NBA Insider Reveals How Lakers Can Trade For Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo
According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, several NBA agents believe Giannis Antetokounmpo will request a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason.
Since winning the 2021 championship against the Phoenix Suns in six games, Milwaukee has won only one postseason series.
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Antetokounmpo doesn't have a no-trade clause in his contract. If the future Hall of Famer requests a trade, he can't control where he lands.
Pincus did some digging at the NBA combine in Chicago to identify the five most realistic destinations for Antetokounmpo if the two-time MVP requests a trade. The Oklahoma City Thunder, Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs are considered the top landing spots for The Greek Freak.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) guards Los Angeles Lakers forward Luka Doncic (77)Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
However, Pincus noted that the Los Angeles Lakers could make a compelling offer for Antetokounmpo — but only if the 2021 Finals MVP asks the Bucks to trade him to L.A.
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The Lakers already shocked the NBA world in February by acquiring Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks.
"How hard Antetokounmpo pushes for what he wants (which, for the record, we don't know) could add teams to the list who otherwise may not belong," Pincus wrote. "Does he want to join Doncic and the Lakers?
"L.A. can build a deal around Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, filler contracts and marginal draft compensation (a future first, several swaps)."
The Lakers lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of this year's playoffs in five games despite having Doncic and LeBron James.
Meanwhile, the Bucks lost to the Indiana Pacers in the first round in five games.
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Antetokounmpo, 30, averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.2 blocks for the Bucks this season in 67 games.
The Lakers would have a lethal "Big 3" of Doncic, James and Antetokounmpo if Rob Pelinka figured out a way to acquire Antetokounmpo from the Bucks.
Related: Lakers Star LeBron James Provides Crucial Update On Knee Injury
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