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Bucks Should Only Remotely Consider 2 Giannis Trade Options

Originally posted on The Lead | By Parker Dowling | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 6:06 PM ET

With Giannis Antetokounmpo reportedly open-minded about exploring whether his best long-term fit is remaining in Milwaukee or playing elsewhere, the Bucks’ front office faces a tough decision this summer.

Of course, the ideal scenario is to keep your international superstar and MVP. And while all 29 NBA teams would line up for his services, the Bucks should only remotely consider two of these based on how the 2025 NBA Draft lottery unfolded.

Option 1: Dallas Mavericks trade No. 1 pick, veterans for Giannis

The Dallas Mavericks struck gold with their 1.8% draft lottery odds.

In doing so, they may have the most attractive Giannis trade option for the Bucks— potential generational prospect, Cooper Flagg.

Mavs get: Giannis Antetokounmpo, 2025 second-round pick (No. 47 via DET)
Bucks get: 2025 No. 1 pick (Cooper Flagg), Klay Thompson, PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively, 2026 first-round pick, 2029 first-round pick (via LAL), 2030 second-round pick (via PHI), 2031 first-round pick swap

This deal provides the Bucks with draft stability and a complete retooling of veterans to surround Cooper Flagg, giving him minimal pressure to start his career. Dallas gets their championship reload with a stout defensive frontcourt of Giannis and Anthony Davis, paired with a fully recovered Kyrie Irving.

Oh, and Giannis and Jason Kidd are reunited.

Jason Kidd told @RamonaShelburne he found out he was being fired from Giannis Antetokounmpo, who Kidd said called to warn him and ask if there was a way to save his job. pic.twitter.com/QwXjYa8HKx

— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) January 23, 2018

Option 2: Spurs trade No. 2 pick and Stephon Castle for Giannis

With the Spurs jumping up to No. 2 in the draft, it presents them with the other appealing package to land Giannis.

Spurs get: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Bucks get : Stephon Castle, Harrison Barnes, Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan, 2025 No. 2 overall pick, 2027 first-round pick (via ATL), three 2028 second-round picks (via SAS, MIN, NOP), 2029 first-round pick

The Spurs should be aggressively shopping Stephon Castle and their No. 2 overall pick, which, in nearly every mock draft, is Rutgers guard Dylan Harper.

Combined with an array of forwards in Harrison Barnes, Keldon Johnson and Jeremy Sochan, the mix of youth with upside and experienced vets could be enough to catch the eye of Jon Horst.

The Bucks’ new pair of guards in Castle and Harper has unlimited potential to grow into superstars together, creating a dynamic backcourt that could lead the Bucks back to the top.

For the Spurs, pairing Victor Wembanyama with Giannis and veteran guards like De’Aaron Fox and Chris Paul would propel the Spurs once again into championship contention.

Keeping Giannis in Milwaukee Should Remain the Priority

Of course, the best-case scenario for the Bucks is to keep Giannis in Milwaukee, which he continues to troll other fanbases about.

Life is more fun that way https://t.co/VPOlPk3Y0q

— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) May 19, 2025

However, if that can’t happen, these packages are the only two the Bucks should remotely consider to appease a fanbase losing their franchise G.O.A.T.

This article first appeared on The Lead and was syndicated with permission.

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