Giannis Antetokounmpo was in the early stages of an MVP-caliber season before falling to the ground with a non-contact lower leg injury against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.
Antetokounmpo is set to undergo an MRI, but Head Coach Doc Rivers believes the Bucks' medical staff has ruled out an Achilles injury.
Interestingly, earlier that same Wednesday afternoon, a report had been released stating that Antetokounmpo had requested a trade from the team months prior during the offseason. Of course, it is highly unlikely he faked his injury, but there is no better time to indulge in Giannis trade rumors.
Of course, it is fun to speculate on the possibility of Giannis to many different teams, but Ryan Lucas, a Lakers specialist, has worked out a deal that lands Antetokounmpo with the Lakers in a two-team deal.
The Milwaukee Bucks would receive the expiring contracts of Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, and Gabe Vincent. They would also take on Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, Adou Thiero, and acquire four first-round pick swaps as well as a 2031 first, and a 2032 second-round pick.
The Los Angeles Lakers would get Antetokounmpo, Andre Jackson Jr., Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Amir Coffey, and Cole Anthony.
“Yes this trade is financially doable and CBA compliant after 12/15 to my understanding. Milwaukee would need to waive a player and LA would need to convert a two way to a standard contract,” Lucas said Wednesday.
Of course, Antetokounmpo getting traded is highly unlikely, especially to the Lakers. In this case, the Lakers would be able to hold on to their big three of Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, forming an all-time great team.
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