Due to constant rumors about Giannis Antetokounmpo's future, the Milwaukee Bucks' first-round pick in 2031 has been viewed as one of the most valuable selections around the NBA. If the forward were to leave at any point - and recent reports from ESPN suggest that could come in the near future - the Bucks could spend the next decade or longer trying to rebuild. That 2031 would be awfully desirable in that case, and the rest of the NBA certainly knows it.
Bucks' last stand could involve trading their 2031 first
To keep Giannis happy, the Milwaukee Bucks must continue to find ways to improve the roster that involve emptying the asset cabinet. While they might be somewhat reluctant to trade the pick with Giannis seemingly keeping tabs on the New York Knicks, their best bet to convince him to stay may be swinging another big trade involving their ever-desirable pick.
The pitch is simple, both for teams that do and do not have a shot at Giannis. If they do, the hope is that they get the pick in a trade this year and can dangle it back to Milwaukee in the summer or at the NBA Trade Deadline. If they don't, they just picked up one of the most desirable draft picks across the league due to how high it could be in five or so years.
Interest was already high, but teams should be salivating at the thought of that selection after the recent chatter that has hit the airwaves.
So, what type of player should the Milwaukee Bucks be eyeing with that pick? A great one. They can't trade it just to trade it. However, if someone along the lines of New Orleans forwards Trey Murphy III or Herb Jones were to hit the market, it would absolutely be worth it. This team needs a proven forward who can play on both sides of the basketball, and they need it fast.
If there is a needle-tipper out there, they cannot be afraid to pounce. The future of the franchise may be at stake. Milwaukee's general manager, Jon Horst, is no stranger to having his back up against the wall with Giannis. He's pushed his chips to the center of the table with moves for Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard, which led to Giannis extensions, and time will tell if he can do it again.
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