Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to be the hottest piece in the trade market this offseason. Several teams, including the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat, have reportedly shown interest in the “Greek Freak” to strengthen their frontcourt. However, amid the attention on the superstar forward, another explosive center has seemingly caught the eyes of teams.
Isaiah Stewart is on a four-year, $60 million rookie contract, averaging $15 million annually, with the Detroit Pistons. However, multiple league sources have reported that the 16th overall pick of the 2020 NBA draft might want a trade this offseason. The Pistons’ backup center has shown promise on both sides of the court and is seemingly looking for a destination where he can better develop and contribute to the team.
NBA analyst Jake Fischer reported in his latest piece on The Stein Line about the teams’ interest in Stewart and wrote:
“Boston is known to be looking for frontcourt upgrades and has liked Stewart for some time, sources say. I’m also told that we should list San Antonio and Miami as teams interested in the Pistons’ bruising big man.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s offensive production can make any team a title contender instantly, but getting him to a team might take a big package, given his value in the league. However, Stewart can be a good addition to a team like the Celtics, who already have scoring mains like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
The Miami Heat can also pair Stewart with Tyler Herro in pick-and-rolls, as the Pistons center’s ability to get to the rim and defend the paint can be beneficial to the team. On the other hand, the Spurs already have a backup center in Luke Kornet, who is on a four-year deal with the team that he signed last year.
Bucks reportedly asking a hefty price for Giannis Antetokounmpo
Even though Giannis Antetokounmpo would be on every team’s list this offseason, the Bucks understand the value of the two-time NBA champion perfectly. In his aforementioned articles on The Stein Line, analyst Jake Fischer reported that the Bucks were asking for a big package in exchange for the 2021 NBA champion.
The Miami Heat and Boston Celtics have a few future draft picks and some 2026 draft selections to offer in a trade. They also possess some talented young guys the Bucks might be interested in. However, Fischer believes that the Bucks are asking for something that would leave any team high and dry. He wrote:
“The Bucks naturally want as much as they can if they’re parting with their Face of the Franchise, so what constitutes unrealistic? Sources say Milwaukee has been asking teams for returns that would leave any club acquiring Antetokounmpo too barren to contend for a championship.
For now, the Bucks have not seemingly looked confident in any package in exchange for their franchise face. However, Isaiah Stewart’s entry into the trade market might lead a few teams to pivot their strategies before the draft.
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