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ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 10: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic stands over Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks after a foul in the first half of a game at Kia Center on January 10, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade sweepstakes will see many teams calling the Milwaukee Bucks, but the Orlando Magic may have the best offer. Rumors continue to circulate about which teams will be able to acquire Antetokounmpo now that it appears likely he’ll be gone in the offseason. Bucks’ management and Giannis are butting heads over the MVP trying to return from an injury with just three games left in the season.

Bleacher Report named Paolo Banchero as the most appealing asset in an article about realistic trade packages to expect this summer:

“Orlando Magic Get: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Milwaukee Bucks Get: Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr., a first-round pick swap in 2031 and a 2032 first-round pick

This trade gives (Milwaukee) a 23-year-old former All-Star, who, though flawed, is 6’10” and has averaged 23.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists over the last three seasons. Paolo Banchero’s scoring inefficiency is a little alarming, but players with his combination of size and playmaking ability are still rare.  He still has face-of-a-good-team potential.”

The logic is there for the Bucks to add a potential young superstar since Banchero has already made the All-Star team and puts up strong stats. Banchero is arguably the only trade option that would clearly be a face of the franchise moving forward.

Why Trade Makes Sense For Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks are in a terrible position due to making trades throughout the years that hurt them today. Milwaukee lost most of their draft picks and young assets in trades for names like Damian Lillard, Myles Turner, and Kyle Kuzma in recent years.

Losing without Giannis means that the Bucks’ draft picks will likely go to other teams and does nothing to help the franchise. Milwaukee would be sharp to look for younger talents with the chance to have a faster rebuild with a new franchise player.

Banchero fits that better than any of the other realistic trade options. Bleacher Report’s other trade proposals for Antetokounmpo sees players like Josh Giddey or Jaime Jaquez Jr. as lesser young assets on the market. Milwaukee could have a chance at the play-in with Paolo, and they could even go after the free agent market for more talent.

Why Trade Makes Sense For Orlando Magic

Orlando is having a difficult season after developing higher expectations to contend in the East this season. A bold trade for Desmond Bane saw the Magic hoping for Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Bane to lead them to one of the top four Eastern Conference seeds.

Lackluster results have shown the flaw of Banchero and Wagner struggling to play at their best together. One of the two would need to get traded if this problem continues, and Paolo clearly has stronger overall value as a former blue-chip prospect.

Orlando would get the chance to dream of true contention with a superstar like Giannis leading the way. Wagner and other solid role players would help Antetokounmpo since Banchero is a bigger asset than other teams can offer. The Magic would keep enough talent to give Giannis a strong supporting staff to contend for a title.