If the Orlando Magic make a run at Giannis Antetokounmpo, who may or may not be available in the coming months, Paolo Banchero is one piece that would return to the Milwaukee Bucks. Following a devastating loss in the NBA Playoffs, Orlando's odds of star-chasing shot up mightily, and they may be one of the teams at the forefront of any Giannis trade discussions.
Magic have some interesting pieces to offer Bucks
Orlando has indeed already reportedly expressed interest in the Greek Freak. Per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, they were lurking at this past NBA Trade Deadline. It's unclear how much interest they might have shown in the two-time MVP, but given that Magic senior advisor John Hammond drafted Giannis to the Bucks initially, there's plenty of reason to believe there were conversations.
If the Milwaukee Bucks do field offers for their star this summer, the Magic could put together one of the more intriguing offers. While they don't have much draft capital after the Desmond Bane trade—a likely roadblock in any deal—pieces like Paolo Banchero, Anthony Black, and Tristan da Silva are nice conversation starters, at the very least.
Banchero would be the centerpiece of any Giannis deal, bringing the 2022 top overall pick to the 414. Throughout his three seasons, Banchero has secured an All-Star nod and was the Rookie of the Year. At 23, he still has plenty of room to grow and become one of the best in the business. By himself, the forward isn't enough to get a Giannis deal done, but he is one of the more compelling pieces.
Banchero could be Bucks' next centerpiece
The young forward has star potential written all over him, which he continued to show throughout the NBA Playoffs. In fact, Banchero has been to the postseason all three years of his career, and he's put up some captivating numbers. In 19 playoff matchups, he's averaging 27.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. At his age, that's incredibly impressive.
If, and only if, the Milwaukee Bucks are forced to trade their franchise icon, Banchero would be far from the worst building block to get in return. No one is saying he could become the next Giannis. That's a bold claim for anyone. However, there's no denying that he has the tools to be a star-level player at this level. Right now, he doesn't have a ceiling holding him back.
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