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What are the chances that this could be the last we see of Bucks legend and champion Giannis Antetokounmpo in a Milwaukee jersey this season?
Tuesday morning brought a scare to many Bucks fans when the two-time MVP removed all references to the team from his Instagram and Twitter accounts.
The trade rumors have resurfaced once again after they first surfaced this past summer. They will only escalate if the Bucks continue to play poor basketball, and as we get closer to the trade deadline in early February.
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Many trades will be proposed from now until then, and NBA insider Bill Simmons is the latest to do so.
In his latest podcast, “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” with guest Max Kellerman, he proposed a massive blockbuster trade: sending Antetokounmpo to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for All-Star guard Trae Young and more.
“If Atlanta got Giannis without giving up Jalen Johnson, [Dyson] Daniels or even [Zaccharie] Risacher. Could they keep their team, which has this really identity right now without Trae [Young].
It would be Trae Young, Kristaps Porzingis, who is an expiring contract, they have that Bucks pick, 2027, the worst of Bucks or New Orleans first, they ahve all their own first so they can out together four firsts, Trae Young, the Porzingis expiring, we’ll take [Kyle] Kuzma back, Kuzma will be the tax of the Giannis trade.”
Sports personality Max Kellerman chimed in on the trade idea.
“The Bucks would just be raising the white flag and saying we are now a franchise that knows were not going to compete for titles, but we can keep fans coming,” Kellerman said.
“If you can center a package around Trae Young and get Giannis, you have to do it.”
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This trade proposed by Simmons would certainly help both sides. The Hawks would get a true superstar in Antetokounmpo, who could take them over the top in the East, and the Bucks would get an entertaining star who would help them sell tickets and remain competitive-ish.
While having Antetokounmpo on the roster helps keep the Bucks competitive, it is clear they are far from being considered a true contender in the league. The numbers alone prove that to be the case.
The Bucks are playing poorly to start the season, with a 9-13 record and rank 16th in offensive rating, 23rd in defensive rating and 18th in net rating.
Milwaukee could be big sellers this trade deadline, and that could come in the form of their all-time leading scorer.
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