Bucks land $150 million building block in Giannis Antetokounmpo mock trade

Kevin McCormick

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Bucks land $150 million building block in Giannis Antetokounmpo mock trade image

Since their shocking flurry of moves to kick off free agency, the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade discourse has only gotten louder. As people continue to speculate on the former MVP being moved, one framework has the Milwaukee Bucks securing a new dynamic talent to build around. 

The front office made a big splash this week by prying veteran big man Myles Turner away from the Indiana Pacers. Shortly after, they stunned the basketball world by deciding to waive-and-stretch All-Star guard Damian Lillard. This gives Giannis a new partner in the frontcourt, but no clear running mate to help him contend in the Eastern Conference. 

In a recent mock trade that surfaced online Thursday, the Bucks decide to move on from Giannis and send him to the Atlanta Hawks. The return is headlined by promising young forward Jalen Johnson and former No. 1 pick Zacchaire Risacher, along with one first-round pick and a pair of second-round picks. 

If the Bucks want a quick retool instead of a full-blown rebuild, a return like this could be enticing for them. Johnson has shown the potential of an All-Star-level talent, and Risacher made big strides during his first season in the NBA. This would give Milwaukee a pair of versatile forwards to build their roster around post-Giannis. 

Before getting injured last year, Johnson was well on his way to having a career year with the Hawks. Across 36 appearances, he averaged 18.9 PPG, 10.0 RPG, and 5.0 APG. As a big wing with the ability to fill the whole box score, there is no telling what his production could look like in a featured role. Acquiring Johnson would also be a long-term addition, as he is just starting a new five-year deal worth $150 million. 

As for Risacher, he ended his rookie season averaging 12.6 PPG and 3.6 RPG while shooting 35.5% from beyond the arc. He showed some nice flashes in year one, most notably erupting for 38 points in an April matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. 

Still in the early stages of free agency, Giannis remains committed to the Bucks as they attempt to put a contender around him.  

Kevin McCormick

Kevin McCormick is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. Since graduating from Holy Family University with a degree in Sports Management-Marketing, he has gone on to build a career in sports writing. He primarily covers the NBA but has experience writing about women's professional basketball. Over the years, Kevin has written bylines for 97.3 ESPN, ClutchPoints, Sports Illustrated/On SI and Sportskeeda.