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Charles Barkley Drops Bold Bucks-Cooper Flagg Suggestion

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joshua Rosenblum | Last updated May 14, 2025 11:03 AM ET

In a recent episode of "Inside the NBA," Charles Barkley sparked controversy with a daring trade proposal involving the Milwaukee Bucks and the highly touted draft prospect Cooper Flagg.

Barkley suggested that if he were in Milwaukee's shoes, the first call he would make would be to the Dallas Mavericks, proposing a swap of Giannis Antetokounmpo for Flagg.

This idea comes at a time when the Bucks are contemplating their future, especially with Damian Lillard sidelined for much of the upcoming season.

Barkley's rationale hinges on the Bucks' potential to rebuild around Flagg, a player with immense potential but unproven at the NBA level.

He argued that with Lillard out, the Bucks could use the opportunity to secure draft picks and young talent, positioning themselves for a lottery pick in the following year.

This strategy, Barkley believes, would allow the Bucks to start a fresh rebuild with Flagg as a cornerstone.

Flagg would instantly bring rim protection and versatility to a Bucks team that struggled mightily on defense last season.

The former Duke standout can guard all positions 1-5 and also plays the game with tremendous fluidity on the offensive end.

The proposal has ignited debates among fans and analysts, with many questioning the wisdom of trading a proven superstar like Antetokounmpo for a rookie.

Barkley's bold suggestion underscores the high stakes and complex decisions facing the Bucks as they navigate their next steps in the ever-competitive NBA landscape.

Whether this idea gains traction remains to be seen, but it certainly has the basketball world talking.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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