Surprise Team Has Key Advantage in Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Sweepstakes

Giannis has made it clear, based on his loyalty to Milwaukee, that he doesn't mind playing in a less-than-flashy market. That, however, is not Detroit's overlooked advantage.

The Pistons can match Antetokounmpo's massive salary in a trade and not give the Bucks a single bad contract in return, allowing them immediate youth and flexibility. 

Full Mock Trade Details:

• Pistons receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo

• Bucks receive: Tobias Harris, Jaden Ivey, Ron Holland, Marcus Sasser, first-round picks in 2027, 2029, 2031, first-round pick swap in 2030 (can also include Ausar Thompson if needed)

"Slotting him alongside Cade Cunningham creates the ideal one-two punch," wrote Bleacher Report's Dan Favale. "Between those two, the Pistons have their defensive anchor, first and second offensive scoring options and No. 1 and No. 2 playmakers."

A lineup of Cunningham, Malik Beasley, Giannis, Jalen Duren, and ideally Thompson is deadly on both sides of the court, and Isaiah Stewart could be a better frontcourt fit than Duren.

"Their best offer is further boosted by the total and complete absence of bad money they would send to Milwaukee," Favale pointed out. "Every contract on their books is either cheap or short-term."

In our proposed mock trade, every player included will either be a free agent after next season or is still on their rookie deal, allowing the Bucks to sign free agents next summer and build with their newfound youth while the Pistons chase titles in a weak Eastern Conference.