If Giannis Antetokounmpo requests a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks, a looming possibility courtesy of some recent chatter, the San Antonio Spurs stand out as a perfect partner. However, the question that could nip this idea in the bud is whether Giannis would be willing to go there or would prefer to handpick his landing spot.
Bucks, Spurs could come to a deal quickly if Giannis says yes
Speaking on ESPN, Brian Windhorst said the following about Giannis: "It'll be Giannis instructing the Bucks where he wants to be traded and the Bucks trying to make the best possible deal with that team." If that is the case, the New York Knicks stand above the rest of the pack, as they were the one team Giannis reportedly entertained going to this past summer.
There's one problem with that. New York's best offer still can't hold a candle to some of the packages other teams can pitch. The Bucks cannot afford to do Giannis a solid and take a lesser offer just to be nice. One such team that could satisfy the Bucks is the San Antonio Spurs, who have a boatload of players and draft picks that should entice Milwaukee.
Player-wise, the Bucks should be after a young player who could eventually become a centerpiece, ala Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the Paul George trade. Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper certainly fit that description. Sticking with that trade, the Spurs also have a handful of picks they could trade to set the Bucks up for years to come as they inevitably retool post-Giannis.
Meanwhile, even if he's not in the Big Apple, Giannis could still compete in San Antonio. They won't be giving up rising phenom Victor Wembanyama or De'Aaron Fox. The size, speed, and athleticism those three possess would instantly make them one of the NBA's most formidable trios, giving the Spurs a chance to compete with the dominant OKC Thunder.
Currently, it's still too early to tell where things are going. Giannis could very well reaffirm his desire to remain in Milwaukee and squash this trade chatter. That's what he's done every single time in recent years. However, this time, there feels like a true disconnect. From the coaching to the energy that the team has displayed this year, things are messy. Can they recover? Yes. Will they? No clue.
For now, the entire NBA is ready to call Milwaukee the second a trade request is confirmed. The one team that makes plenty of sense for all parties is the San Antonio Spurs.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.