Could a Giannis-for-SGA Blockbuster Shake Up the NBA?
In a league where no trade seems too wild to consider-remember Luka Dončić to the Lakers?-a hypothetical deal involving two of the NBA’s biggest names is turning heads: Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Let’s be clear up front: this isn’t a deal that’s on the table (yet), but it’s the kind of scenario that gets front offices thinking and fans debating. And given how unpredictable the NBA landscape has become, it’s worth breaking down what such a seismic swap could mean for both franchises.
Why the Thunder Might Even Consider Moving SGA
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is 27, fresh off a Finals MVP, and likely headed for his second straight regular-season MVP. He’s not just a superstar-he’s arguably the most untouchable asset in the NBA right now. Even in a league featuring generational talents like Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokić, SGA’s combination of age, production, and leadership puts him in a category all his own.
So why would OKC ever entertain the idea of trading him?
Well, the only scenario where this even becomes a conversation is if something goes seriously sideways-say, SGA asks out. In that case, the Thunder would need a return that doesn’t just salvage the situation, but keeps their championship window wide open. Enter Giannis.
What Giannis Brings to OKC
Antetokounmpo is still a force of nature. He’s averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists this season for the Bucks. Even as he recovers from a calf injury that will sideline him for four to six weeks, his impact on both ends of the floor remains elite.
If OKC were to pull the trigger, they’d be replacing SGA’s offensive efficiency and scoring punch with Giannis’ relentless downhill attack, elite rebounding, and game-changing defensive versatility. The Thunder already have strong perimeter playmakers in Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell, which could help offset the loss of Gilgeous-Alexander’s ball-handling and shot creation. Giannis wouldn’t replicate SGA’s shooting or finesse, but he’d bring a physicality and playoff-tested edge that could push OKC to another level.
The Bucks' Perspective: A Fresh Start with SGA
From Milwaukee’s side, this would be a chance to hit the reset button while staying firmly in contention. Gilgeous-Alexander is younger, a better shooter, and more durable at this stage. He’s averaging 32.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game-MVP-level numbers that would immediately make him the face of the Bucks’ franchise.
The tricky part? Making the salaries work.
Giannis is making $54.1 million this season, while SGA is at $38.3 million. That means OKC would need to throw in another rotation player to balance the books.
And even in a scenario where SGA wants out, Milwaukee would likely ask for draft compensation to sweeten the deal.
But imagine a Bucks team built around SGA, with the flexibility to reshape the roster around his skillset. It’s not just a rebuild-it’s a retool with purpose.
No-Trade Clauses? Not an Issue
Neither Giannis nor SGA has a no-trade clause, which means both players could be moved without needing to sign off. That’s a big factor in making any trade even theoretically possible, especially when dealing with superstars of this magnitude.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t a trade you make lightly. Swapping two MVP-caliber players in their prime is the kind of move that defines franchises for years. But in today’s NBA, where loyalty is fluid and windows can close fast, it’s not out of the realm of possibility.
If the Thunder believe Giannis can be the final piece to a dynasty, and if the Bucks see SGA as the next great franchise cornerstone, this hypothetical might not stay hypothetical for long.