Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

NBA Trade Idea Pairs Giannis Antetokounmpo With $251 Million All-Star

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ashish Mathur | Last updated May 23, 2025 3:36 PM ET

The 2025 playoffs were tough for the Milwaukee Bucks. Not only did the team lose to the Indiana Pacers in the first round in five games, but Damian Lillard also tore his left Achilles tendon in Game 4.

There's a chance Lillard could miss the entire 2025-26 season. That would leave Giannis Antetokounmpo without a true No. 2 scoring option.

The Bucks won the 2021 championship against the Phoenix Suns in six games. Antetokounmpo was named Finals MVP and it appeared Milwaukee was about to start a dynasty.

However, the Bucks have won only one postseason series since 2021 and Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton are no longer on the squad.

Holiday plays for the Boston Celtics, while Middleton is on the Washington Wizards.

Since Lillard could miss all of next season, Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report proposed that the Bucks trade Lillard and two future draft picks to the Suns for Bradley Beal. This trade idea can only happen if Beal approves the deal since he has a no-trade clause in his contract.

The Utah Jazz are involved in Buckley's trade idea as well:

Phoenix Suns Receive: Damian Lillard, Milwaukee's 2031 first-round pick, Milwaukee's 2031 second-round pick

Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Bradley Beal (no-trade clause)

Utah Jazz Receive: Chris Livingston, 2026 second-round pick (less favorable of Denver and Golden State, via Phoenix)

Beal appeared in 53 games for the Suns this season. He averaged 17.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 49.7% from the field, 38.6% from 3 and 80.3% from the free-throw line.

A three-time All-Star, Beal signed a massive five-year, $251 million contract with the Wizards in 2022. The shooting guard will make $53.7 million next season.

Beal turns 32 in June. He has career averages of 21.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 801 games with the Wizards and Suns.

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

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