team ready to contend immediately. He would have Trae to handle the ball in the half court. He would have the stretch 5 in Porzingis. It would be easier for him to convince players to come to Atlanta than an asset strapped Milwaukee. Atlanta is a very solid market with warm weather. Bringing a title to the Hawks would be a bigger legacy boost compared to Houston or San Antonio who are the other 2 teams that have trade packages that would interest the Bucks. He can more easily climb in the pantheon of Hawks players (especially bigs), compared to the 2 Texas teams as well. He would be giving the Bucks a good enough return that their fans can be hopeful for the future which helps him safeguard his status as a beloved Buck (especially as his leaving would be naturally compared to Kareem leaving).

[Buckfan76]

As a Bucks fan this trade I would not accept. If Giannis wants a trade and is open to ATL. It would need to be something like JJ, Z. Rischar, Daniels, both 26/27 MKE 1sts, and 2-3 other 1st rounds picks for Giannis, GTJ, & T.Prince.

I also think if Giannis wants out I can see the Spurs putting together a nice trade offer also.

[DrModesty]

As a Bucks fan this trade I would not accept. If Giannis wants a trade and is open to ATL. It would need to be something like JJ, Z. Rischar, Daniels, both 26/27 MKE 1sts, and 2-3 other 1st rounds picks for Giannis, GTJ, & T.Prince.

I also think if Giannis wants out I can see the Spurs putting together a nice trade offer also.

I am definitely open to Giannis costing more than what I put in the original post. But I think that Houston and San Antonio might give up on Giannis if the price gets too high because they have such promising futures without adopting the risk.

I also wonder how others view the parts of the Atlanta package vs the likely parts of a Houston/San Antonio package. For you specifically, what would San Antonio have to give up to beat the offer I put forward? If you want you can also tell me what San Antonio offer you think beats the Atlanta package you wrote including Risacher and the extra picks.

[Buckfan76]

As a Bucks fan this trade I would not accept. If Giannis wants a trade and is open to ATL. It would need to be something like JJ, Z. Rischar, Daniels, both 26/27 MKE 1sts, and 2-3 other 1st rounds picks for Giannis, GTJ, & T.Prince.

I also think if Giannis wants out I can see the Spurs putting together a nice trade offer also.

I am definitely open to Giannis costing more than what I put in the original post. But I think that Houston and San Antonio might give up on Giannis if the price gets too high because they have such promising futures without adopting the risk.

I also wonder how others view the parts of the Atlanta package vs the likely parts of a Houston/San Antonio package. For you specifically, what would San Antonio have to give up to beat the offer I put forward? If you want you can also tell me what San Antonio offer you think beats the Atlanta package you wrote including Risacher and the extra picks.

Spurs : Either Harper or Castle, K.Johnson, Barnes, J.Sochan, 4 1st round picks for Giannis, GTJ, & T. Prince

Houston: Sengun, Sheppard, J.Smith Jr., 3-4 1st round picks, maybe another player salary filler for Giannis, GTJ, & T.Prince.

I dont know if Houston would do it

[Village Idiot]

I can see Portland being a potential destination for Giannis that nobody has mentioned.

I think aquiring his best buddy Jrue Holiday might be part of that goal. Note that Portland has control over the Bucks picks from 28-30, the 28 Orlando unprotected pick and assuming they convey their pick to the Bulls next year, all their own picks.

Deni, Scoot, Thybulle (ending), Rob Will (ending) plus picks works.

[Ball4life32]

As a Bucks fan this trade I would not accept. If Giannis wants a trade and is open to ATL. It would need to be something like JJ, Z. Rischar, Daniels, both 26/27 MKE 1sts, and 2-3 other 1st rounds picks for Giannis, GTJ, & T.Prince.

I also think if Giannis wants out I can see the Spurs putting together a nice trade offer also.

I’d want him at certain price but wouldn’t give all for him. Way too much for me.

[Xman]

Giannis trade posts:
1- OP suggests a decent but not enough offer.
2- Milwaukee fan responds with “add your best player and four more firsts” or similar.
3- Someone adds post with SA and Houston overpay packages.

