The NBA offseason might bring a surprise involving Giannis Antetokounmpo. One franchise is preparing to make a move that would mark a change for this star player. 

The Portland Trail Blazers pulled off a 42-win season without star Damian Lillard and are currently against the San Antonio Spurs in the playoffs. New owner Tom Dundon wants to pay the luxury tax for the right superstar.

According to a recent Oregonian column by Bill Oram, the front office has a specific target in mind. Oram wrote, "The Blazers are prepared to make a pitch for Giannis Antetokounmpo as long as he is willing to sign an extension, but are not likely to limit their options to Lillard’s former Milwaukee teammate." The report was published on April 23. 

The team has not made any official statement yet.  The franchise has the tools to make this scenario happen. Thanks to the 2023 Damian Lillard-Bucks trade, they control the future first-round draft picks of the Milwaukee Bucks. Additionally, Lillard, who re-signed with the Blazers after being waived by the Bucks, is returning from his Achilles rehab on a $14 million contract. 

The front office can go all in and chase other stars, so they will not limit their search to just one player. However, the logistics of a Bucks trade might contribute to its likelihood.

The Uncertain Bucks Situation And Why A Trade Makes Sense

The Milwaukee Bucks finished with a losing 32-50 record and missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade. This season, the roster dealt with injuries, front-office tension, and an NBA investigation into Antetokounmpo's ability to play.

When reporters asked Antetokounmpo on April 12 if he had played his last game for the Bucks, he replied, “That’s a very good question. I don’t know. It’s not up to me. We’ll see.” He also noted that nobody has offered him an extension yet. 

Antetokounmpo becomes eligible for a four-year, $275 million extension on October 1, 2026. Bucks ownership, led by Wes Edens, has stated they will either extend him or trade him, with no middle ground. 

Apart from the Blazers, the New York Knicks and many other franchises are also keeping a close eye on the entire situation. Do you think the Blazers have enough draft assets to pull off this trade? 

Read more at Air Jordan Chronicles! 

Written by

Utsav Sinha