Match made in heaven? Giannis Antetokounmpo trade to Cavaliers would be win-win

Enter Cleveland. A legit, but struggling title contender desperately needing to take advantage of the Donovan Mitchell experience before Spida reaches his expiration.

Cleveland could pair the Greek Freak with Mitchell to form what would be the top tandem in the East, and arguably, the entire NBA. A Giannis-Mitchell pick-and-roll would be lethal enough to keep opposing players from sleeping soundly the night before tipping off with these Cavs.

The biggest factor preventing a Cavaliers-Giannis Antetokounmpo trade

Now the hard part.

Giannis, 31, makes $54.1 million this season. He’s under contract for $58.5 million in 2026-27 and has a player option for $62.8 million the following season, which he'll likely opt into.

Trading for Antetokounmpo would require the Cavs to ship out even more salary than Giannis is owed, considering Cleveland is a “second apron” team. Without getting too far into the tax weeds, the Cavs' high-priced roster comes with a massive tax bill, which limits who they can sign and trade for.

Any trade the Cavs make for Giannis would have to include 24-year-old All-Star Evan Mobley, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. He’s making more than $46 million this season, is already a superstar and is seven years younger than Giannis. Cleveland would also need to include key rotational pieces. Likely at least two of the following: Jarrett Allen, De’Andre Hunter, Max Strus or even two-time All-Star Darius Garland.

That’s massive compensation, both player and salary-wise. Of course, Cleveland would likely incur further tax penalties for making such a league-shifting move.

And it would all be worth it — for both teams.

As it stands, this Cavs team is not championship material and wouldn't be able to beat the Thunder. That dream becomes at least somewhat of a reality if Giannis swaps one Midwest city for another.

He’s that good.

Although it would cost Cleveland a younger star than Giannis (Mobley) who makes less money (for now) and plays the same position, you simply can’t put a price tag on winning a championship.

One Cleveland title, which is more likely with Giannis in The Land, would far outweigh several seasons of high-priced early playoff exits courtesy of a roster populated by numerous All-Stars who have underachieved.

The Bucks would receive at least one All-Star, get younger and position themselves to move from the basement to — at least — the family room.

It’s time for Giannis to get his Freak on in Cleveland.