A blockbuster trade idea to make Giannis Antetokounmpo’s wish to stay in the Eastern Conference come true.
The NBA rumor mill has been full of chatter surrounding Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo potentially parting ways with the franchise.
This comes in light of the Bucks’ failure to build a good roster around the Greek Freak, which is evident from their three-straight first-round exits in the postseason.
According to NBA insider Brian Windhorst, the Toronto Raptors have an interest in trading for Antetokounmpo this offseason. Keeping that in mind, NBA Analysis Network presents a blockbuster trade idea that sent Giannis to Toronto.
- Milwaukee Bucks receive: Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, No. 9 pick in 2025 NBA Draft, 2028 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick
- Toronto Raptors receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Pat Connaughton
The Bucks’ 2025 first-round exit reportedly means pressing the panic button, at least in terms of keeping Antetokounmpo happy.
Although the Bucks acquired Damian Lillard in a blockbuster trade in 2023, the move only ended up gutting the team’s depth. The organization also parted ways with Khris Middleton this season in exchange for Kyle Kuzma.
However, once again, the move didn’t yield good results for the team. In this proposed trade, the Bucks can start fresh by acquiring two young stars in Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett.
Both players did a good job in the 2024-25 season with the Raptors as they could serve as cornerstone pieces for a new era in Milwaukee.
On top of that, this hypothetical trade would help the Bucks in stacking good draft picks, including the No. 9 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. As far as trading Pat Connaughton, it will be tricky since the Bucks star has a $9.4 million player option for the upcoming season.
Assuming he opts in and becomes part of the deal, here’s what the Bucks’ roster could look like next season.
Proposed Milwaukee Bucks depth chart:
| Starting Five | Bench |
| Damian Lillard | Kevin Porter Jr. |
| Gary Trent Jr. | AJ Green |
| RJ Barrett | Taurean Prince |
| Scottie Barnes | Kyle Kuzma |
| Brook Lopez | Bobby Portis |
Considering how well the duo of Barnes and Barrett played, parting ways with them could turn out to be a difficult decision for the front office.
But the shot at getting someone like Antetokounmpo is simply too good a chance to let slip. On top of that, the Raptors already traded for Brandon Ingram in a blockbuster trade last season.
Even more so since many reports have claimed that the Greek Freak wants to stay in the Eastern Conference. Thus, limiting his options in the process.
Keeping that in mind, the franchise will enter win-now mode with the Antetokounmpo-Ingram duo. But will that be enough? Certainly not.
The Raptors will need to add a few good players to the supporting cast to actually have a shot at winning it all. They could use the Indiana Pacers‘ path to reach those heights by having incredible depth at every position.
With that thought in mind, here’s what the Raptors’ depth chart could look like for the 2025-26 NBA season.
Proposed Toronto Raptors depth chart:
| Starting Five | Bench |
| Immanuel Quickley | Jamal Shead |
| Ochai Agbaji | Ja’Kobe Walter |
| Brandon Ingram | Pat Connaughton |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | Chris Boucher |
| Jakob Poeltl | Jonathan Mogbo |
