As the NBA trade deadline barrels toward us on February 5, the buzz surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo is getting louder-and this time, the New York Knicks are right in the thick of it. But here’s the twist: if a Giannis blockbuster does go down, it might not just be a two-team dance. The Portland Trail Blazers could end up playing a pivotal role as a third-party facilitator, and they might walk away with a serious prize of their own.
Let’s break it down.
If Milwaukee were to move on from Giannis-a seismic shift in the NBA landscape-they’d almost certainly want to secure their long-term future. That means stacking up draft capital, especially the kind tied to the Damian Lillard trade. Portland, sitting on some of those picks, suddenly becomes a key puzzle piece in any potential deal.
Now, here’s where it gets even more interesting: Portland has reportedly had its eye on Knicks wing Mikal Bridges for a while now. That opens the door to a three-team scenario that could benefit everyone involved-if the pieces fall into place.
Here’s a proposed framework of how such a deal could look:
Knicks receive:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Jerami Grant
Bucks receive:
- Karl-Anthony Towns
- Miles McBride
- Pacôme Dadiet
- 2026 first-round pick from New York (via Washington)
- 2028 first-round pick from Portland (via Orlando)
- Return of 2028 and 2030 first-round pick swaps (via Portland)
- 2030 and 2023 first-round pick swaps (via New York)
Blazers receive:
- Mikal Bridges
- Guerschon Yabusele
Let’s unpack what this means for each team, starting with Portland.
Portland: Betting Big on Bridges
For the Blazers, this deal is about accelerating their rebuild without blowing up the future. They move off of Jerami Grant’s hefty contract and cash in some of the draft capital they acquired in the Lillard trade-specifically, a 2028 first-rounder via Orlando and Milwaukee’s 2028 and 2030 pick swaps.
In return, they land Mikal Bridges, a two-way wing who fits seamlessly into the defensive blueprint GM Joe Cronin has been building. Bridges brings toughness, versatility, and playoff experience-exactly the kind of player you want leading a young core. Portland also adds Guerschon Yabusele, a depth piece who could provide some frontcourt flexibility.
The risk? Those Milwaukee pick swaps could be gold if the Bucks fall apart without Giannis.
Portland would hate to look back in a few years and realize they gave up a top-five pick for a player they could’ve pursued under different circumstances. But if they believe in Bridges as a foundational piece-and all signs suggest they do-this is a calculated swing.
New York: The Big Swing
For the Knicks, this is the kind of all-in move that can redefine a franchise. They give up Bridges, a couple of young players, and a handful of picks and swaps-but they get back Giannis Antetokounmpo, one of the top five players on the planet, and Jerami Grant, a strong complementary forward who can defend, stretch the floor, and play off the ball.
This isn’t just about adding a superstar; it’s about building a championship-caliber core. Pair Giannis with Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, and suddenly the Knicks are a force in the East. The cost is steep, but when you’re chasing banners, that’s the price of admission.
Milwaukee: Rebuilding with a Soft Landing
If the Bucks were to part ways with Giannis, this deal offers a soft landing. They’d bring in Karl-Anthony Towns, a versatile big man who could thrive in a new environment, along with Miles McBride and Pacôme Dadiet-young pieces with upside. Add in multiple first-round picks and the return of valuable pick swaps from Portland and New York, and the Bucks would be well-positioned for a retool rather than a full teardown.
It’s not easy to move on from a generational talent like Giannis, but if the writing’s on the wall, this is the kind of return that keeps the future bright.
Final Thoughts
This proposed deal is the kind of high-stakes chess match that makes the NBA trade deadline so compelling. Every team involved has something to gain-and something to lose.
For Portland, it’s a bet on Bridges and a belief that their rebuild can take shape faster than expected. For New York, it’s a bold swing at contention. And for Milwaukee, it’s about turning a potential loss into long-term flexibility and youth.
Deals like this rarely come together. But if they do, they change the league.