While things seem grim, the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo have not divorced just yet. If what Giannis says is true, he's going to give the front office a chance to prove that they can make an assortment of changes to put this team back into contention. Swinging for the fences on a player like Kawhi Leonard to unite him with the Greek Freak would certainly fit the description.
Leonard could be the Milwaukee Bucks' next all-in move
There's a shot Kawhi Leonard could be available this summer. Per Marc Stein (subscription required), there is "growing anticipation" in NBA front offices that two or all of Giannis, Kawhi Leonard, and LeBron James could be on the move this summer. While LeBron certainly won't be making his way to Milwaukee, especially after he recently bashed the city, Leonard could make some sense.
After spending most of last season injured, Leonard has bounced back with arguably the best year of his NBA career. In 65 games, he's averaging 27.9 points (career-high), 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals while shooting 50.5 percent from the floor. Even at 34 years old, he's still a two-way threat who could tip the needle for a contender.
The Milwaukee Bucks would love to pair him with Giannis. On top of finally finding an answer to their glaring wing depth problem, Milwaukee would form one of the best two-way duos in the association. With both players healthy and a new coach leading the way, the Bucks could bounce back in a big way next season.
Bucks are no strangers to big swing trades in Giannis era
Swinging for the home run move is something the Bucks are used to. When Giannis' future with the franchise was in doubt in 2019 and 2023, Milwaukee responded by making blockbuster moves for Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard, showing they were willing to field a contender around him. Now, if they want him to commit once more, they will have to make another big move.
Contrary to popular belief, the Milwaukee Bucks will actually have a solid asset stash to use in trades this summer. Above all else, they will have three tradeable first-rounders to use. It's debatable whether they'd be wise to move those valuable picks on an aging veteran like Kawhi, but given the team's history, it's not out of the realm of possibility that they would go for broke once again.
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