Pretty sure that is how every Giannis post goes.

[Scoot McGroot]

The reason I say October is because 3 months need to pass for the recently signed guys to be movable.

Kennard, Prince, and Harris are trade restricted until December 15.

http://www.cbafaq.com/salarycap17.htm#Q96

Generally a team only has to keep a player for three months after signing a contract or December 15 (1) of that season, whichever is later. This does not apply to draft picks, who can be traded 30 days after signing (even if signed using cap room in a later season -- see question number 49). For sign-and-trade transactions, the initial trade which completes the sign-and-trade obviously is allowed, even though it occurs right after the player is signed. The trade restriction in a sign-and-trade applies to the first subsequent trade.

(1) January 15 if the signing meets the Base Year Compensation criteria (see question number 93).

[jbk1234]

As a Bucks fan this trade I would not accept. If Giannis wants a trade and is open to ATL. It would need to be something like JJ, Z. Rischar, Daniels, both 26/27 MKE 1sts, and 2-3 other 1st rounds picks for Giannis, GTJ, & T.Prince.

I also think if Giannis wants out I can see the Spurs putting together a nice trade offer also.

I am definitely open to Giannis costing more than what I put in the original post. But I think that Houston and San Antonio might give up on Giannis if the price gets too high because they have such promising futures without adopting the risk.

I also wonder how others view the parts of the Atlanta package vs the likely parts of a Houston/San Antonio package. For you specifically, what would San Antonio have to give up to beat the offer I put forward? If you want you can also tell me what San Antonio offer you think beats the Atlanta package you wrote including Risacher and the extra picks.

Spurs : Either Harper or Castle, K.Johnson, Barnes, J.Sochan, 4 1st round picks for Giannis, GTJ, & T. Prince

Houston: Sengun, Sheppard, J.Smith Jr., 3-4 1st round picks, maybe another player salary filler for Giannis, GTJ, & T.Prince.

I dont know if Houston would do it

J. Smith has been extended. It'll be difficult to salary match with him in the trade.

[jbk1234]

I can see Portland being a potential destination for Giannis that nobody has mentioned.

I think aquiring his best buddy Jrue Holiday might be part of that goal. Note that Portland has control over the Bucks picks from 28-30, the 28 Orlando unprotected pick and assuming they convey their pick to the Bulls next year, all their own picks.

Deni, Scoot, Thybulle (ending), Rob Will (ending) plus picks works.

I don't think the Dame trade, which sent Jrue out, gets made without Giannis getting consulted.

[jowglenn]

I don't know about the exact details but I do really like Atlanta as a Giannis destination. They've got the 2026 MIL 1st, which MIL would love to get back if they're trading away Giannis and having a tank year. Trae Young seems like a great pairing with Giannis. Whether Risacher is included (probably should be) or how many 1sts are there (might need to add a couple more) the overall concept is solid.

[Village Idiot]

I can see Portland being a potential destination for Giannis that nobody has mentioned.

I think aquiring his best buddy Jrue Holiday might be part of that goal. Note that Portland has control over the Bucks picks from 28-30, the 28 Orlando unprotected pick and assuming they convey their pick to the Bulls next year, all their own picks.

Deni, Scoot, Thybulle (ending), Rob Will (ending) plus picks works.

I don't think the Dame trade, which sent Jrue out, gets made without Giannis getting consulted.

I asked Gemini: did Milwaukee consult Giannnis before trading Holiday for Lillard?

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Reports indicate that the Milwaukee Bucks' General Manager, Jon Horst, did not consult Giannis Antetokounmpo directly before making the trade that sent Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers (as part of the multi-team deal that brought Damian Lillard to Milwaukee).

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Horst intentionally did not involve Giannis in the decision because of the strong relationship and "reverence" Giannis and the organization had for Holiday. He didn't want to put the burden of approving or disapproving Holiday's departure on Giannis' conscience.

Giannis himself later expressed that while he understood the business side of the NBA, trading his "best friend" Jrue Holiday, with whom he won a championship and "cried together," was tough. However, he also publicly stated his support for Lillard as his teammate.

