People around the NBA berated the Milwaukee Bucks for not moving Giannis Antetokounmpo at the NBA Trade Deadline, saying they were unwilling to rip the band-aid off. Yet, the Bucks suddenly look genius in this scenario, as Giannis' value is increasing, thanks to Victor Wembanyama. ESPN analyst and insider Ramona Shelburne went on The Rich Eisen Show and discussed the latest.
"I think as much grief as the Milwaukee Bucks took for not trading Giannis Antetokounmpo the last year and a half, this postseason has completely reframed the trade discussions for Giannis because of how good Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs are... There are a lot more teams that have motivation to go trade for a Giannis Antetokounmpo to try to compete with the San Antonio Spurs and this looming giant who is going to dominate the league for the next 10 years."
Giannis' value is increasing across the NBA
Seeing the massive 7-foot-4 Wembanyama dominate the NBA Playoffs, every team in the league should have at least some interest in Giannis. They know the 22-year-old isn't leaving anytime soon, and the scary part is that he hasn't even hit his prime. If they want to slay the giant, they need their own giant. Due to his size and strength, Giannis is one of the few players with the build to do so.
For the past few months, it's been the same handful of teams linked to Giannis. Miami. Minnesota. Golden State. Other teams like Boston have poked their head in the door, but it's not clear just how interested they are. Now, rather than having to choose from a few offers, the Bucks should have a widespread collection to sort through, especially from fearful Western Conference teams.
They should contact the Clippers about the fifth overall pick in this upcoming draft. Portland makes some sense if they give the Milwaukee Bucks back their picks and potential-filled youth. How badly does Houston want to get over the hump in Kevin Durant's final years? Would they consider moving Amen Thompson? If Utah put the second overall pick on the table, it would be a bold offer.
With each game that Wembanyama plays, more chatter about just how the heck a team can stop this guy makes the rounds in front offices. Teams that disregarded Giannis previously are now doing their homework using the fake trade machines.
Bucks should be rooting heavily for Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are five games away from winning the NBA Finals. If they dispatch the reigning champion OKC Thunder in Saturday's Game 7, they will face the New York Knicks. The thought of a 22-year-old forward finishing off his dominant showing with the Finals MVP trophy in his hand has to be a terrifying reality for contenders across the NBA. The Bucks should hope it happens.
The more teams fear Wembanyama, the stronger the trade package will be for the Milwaukee Bucks. A Spurs championship could trigger Milwaukee's likely dream scenario: a deal with the OKC Thunder. Loaded with enough assets to fund multiple dynasties, perhaps Wembanyama could force OKC to take immediate action and acquire their answer.
No matter what, as long as the Spurs are playing, the Bucks should not be eager to trade Giannis. Let the widespread fear build across the NBA. Teams will start calling.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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