The more trade suitors that pop up for Giannis Antetokounmpo, the better for the Bucks' chances at a great return package. The Magic could be the latest team to throw their hat in the ring and drive up the price for acquiring Giannis, according to NBA Insider Marc Stein (subscription required). Orlando allegedly could have newfound interest in Giannis considering their new head coach's previous history with the Greek Freak in Milwaukee.
The Magic suddenly have deep ties to Giannis
The Magic made their first big change of the offseason by firing previous head coach Jamahl Mosley and hiring Sean Sweeney, despite Sweeney still serving on the Spurs staff. More importantly for the Bucks, Sweeney was previously an assistant coach for them during Giannis' formative years in the league. It was Sweeney who often worked late hours with Giannis to help him grow and win Most Improved Player in 2017.
Additionally, the Magic also employ John Hammond as a senior adviser. Hammond's name may ring a bell for Bucks fans who remember his as the general manager that originally drafted Giannis in 2013. With both Hammond and Sweeney now in leadership positions with the Magic, Giannis may feel more comfortable with the idea of playing there.
The Bucks' other offseason plans can't fully go into motion until they decide Giannis' fate. But Milwaukee's front office has been understandably hesitant to pull the trigger on a trade that doesn't offer an adequate return package. Hopefully the threat of trading him to the Magic can now drive up offers from other contenders and encourage the Magic themselves to offer a sizeable package too.
The Bucks must take advantage of the Magic's interest
Even if the Magic don't offer a great package themselves, their inclusion in the trade market could put extra pressure on other teams like the Heat and Blazers. Miami in particular may increase their offer to keep Giannis away from their local rival. In that way, Orlando's rumored interest could single-handedly give the Bucks a chance to finally maximize their value from trading Giannis.
And the Magic themselves can entice the Bucks if they're willing to include one of their young star forwards in either Paolo Banchero or Franz Wagner. Packaging one of those players with picks and other prospects would be a solid haul, even for Giannis. The Bucks would be in a good spot for starting their rebuild with a core built around either Banchero or Wagner and Ryan Rollins, as well as incoming draft selections.
Considering the Magic's potential assets and connections to Giannis, other trade rivals must view them as a legitimate threat to make a blockbuster offer. Hopefully that will be enough to raise the leaguewide Giannis trade market.
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