[kobe_vs_jordan]

Think bucks waiving Dame mean they are dedicated to giving the next two seasons a go. Bucks season would have to be lottery bound for them to want to consider trading Giannis this year.

[jayjaysee]

I am definitely open to Giannis costing more than what I put in the original post. But I think that Houston and San Antonio might give up on Giannis if the price gets too high because they have such promising futures without adopting the risk.

I also wonder how others view the parts of the Atlanta package vs the likely parts of a Houston/San Antonio package. For you specifically, what would San Antonio have to give up to beat the offer I put forward? If you want you can also tell me what San Antonio offer you think beats the Atlanta package you wrote including Risacher and the extra picks.

Spurs : Either Harper or Castle, K.Johnson, Barnes, J.Sochan, 4 1st round picks for Giannis, GTJ, & T. Prince

Houston: Sengun, Sheppard, J.Smith Jr., 3-4 1st round picks, maybe another player salary filler for Giannis, GTJ, & T.Prince.

I dont know if Houston would do it

J. Smith has been extended. It'll be difficult to salary match with him in the trade.

I don’t think it will be since Milwaukee has so much tax space.

Not saying the Bucks or Rockets should do the trade.. just that it’s legal due to the size of Giannis’ contract.

[jayjaysee]

Duplicates..

[jayjaysee]

No reason to delay this trade through the regular season if Giannis demands out.

Make it Newell and Kobe instead of Luke. Make it Risacher if needed. Figure out the fifth starter later using part of the TPE..

[LarsV8]

I think the Bucks have probably bought themselves another year with the aggressive offseason moves they made.

I don't think it will ultimately change very much, and probably makes things worse for them long term, but you never know.

Spurs : Either Harper or Castle, K.Johnson, Barnes, J.Sochan, 4 1st round picks for Giannis, GTJ, & T. Prince

Houston: Sengun, Sheppard, J.Smith Jr., 3-4 1st round picks, maybe another player salary filler for Giannis, GTJ, & T.Prince.

I dont know if Houston would do it

And bravo to San Antonio for successfully marketing Castle as having this kind of value.

[facothomas22]

Don't see a rush from the Bucks prospective to accept the trade as is. While I'm expecting the Pelicans pick to be a high pick, the value difference between the 1st/2nd pick and 6-10th pick is quite massive and the Bucks won't know where the pick will land until May of next year. This is quite likely 2-3 1st round picks and Zaccharie Risacher short from the Bucks accepting this.

[PistolPeteJR]

As a Bucks fan this trade I would not accept. If Giannis wants a trade and is open to ATL. It would need to be something like JJ, Z. Rischar, Daniels, both 26/27 MKE 1sts, and 2-3 other 1st rounds picks for Giannis, GTJ, & T.Prince.

I also think if Giannis wants out I can see the Spurs putting together a nice trade offer also.

I am definitely open to Giannis costing more than what I put in the original post. But I think that Houston and San Antonio might give up on Giannis if the price gets too high because they have such promising futures without adopting the risk.

I also wonder how others view the parts of the Atlanta package vs the likely parts of a Houston/San Antonio package. For you specifically, what would San Antonio have to give up to beat the offer I put forward? If you want you can also tell me what San Antonio offer you think beats the Atlanta package you wrote including Risacher and the extra picks.

Spurs : Either Harper or Castle, K.Johnson, Barnes, J.Sochan, 4 1st round picks for Giannis, GTJ, & T. Prince

Houston: Sengun, Sheppard, J.Smith Jr., 3-4 1st round picks, maybe another player salary filler for Giannis, GTJ, & T.Prince.

I dont know if Houston would do it

The package you are suggesting from San Antonio << the ones you're suggesting from Houston and Atlanta. Milwaukee doesn't even consider the one from SA if Atlanta and Houston are putting those up.

[DrModesty]

No reason to delay this trade through the regular season if Giannis demands out.

Make it Newell and Kobe instead of Luke. Make it Risacher if needed. Figure out the fifth starter later using part of the TPE..

Good feedback. Adding Newell and Kobe instead of Kennard, plus a lightly protected (top 4) distant Hawks pick might be a more likely end point when push comes to shove.