If the whispers around the league are to be believed, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s time in Milwaukee may be winding down. The Bucks are reportedly open to fielding offers for the two-time MVP ahead of the trade deadline, and as you’d expect, teams across the NBA are lining up to make their pitch.
One team that could shake up the league’s balance of power? The Brooklyn Nets.
Now, Brooklyn might not be the first franchise that comes to mind when you think of title contention, especially given their current rebuild. But make no mistake - they’ve been eyeing Antetokounmpo for a while, and they’ve quietly stockpiled one of the most impressive war chests of trade assets in the league. With a league-leading 10 tradable first-round picks and a stable of promising young players, the Nets have the means to make a serious play for the Greek Freak - if they’re willing to go all in.
The Dilemma: Going Big Without Going Broke
Here’s the crux of Brooklyn’s situation: they have the assets to get Antetokounmpo, but do they have enough left over to build a contender around him once he arrives? That’s the tightrope the Nets are walking.
We've seen this movie before - Brooklyn has pushed all their chips in on superstar trades in the past, only to be left with a gutted roster and no flexibility when things went sideways. So while the front office may be tempted, they’re unlikely to completely empty the cupboard this time around.
Certain pieces are likely non-starters in trade talks. The Nets’ 2026 first-round pick is one of their most valuable assets, and Egor Demin - their top prospect - is viewed internally as a foundational piece. It’s hard to see Brooklyn parting with either, especially considering the long-term gamble that comes with acquiring a superstar in his thirties.
Still, even with those off the table, Brooklyn has enough ammunition to put together one of the most compelling offers Milwaukee could receive.
The Core of a Potential Deal
Any serious offer would likely start with Michael Porter Jr., who’s on a $37 million contract and is having an All-Star caliber season. At 6-foot-10 with a smooth shooting stroke, Porter has re-established himself as one of the league’s top offensive forwards. He’d serve as the primary salary-matcher in the deal, and Milwaukee could either keep him as a core piece or flip him for additional draft capital.
Beyond Porter, the Bucks would have their pick of several intriguing young Nets prospects: Noah Clowney, Nolan Traore, Drake Powell, Cam Thomas, Day’Ron Sharpe, Danny Wolf, and Ben Saraf. That’s a deep pool of youth, and Milwaukee could tailor the package to fit their vision - whether that’s staying competitive now or leaning into a full rebuild.
Cam Thomas, in particular, is worth highlighting. He’s averaged over 20 points per game for three straight seasons and could thrive in a bigger role. A fresh start on a rebuilding team might be exactly what he needs to unlock his full potential.
Then there’s the draft capital - and this is where Brooklyn really flexes its muscles. The Nets control their own first-round picks in 2028, 2030, 2031, and 2032. On top of that, they hold the Denver Nuggets’ unprotected 2032 first-rounder and four unprotected picks from the New York Knicks: 2027, 2028 (swap), 2029, and 2031.
That’s the kind of haul that gets a front office’s attention.
A Hypothetical Deal That Could Work
Let’s break down what a realistic trade might look like:
Nets receive:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Gary Trent Jr.
- Taurean Prince
- Thanasis Antetokounmpo
Bucks receive:
- Michael Porter Jr.
- Noah Clowney
- Nolan Traore
- Drake Powell
- Cam Thomas
- Knicks 2027 first-round pick
- Knicks 2028 first-round pick (swap)
- Knicks 2029 first-round pick
- Knicks 2031 first-round pick
- Nuggets 2032 first-round pick
From Milwaukee’s perspective, this is a strong return. Four unprotected firsts, a swap, and a mix of young talent and a proven scorer in Porter.
If they wanted to flip Porter, there’s a good chance they could net another first or two. That’s a rebuild jumpstart with real upside, especially considering the long-term uncertainty around those Knicks and Nuggets picks.
And for Brooklyn? Yes, they’d be giving up a lot - but they’d still have a few picks left and enough roster flexibility to build a competitive team around Giannis. With Trent Jr. and Prince providing veteran depth, and the possibility of attracting more talent in free agency, the Nets could quickly pivot from rebuilding to contending.
The Bottom Line
There’s no guarantee this deal gets done. Brooklyn might hesitate to part with so many assets, and Milwaukee could decide to hold onto their franchise cornerstone a little longer. But the framework is there, and it’s the kind of package that would force both front offices to have serious, extended conversations.
If Giannis is truly available, the Nets are one of the few teams that can meet Milwaukee’s asking price without completely gutting their future. And if they pull it off? The Eastern Conference landscape could shift overnight.