In the latest round of NBA rumors, since the San Antonio Spurs are missing Jeremy Sochan, Devin Vassell, and Tre Jones due to injuries, the Western Conference team could reportedly make a blockbuster trade with the Milwaukee Bucks. However, one player Milwaukee has no desire to trade is two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“It is understood quite clearly in 29 other front offices that Antetokounmpo is only ever going to be made available for trade if he pushes for it,” wrote NBA insider Marc Stein.
Giannis Antetokounmpo would have to ask the Milwaukee Bucks for a trade to end up with the San Antonio Spurs
Considering Stein’s report on Antetokounmpo, this means everyone else on Milwaukee’s roster is on the trade block. Still, the Greek Freak wanting out is a possibility that shouldn’t go overlooked by contending teams. After all, the Bucks are just 4-8 this season under head coach Doc Rivers.
In a recent mock trade, Michael Saenz of FanSided proposed the Bucks sending Brook Lopez, AJ Johnson, and a 2031 pick swap to the Spurs for Keldon Johnson. Dating back to the offseason, San Antonio has been pushing to add a big man like Lopez to build one of the best defensive frontcourts in the league.
"I don't think help is on the way through the trade market. … They called pretty much the whole league." 😳 @WindhorstESPN on what the 2-6 Bucks are doing behind the scenes to improve their team 👀 pic.twitter.com/2YuavjEsRI
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 8, 2024
Lopez, 36, is in the final season of his two-year, $48 million contract. The 7-foot-1 center can space the floor and serve as a veteran leader for Wembanyama. A Spurs team with rising stars could be the perfect fit.
Then there’s AJ Johnson, who turns 20 on Dec. 1 and is an unproven rookie guard. San Antonio selected him 23rd overall, but he has only played in four games off the bench this season.
San Antonio could make a blockbuster trade to acquire either Damian Lillard or Brook Lopez
With Saenz’s trade proposal, if the Spurs swap picks with the Bucks in 2031, Giannis will be 37 years old by then, making that selection potentially valuable.
Antetokounmpo is in the final season of a five-year, $228.2 million contract extension. His upcoming three-year, $175.36 million deal begins next season.
If San Antonio decides to trade Johnson, they might demand a draft pick that’s closer to converting instead of waiting seven years.
Instead of trading Antetokounmpo, another idea for the Bucks is moving Damian Lillard. Per Spotrac, Lillard is owed $48.78 million this season and $112.58 million over the next two seasons.
The maximum veteran contract extension he signed with Portland in 2022 includes a $58.45 million player option for 2026-27. Dame would improve San Antonio’s backcourt, but the Bucks would likely ask for a ridiculous package in return.
If the Spurs had to decide between Lillard and Lopez, the latter seems to be the more feasible option.
