Bucks could swap Giannis Antetokounmpo for young core and picks in bonkers hypothetical

After showing interest in joining the New York Knicks late this past summer, Antetokounmpo has sparked speculation that he could be leaving Milwaukee in search of a new destination. Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley even suggested a bold trade scenario for how Giannis could exit the Bucks.

In Buckley’s trade scenario, the Milwaukee Bucks would deal Antetokounmpo to the Golden State Warriors, the Warriors would send Jimmy Butler to the Detroit Pistons, and Milwaukee would collect a mix of players and draft picks in return.

Here’s how Buckley’s suggestion breaks down:

Golden State Warriors receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Detroit Pistons receive: Jimmy Butler, 2030 second-round pick (from Golden State)

Milwaukee Bucks receive: Jaden Ivey, Brandin Podziemski, Isaiah Stewart, Tobias Harris, 2026 first-round pick (from Golden State), 2027 first-round pick swap (from Golden State), 2028 first-round pick (from Golden State), 2031 first-round pick swap (from Golden State), 2032 first-round pick (from Golden State).

Giannis Antetokounmpo going to the West Coast

The Bucks would secure a major return for their two-time MVP, bringing in Jaden Ivey, Brandin Podziemski, and Isaiah Stewart as foundational pieces. Each of these players offers high upside and could grow into central roles with the Bucks. While the team would face a temporary setback, the trade would launch a full-scale rebuild, giving Milwaukee a stockpile of draft picks and young talent to shape its future.

For the Golden State Warriors, the move makes perfect sense. Butler has contributed well during his stop in the Bay Area, but the opportunity to bring in a superstar like Antetokounmpo is too significant to turn down.

In a thin Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons have an opening for a hail mary. Cade Cunningham has established himself as a budding superstar, but the team still lacks consistent scoring beyond their former No. 1 overall pick. Bringing in Jimmy Butler would fill that void, even if it means moving on from promising players like Ivey and Stewart to make the deal happen.

“Should Milwaukee ever be forced into making an Antetokounmpo trade, it would immediately shift focus onto its future. Virtually every part of this transaction should help brighten the Bucks’ long-term outlook,” Buckley concluded.