The Milwaukee Bucks have been hounded by trade rumors all Summer surrounding superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
While they've done their best to appease him by acquiring new talent such as former Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner and bringing his brother, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, back into the fold, it still is not enough to consider the Bucks a top Eastern Conference contender.
If Antetokounmpo is serious about wanting to compete for a championship while he is still one of the best players in the world, he may have to push Milwaukee for a trade, even with two years remaining on his contract.
Bucks Trade Idea Ships Giannis to the Hawks, Creating New Eastern Conference Powerhouse
The Atlanta Hawks are a team projected to take a massive step forward in 2025-26, especially considering the current state of the Eastern Conference. If they want to ensure their ascension to the top of the East, they should take the massive swing and mortgage their future to acquire the two-time MVP.
Ethen Hutton of Sports Illustrated recently proposed a deal that would supply Milwaukee with a palatable return for the Greek Freak.
Milwaukee Bucks receive: Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher, 2026 first-round pick (MIL or NOP swap), 2029 first-round pick, 2032 first-round pick
Atlanta Hawks receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
"With a stockpile of draft capital and young, valuable players, Atlanta mortgages some of their future assets to put the team in title contention. Young is one of the top passers in the league and could instantly benefit with his new pick-and-roll partner." Wrote Hutton.
"With Young and Antetokounmpo leading the way, and a stout rotation to boot, the Hawks could instantly become one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference."
While Milwaukee would certainly miss their 2021 Finals MVP, the package of talented, young wings and draft capital that they don't have may be too much to pass up.
The Bucks' 2025-26 outlook remains relatively the same, as they aren't considered title contenders with or without Antetokounmpo. If they want to get a head start on the post-Giannis era, and not risk losing him for nothing in the Summer of 2027, they should start doing their due diligence on trades now.