Giannis Antetokounmpo will be the hottest player in the trade market this offseason, as the Milwaukee Bucks have almost made their decision clear. Every franchise will try to frame a favorable package in exchange for the Greek superstar, but NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith has presented a wild idea for Giannis’ next destination.
The OKC Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs are currently engaged in a high-level matchup in the Western Conference finals. After a spectacular Game 1 from Victor Wembanyama and Co., fans and analysts presume that the Spurs might run away with this series. Smith agreed, as he said:
“In the event that Oklahoma City gets knocked out in this postseason primarily because of Chet Holmgren, who is due a huge raise; he is at 13 million now, new salary kicks in next year at 41 million next season, something to consider here.”
Smith also pointed out the fact that the Thunder have a bunch of first and second-round picks in the next few drafts, which might be alluring to the Bucks. He added:
“You willing to let go of Chet Holmgren, and one of those young dude, not Jalen Williams… If anybody can afford to let go of two players that are in the rotation, along with two first-round picks and two second-round picks, for Giannis Antetokounmpo. What do you say to that?”
Even though it’s just a possibility, the prospect of it looks good on paper. A defense like that, paired with Giannis’ ability to space the floor and attack the paint, would be dominant. With SGA handling the ball and Giannis in the pick and roll, this could be the Thunder’s answer to the Victor Wembanyama named wall.
Wemby dominated Game 1 with 41 points and 24 rebounds, while the young core delivered perfectly. Stephon Castle held the ball for most of the time in the absence of D’Aaron Fox and dished out 11 assists. Even though Alex Caruso scored a career-high of 31 points in the playoffs, the Thunder could not go over the line.
Can Giannis Antetokounmpo be Thunder’s answer to Wemby?
Acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo is not something a lot of teams can afford at the moment. The Thunder’s assets of draft capital would be lucrative for the Bucks if they plan to rebuild traditionally. Meanwhile, Chet Holmgren seems to have hit his ceiling. While he was pretty good against the Lakers in the last series, averaging 20 points. 9.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks, he completely tanked against his long-time rival.
In the WC final Game 1, Holmgren scored just eight points, grabbed eight rebounds, and blocked two shots. Victor Wembanyama and Co. completely dominated the paint, limiting him to just 28.6% from the field.
All this might add up to the Thunder’s front office considering Stephen A. Smith’s suggestion. He will be due a new max extension with the franchise next season. Only time will tell if the team seriously considers moving Holmgren to acquire the Greek Freak.
Victor Wembanyama’s 41-24 Explosion Has Stephen A. Smith Worried About Knicks’ Championship Odds
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