Could the Trail Blazers Make a Legitimate Run at Giannis Antetokounmpo?
When you think about potential landing spots for Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Portland Trail Blazers probably aren't the first team that comes to mind. But maybe they should be.
Portland might be sitting on one of the most intriguing trade chips in the NBA arms race for the two-time MVP: the Bucks’ own future. Thanks to the Jrue Holiday deal, the Blazers hold Milwaukee’s unprotected first-round picks in 2028, 2029, and 2030. That’s not just a nice stash-it’s a potential game-changer if the Bucks ever decide to move on from Giannis.
Here’s the pitch: Portland could send those three picks back to Milwaukee, essentially giving them a way to reclaim their future. Add in a package centered around Jerami Grant, Matisse Thybulle, and Scoot Henderson-a young guard with upside-and suddenly, the Blazers have the framework of a legitimate offer.
Of course, that’s only half the equation.
The biggest unknown in all of this? Whether Giannis would even consider Portland as a destination.
The Blazers are currently hovering in the middle of the Western Conference playoff picture-not contenders, but not bottom-feeders either. What they do have is a promising young core, and that might be enough to at least pique Giannis’ interest.
One name that’s starting to make waves is Deni Avdija. He just earned his first All-Star nod, and while he’s not a household name yet, his scoring ability is turning heads around the league. Portland’s youth movement is real, and it’s starting to bear fruit.
Would that be enough to convince Giannis to look toward the Pacific Northwest? That’s still a mystery. But what’s clear is that Portland has the assets to at least make Milwaukee think twice.
Could Milwaukee Actually Pull the Trigger?
If the Bucks were to move Giannis, it would likely signal a shift toward a rebuild. But here’s the kicker: they’ve already traded away much of their draft capital. In other words, their path back to relevance would be murky-unless they struck a deal with Portland and got those picks back.
That’s what makes the Blazers such a unique trade partner. They’re one of the few teams that can offer Milwaukee a chance to reset their timeline without starting from scratch. And while other teams can throw together flashy trade packages, few can offer Milwaukee a path back to the draft board like Portland can.
The Competition Is Fierce
Let’s not sugarcoat it-Portland isn’t the only team with eyes on Giannis. The New York Knicks could get aggressive, potentially dangling Karl-Anthony Towns or a combo like OG Anunoby and Josh Hart along with future pick swaps. The Golden State Warriors, always lurking in big-name conversations, could push all their chips in too-offering up to four first-rounders, three pick swaps, and veterans like Draymond Green and Brandin Podziemski.
And then there’s the looming presence of the Los Angeles Lakers. If Milwaukee waits until the offseason, L.A. could enter the fray with three firsts and enough cap flexibility to make things interesting.
That kind of competition could push Portland to the back of the line. But don’t count them out just yet.
Why Portland Still Has a Seat at the Table
Even if the Blazers don’t land Giannis, the fact that they’re in the conversation says a lot about how they’ve positioned themselves for the future. Those Milwaukee picks are valuable-especially if the Bucks slide post-Giannis. And Portland’s young core, headlined by Scoot Henderson and now an All-Star in Avdija, gives them a foundation to build on regardless of what happens on the trade front.
The odds may not be in their favor, but the Blazers are quietly sitting on one of the most intriguing trade packages in the league. If Milwaukee starts taking calls, Portland’s phone line should be one of the first they check.
Bottom line: a Giannis-to-Portland move still feels like a long shot-but it’s not off the table. And in today’s NBA, that’s sometimes all you need.