The NBA is becoming a more multinational league. Look about you. The league’s reigning MVP was not born in the United States.
The runner-up for the prize was also not. The league is brimming with foreign superstars. The Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the biggest of them all.
His future in Milwaukee has recently been called into doubt. Antetokounmpo has made statements implying that he may leave the Bucks if he does not believe they are in a position to compete. Bucks fans should be concerned. This team must do all in its ability to retain Antetokounmpo in town.
What if they are unable to? If Antetokounmpo requests a trade, he will have many suitors. He’s one of the top players in the NBA, and many clubs would want to have him. What about the NBA’s sole non-American team? Here’s a trade that would send Antetokounmpo to the Toronto Raptors.
The Trade Proposal
Is the United States of America still the undisputed basketball superpower? The latest FIBA tournament results imply different. The United States was not even awarded a medal. Is their reign as the dominating international basketball power coming to an end?
We’d never go that far. It’s fair to assume that America did not send their strongest squad to the competition. They, too, may have committed errors. Walker Kessler should have been a bigger part of their starting rotation. Only the United States can field a whole squad of NBA players from top to bottom.
The international community is also banging on their door. Countries from all around the globe may field formidable teams. Canada is no exception; they were able to place in FIBA. Should the Bucks really move Antetokounmpo north?
Why The Milwaukee Bucks Do The Deal
No way if they can help it. The Bucks are not eager to part ways with Antetokounmpo. We’re working under the guise that he’s asked for a swap here. The Bucks’ hands will be forced in that case. In that case, this is a nice return.
Scottie Barnes is the featured artist. The Bucks might sign their franchise player soon after losing their previous one here. That is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Barnes has the potential to be a similarly dominating two-way wing to Antetokounmpo in a matter of years. Trent Jr., meanwhile, is a strong young player to add to a rebuilding team.
Could the Bucks acquire further draft capital for Antetokounmpo elsewhere? Yes. However, clubs such as the Oklahoma City Thunder and the New York Knicks do not have a young talent like Barnes to offer (if the Thunder do not make Shai Gilgeous-Alexander available). Meanwhile, Milwaukee may trade for more valued veterans in exchange for first-round selections elsewhere. This is all about obtaining Barnes. Should the Raptors let him go?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
The Raptors will face new challenges as a result of this transaction. Some may refer to them as alternatives. The front court will be completely loaded. They’ll have to figure out what works best for them over time.
The Raptors have the ability to play giant ball. Consider a frontcourt of Jakob Poeltl, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Pascal Siakam, with OG Anunoby at the 2. How do you score against that kind of lineup? Alternatively, the Raptors may shift Poeltl and play Antetokounmpo as a full-time 5 to produce the league’s most agile and versatile defender. The options are unlimited here.
They’re also effectively irrelevant. The Raptors have made a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Antetokounmpo is sure to love Toronto’s diversity, since it has the greatest Greek population of any NBA city. Despite an infusion of foreign talent, Antetokounmpo continues to be one of the finest non-American players we’ve ever seen.