The Milwaukee Bucks sure know what it's like to have their backs up against the wall when it comes to Giannis Antetokounmpo's uncertain future. In past years, this uncertainty has led to massive trades in 2020 and 2023 for Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard, respectively. Now, with the chatter as loud as it's ever been, Milwaukee's front office may have to dream big once again. Here is an option.
Why the Bucks do it
If they want Giannis to stay, the Milwaukee Bucks need to prove to him that they have the pieces to contend. Pushing for a former All-Star and a forward who could very well be on his way there soon would certainly be an interesting play. The Bucks would still need to fill out the rest of the roster, but having those two could certainly be appealing to the Greek Freak.
Morant is coming off an injury-riddled year, but he could be the type of buy-low player that bounces back in a big way next year. He is still young and could regain his status as one of the flashiest guards in the game today. Murphy has the potential to fill a gap left in the absence of Khris Middleton as a smooth scoring wing who can take pressure off Giannis Antetokounmpo nightly.
Why the Grizzlies do it
The relationship between Morant and the Grizzlies has seemingly been deteriorating for some time now, especially as the team flirted with trading him last season. If they do decide to start over and make whoever they draft third overall the franchise centerpiece, they should look to move Morant and seek a package similar to what the Atlanta Hawks netted for Trae Young last season.
Sure, this isn't the flashiest trio. Yet, Kuzma is a veteran who could be good for this young Memphis team, especially considering his contract is expiring. Bobby Portis is still a productive big man who could be kept or flipped down the line for more assets. Missi is a former first-round pick who is still just 21 years old and has room to grow. If moving Morant is the goal, there are worse deals.
Why the Pelicans do it
While Derik Queen is certainly on the rise, the Pelicans had plenty of questions in the frontcourt this past season. If they want one of the most established two-way centers in the game, bringing in Myles Turner would be justifiable. Even if they end up not wanting him, they could move him to another team to stack more assets after this trade with Milwaukee.
The picks attached to Turner are also both desirable. The Pelicans would have a boatload of talent to choose from at 10th overall in this coming draft, and if Giannis were to leave, that 2031 first becomes an incredibly valuable asset. With a team that needs changes, this could be the type of move that the franchise needs to switch gears and try something different.
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