Long-shot team could attempt to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo would draw trade interest from virtually every NBA team, though there are only a few he would realistically consider re-signing with. One of those long-shot teams, however, might make a real attempt to bring him in.

The Portland Trail Blazers have informed the Milwaukee Bucks that they have real interest in acquiring Antetokounmpo, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line. The team does accept that a deal is unlikely, and if they play a part in an Antetokounmpo trade, it will likely be as a third team to facilitate someone else getting him.

The Blazers are 23-26 this season and do not profile as a contender. The Bucks tried the Antetokounmpo-Damian Lillard combination unsuccessfully, so it is even more puzzling that the Blazers might try to do better with it. They also have former Bucks guard Jrue Holiday, but it makes for an aging core that does not have a long-term future together.

The Bucks have yet to decide whether they will even trade Antetokounmpo, and are essentially canvassing the market at this stage. A trade may be more likely in the offseason due to the complexity of such a transaction.

If Antetokounmpo is traded this week, one team is expected to have a leg up on the competition.