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NBA Writer Suggests the Bucks Trade Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Thunder

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated May 8, 2025 11:38 PM ET

No one knows the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo with the Milwaukee Bucks after a third first-round exit in the NBA playoffs. In the postseason, the Bucks barely fought back against the Indiana Pacers and had a 4-1 series defeat. On top of that, Antetokounmpo's co-star, Damian Lillard, suffered a season-ending torn left Achilles tendon.

Antetokounmpo recently signed a three-year, $175.3 million contract extension with the Bucks. Even with that, there is a belief around the league that the Greek Freak could force his way out of Milwaukee over the summer.

ESPN's Shams Charania already reported that the two-time MVP and the organization are set to discuss what's best for both sides.

Amid all that, senior NBA writer for Sports Illustrated Chris Mannix proposed a trade idea that would send Antetokounmpo to the West. Mannix thinks the nine-time All-Star could help out the Oklahoma City Thunder if they get eliminated by the Denver Nuggets in the semifinals.

The analyst proposed the Thunder could make a package around Jalen Williams, who earned his first All-Star nod this season. Together with Williams, Mannix thinks OKC could surround him with future draft picks.

"And if I’m Milwaukee, and I can choose between offers of Jalen Green [on the Rockets] and a bunch of good draft picks, and maybe all the draft picks that Oklahoma City has to offer, and Jalen Williams, who I think could be James Harden 2.0 like, I think if you give Jalen Williams room to blossom, he could be a superstar in this league," Mannix said in his recent appearance at "The Rich Eisen Show."

Having Williams as the main star for the Bucks could allow him to develop his game. The versatile player will have enough time in Milwaukee since Lillard won't be back in action until late next season.

Williams has shown flashes of his true potential in his third year. J-Dub averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.1 assists. The 23-year-old can also play multiple positions on both ends.

The Bucks have the entire summer to think about what to do with Antetokounmpo, depending on what he wants next for his career.

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

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