Giannis Antetokounmpo Or Cooper Flagg: Who Should Lottery Teams Prioritize?

With the 2025 NBA Draft, lottery teams must choose between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Cooper Flagg. Deciding whether to trade or draft a player can be a tricky scenario for lottery teams. If not navigated correctly, it can turn into a disaster. It is enticing for a team to believe they can speed up their rebuilding process by acquiring a talent like Antetokounmpo. On the other hand, sometimes the less attractive option is building through the draft. Ultimately, it’s about identity and intention. Please ensure you know who you are and who you aspire to become.

Draft Lottery

The Dallas Mavericks won the first overall pick in the NBA draft lottery in a shocking turn. With less than a 2% chance, the Mavericks have earned the right to draft a potential talent such as Flagg. Dallas has also earned the opportunity to make a possible trade for Antetokounmpo. The draft lottery order for the top five is Dallas Mavericks first, San Antonio Spurs second, Philadelphia 76ers third, Charlotte Hornets fourth, and Utah Jazz fifth. Realistically, any of these top five teams could trade into the top spot for Flagg or make a trade for Antetokounmpo with their top pick.

What Team Benefits the Most From Cooper Flagg?

With the NBA Draft approaching, many teams are seeking to establish a foundation for success and a championship. Any lottery team could make a trade for the first overall pick, but we’ll focus on the top five teams. The Spurs, Hornets, and Jazz would all benefit from drafting Flagg, and it would still align with each team’s current timeline. All teams are rebuilding and need a young star to fit their core. Flagg would fit in seamlessly with the Spurs team, which has Victor Wembanyama, a once-in-a-generation talent, and Stephon Castle.

The Jazz would benefit from having Flagg as the star to build around. Still reeling from the Donovan Mitchell trade, the Jazz could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Charlotte could add Flagg to a young talent roster with LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, and Brandon Miller. Flagg would elevate the team on both sides of the ball and lighten the load for Ball. The 76ers and Mavericks are two teams with star power, and it will be easier for Flagg to grow and mature without having to carry the entire team’s load.

Who Benefits With Giannis Antetokounmpo?

There have been rumors that Dallas considered trading for Antetokounmpo a few years ago. In this situation, the Mavericks would benefit from trading for the former MVP, and they now have the best capital to make such a move. Adding him to an already good team that just got hit with the injury bug during the season would be exceptional. The 76ers, who signed Paul George in the offseason, could use the help with Joel Embiid’s continued health issues.

Antetokounmpo vs. Flagg

For the first time, reports have surfaced indicating that Antetokounmpo is uncertain about his future with the Milwaukee Bucks. The former MVP won the NBA title in 2021, but has not been able to replicate that success since that season. Flagg, who has been in the spotlight since high school, represents the future. At 6-foot-9, Flagg has a play style that resembles Kevin Durant. Antetokounmpo is a plug-and-play superstar who will help a team in win-now mode. At the same time, Flagg represents a rebuild timeline.

Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Flagg is the better option and a longer-term bet if your team is building towards the future. However, if you’re a player or two away from contention, Antetokounmpo is the shortcut to greatness. Ultimately, it’s about identity and intention.