A bold trade concept made waves this week when NBA analyst Zach Lowe floated a hypothetical deal that would send Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Paolo Banchero and limited additional assets. While entirely theoretical, the idea sparked immediate intrigue, and for good reason - it involves two of the league’s most compelling talents and could reshape the futures of both franchises.
Lowe, speaking on his podcast, laid out the framework: Giannis to Orlando, with Banchero and perhaps a first-round pick or another minor piece heading to Milwaukee. The thinking?
If the Bucks ever decide it’s time to retool around younger pieces, Banchero gives them a rising star to build around - a player who can contribute now but still has room to grow. For the Magic, it would be a win-now swing, a move that signals they're ready to move past development and into contention.
Let’s unpack what this would mean on both sides.
Banchero’s Value: A Rising Star with Franchise Cornerstone Potential
Now in his fourth season, Paolo Banchero has emerged as the face of Orlando’s rebuild. At 23, he’s averaging 21.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game while shooting 46.1% from the field.
His three-point shooting - sitting at 29.1% - still needs work, but the rest of his offensive game continues to evolve. He’s logging over 34 minutes per night and showing flashes of a player who could be a perennial All-Star.
His most recent outing? A 37-point, 10-rebound, four-assist performance on 13-of-21 shooting in a loss to Cleveland.
Even in defeat, Banchero looked every bit the part of a franchise player. The Magic, however, have now dropped two straight and sit at 23-22 - eighth in the East.
It’s a respectable mark, but given the talent on the roster and the strides made last season, there’s a sense that they’ve underwhelmed relative to expectations.
Financially, Banchero is locked in. He’s earning about $41.5 million this season after signing a five-year, $239 million rookie max extension that could climb to $287 million with All-NBA selections. That deal runs through 2030-31, with a player option in the final year - a major commitment for any team, but also a sign of his perceived value.
Giannis: Still Dominant, Still a Game-Changer
On the other side of this hypothetical is Giannis Antetokounmpo - a two-time MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and one of the most physically dominant players the league has ever seen. At 31, he’s still putting up elite numbers: 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game while shooting a career-best 64.5% from the field and a surprising 39.5% from three. He’s doing all this in just 29.2 minutes per game - a testament to his efficiency and impact.
But despite Giannis’ brilliance, the Bucks are stuck. They’re 18-26, sitting 11th in the East, and struggling to find rhythm. The supporting cast hasn’t stepped up consistently, and with the team trending downward, questions about their long-term direction are starting to bubble up.
Giannis is under contract for $54.1 million this season as part of a three-year, $175.3 million deal that includes a player option for 2027-28. That’s a hefty number, but for a player of his caliber - with a championship ring and unmatched two-way impact - it’s the price of doing business at the highest level.
Why This Trade Concept Matters
This isn’t just your average trade machine fantasy. It’s a conversation starter about where two teams stand - and where they might be headed.
For Milwaukee, moving Giannis would be seismic. But if the front office ever decides to pivot, bringing in a player like Banchero - young, skilled, and under team control for the long haul - could soften the blow and accelerate a retooling process.
For Orlando, it would be the ultimate bet on the present. Swapping Banchero for Giannis would signal a shift from potential to production, from building to contending. With a roster full of young defenders and versatile wings, adding a superstar of Giannis’ caliber could catapult the Magic into the upper tier of the Eastern Conference.
Of course, this all remains hypothetical. Giannis is currently sidelined with a calf strain, and there’s no indication from either team that a move is imminent. The Bucks will try to halt a two-game skid Tuesday night in Philadelphia, while the Magic aim to snap a four-game losing streak Wednesday in Miami.
Still, the idea lingers. Because when a name like Giannis is even mentioned in trade talks - real or imagined - the league pays attention. And when a team like Orlando is involved, a franchise on the cusp of something bigger, the possibilities become even more intriguing.