Latest Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors involves a surprising Western Conference team originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Portland Trail Blazers could make a move for Milwaukee Bucks superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason.
Bill Oram of The Oregonian said that the Blazers could make a pitch for the two-time MVP if he is willing to sign an extension with Portland.
" The Blazers are prepared to make a pitch for Giannis Antetokounmpo as long as he is willing to sign an extension but are not likely to limit their options to Lillard’s former Milwaukee teammate."
The one-time NBA champion's contract currently runs through the 2026-27 season with a with a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28.
There have been a ton of teams that have been mentioned to be in play for Antetokounmpo; however, the Blazers are not one of them. Portland may not be a hot destination, but they could be a contender if they continue to trend upward.
The Blazers have built through the draft, and they have hit on many of their young players like Scoot Henderson, Donovan Clingan, Shaedon Sharpe and Toumani Camara, to name a few. Those four are among the core of the current team and a reason why they clinched their first playoff berth since 2021.
On top of that, Portland has made great moves to add talent and veteran players.
Potentially adding Antetokounmpo to the roster would be a game-changer, but what would it cost? Not only is that the question, but the Greek Freak has struggled to stay healthy over the past few seasons.
He is set to enter his age-32 season, and health has not been on his side. As things stand, it may not be the smartest thing to trade for the 10-time All-Star.
The Blazers may likely need to make a godfather offer to acquire Antetokounmpo from the Bucks. Even if Portland were to land him, it wouldn't be a guarantee that they are title contenders, and they may need to give much of their young core as a result of that.
Lakers’ Austin Reaves pushing to play Game 3 vs Rockets
New report casts doubt on Alperen Şengün's future with Houston Rockets
Why Damian Lillard isn't playing for Trail Blazers vs. Spurs amid injury news