Could the Blazers Make a Play for Giannis? Here's What We Know
The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, and while most front offices are focused on tightening rotations or adding depth, there’s a much bigger name quietly hovering over the rumor mill: Giannis Antetokounmpo. Yes, that Giannis - two-time MVP, NBA champion, and walking mismatch. And according to a few plugged-in sources, the Portland Trail Blazers might just be one of the teams with a legitimate shot at landing him if the Bucks decide to shake things up.
Now, let’s be clear: there’s no indication Milwaukee is actively shopping their franchise cornerstone just yet. But if things go sideways before the summer - or even sooner - the groundwork is already being laid for who could be in the mix.
One of the more intriguing names? Portland.
Why Portland?
ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks recently ranked the top 11 teams best positioned to make a run at Giannis, and the Blazers made the cut. Not only that, they were listed ahead of several contenders in terms of trade feasibility, with Marks giving Portland a 4 out of 10 on the difficulty scale - easier than most, save for Detroit, Golden State, and Toronto.
So what makes Portland a viable suitor?
For starters, they’ve got the assets. Young, promising players.
Draft capital. And a unique piece of leverage: Milwaukee’s own 2029 unprotected first-round pick, part of the return from the Damian Lillard trade back in 2023.
That deal also included pick swaps in 2028 and 2030, giving Portland a little extra muscle in any negotiation with the Bucks.
The Lillard Factor
There’s also the narrative thread that’s hard to ignore: a potential reunion between Lillard and Antetokounmpo - this time in Rip City. After a whirlwind year that saw Dame land in Milwaukee only to be waived following a devastating Achilles injury, he’s now back in Portland rehabbing and mentoring the next generation. Could the Blazers flip the script and bring Giannis to him?
It’s a fun idea, but it comes with real questions. Marks posed the big one: would Portland be willing to gut a promising young core for a short-term title window?
Because that’s what it would take. Milwaukee isn’t giving up Giannis for pennies on the dollar - even in the worst-case scenario.
Who’s on the Table?
If the Bucks did engage in talks, you can bet they’d ask for the best of Portland’s young talent. Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, and Shaedon Sharpe are likely to be at the top of any wish list.
Avdija has been quietly putting up All-Star-level numbers and is locked into one of the most team-friendly contracts in the league. Camara, who signed an extension before the season, is reportedly off-limits. Sharpe, meanwhile, is under a rookie extension with a poison pill restriction, which complicates any deal involving him - but doesn’t make it impossible.
The Cap and Draft Pick Situation
From a salary cap standpoint, Portland is $7.9 million below the first apron, giving them some flexibility. That matters in a deal of this magnitude, especially with Giannis on a max contract that climbs from $54.1 million this season to $62.8 million in 2027-28 (player option).
As for draft assets, the Blazers are in a solid position. They control:
- Milwaukee’s unprotected 2029 first-round pick
- First-round swaps with Milwaukee in 2028 and 2030
- A 2028 first-rounder via Orlando
- 2029 picks from Boston and their own (they’ll get the most and least favorable of the three)
That’s a strong war chest for a team looking to make a blockbuster move.
What’s Giannis Doing Right Now?
Let’s not forget the kind of player we’re talking about. Giannis is still very much in his prime, putting up 28 points, 10 rebounds, and nearly 6 assists per game - all in just 29 minutes per night.
He’s shooting an absurd 65% from the field and hitting 40% of his threes. At 31 years old and in his 13th NBA season, he remains one of the most dominant forces in the game.
So… Would You Do It?
This is the question Portland fans - and the front office - will have to wrestle with if the opportunity arises. Do you mortgage the future for a shot at immediate contention?
Do you pair Giannis with a rehabbing Lillard and hope the timeline aligns? Or do you stay the course and trust the development of your young core?
There’s no easy answer. But one thing’s for sure: if Giannis becomes available, Portland has the tools to make a serious offer. Whether they should is another debate entirely.