The Milwaukee Bucks are coming off a very disappointing finish to their 2024-25 NBA season, falling short in the first round of the postseason. To add insult to injury, the team saw nine-time All-Star point guard Damian Lillard suffer a torn Achilles in Game 4 of the series.
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Due to this injury, Lillard is now expected to miss the majority of next season. This has put a direct spotlight on the future of All-NBA forward Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee.
Many have speculated that Antetokounmpo could ask for a trade out of the Bucks, and it may be in the best interest of Milwaukee to make it happen. Antetokounmpo has been the face of the franchise for a long time, but the team seems to be going nowhere contention-wise.
Due to all the trade rumors involving Antetokounmpo, the NBA staff at The Athletic put together some trade proposals for the star. One had Antetokounmpo being sent to the Philadelphia 76ers to team up with star center Joel Embiid.
Here is how the trade would break down:
Bucks get: Paul George, Jared McCain, 2025 first, 2028 first (via LA Clippers), 2029 pick swap (via LA Clippers), 2030 first
Sixers get: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images
While this deal would directly benefit the 76ers, it may not be enough for the Bucks to move Antetokounmpo. Unless Antetokounmpo specifically said he would only play for the 76ers, this deal seems a little low in terms of a return for the former MVP.
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Milwaukee would pick up a nice, young player in McCain, but taking on the heavy salary of Paul George would be a tough swallow. If the 76ers could improve this deal somehow, the Bucks may entertain it, especially because the draft picks incoming could be enticing for Milwaukee.
The two pick swaps with the Clippers could be interesting, considering that Los Angeles may not be competitive when they arrive. The Clippers are built on two aging stars, so this deal could net the Bucks a potential gold mine in picks.
If the 76ers want Antetokounmpo, they will likely have to part with star guard Tyrese Maxey. But unless they are willing to make that happen, Antetokounmpo will likely end up elsewhere if he is indeed moved this offseason.
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