Paul Pierce Floats Giannis Antetokounmpo For Chet Holmgren Trade Idea

In a recent episode of 'The Ticket & The Truth' podcast, NBA Hall of Famer Paul Pierce proposed a blockbuster trade scenario involving Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo and Oklahoma City Thunder sophomore Chet Holmgren. Pierce, recognizing the Bucks' early-season struggles and Giannis’ visible frustration with the team’s effort, suggested that Oklahoma City would be the ideal destination for the two-time MVP if Milwaukee decided to enter a rebuild.

"This will break the league, if this trade happens. If you can find a way to get Giannis to OKC. You know why? They got all the draft picks, they got young talent that you can trade for him. Like nobody can give you the assets that OKC can get you."

"If you saying Chet and draft picks for Giannis, I gotta really sit down." (15:00)

Pierce’s reasoning behind this ambitious trade idea is simple: Oklahoma City has an impressive stash of draft picks and young assets, including Holmgren, that could make for a compelling offer. The Thunder, led by budding superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, have accumulated a wealth of draft capital over recent years. Between 2025 and 2030, they hold as many as 15 potential first-round picks, including several from other teams.

Holmgren, the second overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, has shown flashes of star potential in his rookie season. Through nine games, he’s averaging 18.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks while shooting 51.9% from the field and an impressive 40.0% from three-point range. The 7-footer’s shooting and defensive versatility would make him an intriguing cornerstone for any rebuilding team, and pairing him with Milwaukee’s draft picks would provide the Bucks with both immediate and future assets.

Pierce also highlighted how Giannis’ presence could elevate the Thunder to contender status, allowing Gilgeous-Alexander to operate with less pressure. For the Thunder, acquiring Giannis would mean pairing Shai, an MVP-caliber guard, with one of the NBA's most dominant forwards, creating a dynamic duo with both offensive and defensive firepower.

While the idea of trading Holmgren may seem far-fetched, Pierce argues that Oklahoma City’s unique collection of assets could outshine any other team’s offer, even from big-market teams like the Miami Heat or Golden State Warriors, who also reportedly have interest in Antetokounmpo. 

The Bucks’ early-season performance has only fueled the speculation. Despite the team’s disappointing 2-7 start, Giannis has continued his dominant form, averaging an impressive 30.1 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists while shooting a remarkable 60.5% from the field. 

If Milwaukee doesn’t turn things around, a trade could become more than just a theoretical discussion. Giannis himself voiced concerns after a recent blowout loss to the Knicks, expressing frustration with his team’s lack of effort and warning that, if they don’t improve, they might face further defeats against top-tier opponents.

While Pierce’s trade idea remains hypothetical, it highlights the allure of Antetokounmpo for teams across the league. Oklahoma City, with its treasure trove of assets, might be the only team capable of pulling off a trade of this magnitude without sacrificing its entire core. Should Milwaukee decide to make a move, the Thunder could be in the best position to add the Greek Freak to their roster, creating a new powerhouse in the Western Conference.