The Milwaukee Bucks' season isn't over (yet), and Giannis Antetokounmpo may or may not play again, but the attention has already shifted to what could happen this offseason. The superstar's future was a topic of conversation on The Bill Simmons Podcast, where Kirk Goldsberry said Orlando could join the mix this summer.
"I actually heard there's a mystery team. I called around as part of this exercise to see who were potentially desperate places for Giannis to land. And somebody who knows stuff told me that Orlando has actually been very active in seeking out Giannis Antetokounmpo's services."
The Magic currently sit No. 8 in the East with a 39-34 record, but they're two games back from the No. 5 Hawks. Orlando isn't in danger of falling out of play-in tournament range, so at least it has that going for it, but overall, this has been an underwhelming season for a team that was supposed to take advantage of a "weakened" conference after the Desmond Bane trade.
If they don't make it past the first round — or worse — it wouldn't be all that surprising if they entered the race for Giannis, assuming he doesn't sign an extension. Even coming up short in the second round (where they haven't been since 2010) could still push the front office toward change.
Magic entering mix for Giannis would benefit Bucks
The first question that Bucks fans are probably wondering is if the Magic would make former No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero available. We don't know the answer to that yet, but to get Antetokounmpo, they would likely have to part with him or Franz Wagner, who would be a better fit beside Giannis.
Orlando sent four unprotected first-round picks to Memphis for Bane last offseason, clearing out assets it might've preferred to use for Giannis.
The Magic could still try to scrounge together what they have left to put together a somewhat enticing offer. The Bucks would welcome increased competition for Giannis, who they need everything they can get for if they shift into rebuild mode. They lack assets, and their financial future will continue to haunt them.
Bucks would still be able to get more for Giannis from other teams
Orlando wouldn't be able to outbid other teams that should be at the front of the line for Antetokounmpo's services, but that doesn't mean you can rule the Magic out. They have the young talent that the Bucks would want in return.
Last week, Ramona Shelburne of ESPN reported that Milwaukee set a steep price for Giannis before the deadline. She added that, reportedly, Evan Mobley and VJ Edgecombe were "the younger building blocks" the team was interested in. We can assume that stance won't change if talks reopen this summer.
Mobley very well could be available if Cleveland is hit with another early playoff exit itself. The Cavaliers could be willing to go all-in on Antetokounmpo to keep Donovan Mitchell around. It doesn't seem like the Sixers would make Edgecombe available, though, not even if they flame out early in the postseason. We can't say that definitively, though.
There are several avenues the Bucks could take in a potential Giannis trade. The more suitors that join the sweepstakes, the better, as it could help drive up the price. The desperation could work in their favor.
Milwaukee should certainly at least hear Orlando out if the Magic throw their hat in the ring, but when it comes to getting what they want in terms of young players and assets, they could get a better package elsewhere.