Getty

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 05: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks works out before the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on April 05, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 John Fisher/Getty Images)

The Detroit Pistons could have a realistic chance at acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason if they want to improve quickly. A lackluster first-round series so far sees Detroit fighting against the Orlando Magic to come back from a 3-1 deficit as the top seed. Even if they win this series, the Pistons have provided little hope they are ready to contend for an NBA Championship with their young roster.

Fadeaway World pitched a potential trade package for Giannis this summer if they want to speed up their timeline:

“Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Ausar Thompson, Isaiah Stewart, Duncan Robinson, Daniss Jenkins, 2027 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick

“Detroit Pistons Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Pistons would have to pay a hefty price to outbid their competitors, but it would be worth it for a two-time MVP, NBA champion, and former Defensive Player of the Year who is still in his prime.”

The trade package would see young talents Ausar Thompson and Daniss Jenkins as the main pieces that the Milwaukee Bucks would want to rebuild around. Detroit only sending two draft picks would be the biggest question market since Milwaukee currently lacks future picks after their own trades to contend for the last few years. Thompson is likely the only piece that the Pistons would fear losing from this potential trade package.

Why Ausar Thompson Is The Key Piece

Detroit is clearly not going to trade Cade Cunningham as their best player and the main reason they had such a fast rise from the worst team to a top seed. Thompson and Jalen Duren are the next two most important players, but Duren needs to sign a new contract this summer.

Regardless of whether Detroit pays him his desired contract or not, Milwaukee will not want to inherit such a big contract for someone who needs to be a second option. Thompson is cheaper and has a greater upside at a stellar young wing player.

The Pistons would pay a hefty price for Giannis, but Thompson also has a similar game to Antetokounmpo. Both players in the same starting lineup would create issues for the shooting, especially if Duren stays too. Detroit would only trade Ausar for a player like Giannis who makes them a dominant East team and holds identical flaws.

Important Giannis Rumor May Help Pistons

Reports circulated that Giannis will not want to leave the Eastern Conference and prefers to get traded to another East team if he’s moved from Milwaukee. The West is stacked with teams hoping to contend with the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs expected to be dominant for many years.

Detroit already had the best record in the East this season with an extremely flawed roster. Antetokounmpo and Cunningham would give them a superstar duo as two of the top ten players in the league to many pundits.

The Pistons will have to talk to the Bucks to at least give themselves a chance to add a two-time MVP. This current roster holds little chance of winning a title, and Giannis is arguably the best name they’ll ever be able to trade for.