Bucks should trade Giannis Antetokounmpo to a powerful team in the West, says former NBA All-Star

This week, the Milwaukee Bucks received devastating news with the confirmation of Damian Lillard’s season-ending injury. This will clearly alter the team’s playoff plans, making it difficult for them to compete for a title. In this context, a three-time NBA All-Star suggested that the Bucks should rebuild their roster by trading Giannis Antetokounmpo.

“There are just certain cities the market itself can’t sustain a certain amount of players that’s making that type of money,” said Gilbert Arenas on his podcast Gil’s Arena, speaking about Milwaukee and the uncertainty surrounding Lillard’s situation, along with the need to bring in quality players to replace him.

“The best thing they can do is send Giannis to the only place that can change their franchise a little bit, OKC,” Arenas shockingly proposed, suggesting that the power forward leave the Bucks to join the Oklahoma City Thunder. “I’ll give you Giannis, give me some of those picks and some of that, and come on.”

The three-time NBA All-Star with the Washington Wizards later explained that, in his opinion, only a trade like that would allow Milwaukee to rebuild its roster. “The only thing that’s going to build the franchise is trying to get some of those draft picks.”

Head coach Gilbert Arenas of the Enemies runs out during introductions against the Trilogy during BIG3 Week Six at Comerica Center on July 23, 2022.

He reiterated that the Bucks’ difficulties are primarily due to the city in which the franchise is based. “No free agents are going to come there… If this was New York’s team, I can bring on two more superstars and be fine.”

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The Bucks need Giannis now more than ever

As tempting as Gilbert Arenas’ proposal may sound—pairing Giannis Antetokounmpo with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Oklahoma City—it’s unlikely that anyone in Milwaukee would agree to a trade of that nature. On the contrary, without Damian Lillard, the Bucks will need to place their hopes squarely on the Greek forward more than ever.

Giannis has proven time and again to be an absolutely decisive player, with two league MVP awards, a Finals MVP, and nine consecutive NBA All-Star selections. His versatility makes him an essential player for the Bucks: he was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2020 while also being a feared offensive weapon. In fact, this season, Antetokounmpo ranks second in points per game with 30.2, only surpassed by Shai.

Milwaukee will miss Lillard

The loss of Damian Lillard is a major blow for the Bucks. The 34-year-old point guard will miss the rest of the season due to a blood clot in his right calf, an injury similar to the one that sidelined San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama a few weeks ago (though it was in a different part of the body).

With the confirmation of the season-ending injury, Lillard shared a message dedicated to the fans. “As much as I love basketball, I need to be there for my kids and my family. I’m grateful the Bucks acted quickly on this. They’ve been supportive and proactive throughout this process. I look forward to moving past this and continuing my career,” Damian said.