NBA Mock Trade: Giannis Antetokounmpo's Roadmap to Join Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's OKC in Blockbuster Move That Could Shock NBA

NBA insider Shams Charania's tweet on Wednesday heated up trade speculations surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo. Charania tweeted that Antetokounmpo and the Bucks are discussing their future together. The ESPN reporter continued that “a resolution is expected in the coming weeks.”

A fan could not resist proposing a trade that could shock the NBA. The self-described Ivica Zubac fan introduced a scenario where the two-time MVP could team up with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Oklahoma.

In this scenario, the Thunder would trade Isaiah Hartenstein, Lu Dort and five first-round picks to land Giannis Antetokounmpo. OKC’s package will give Milwaukee two proven veterans with a championship pedigree and the draft haul to start a rebuild.

Oklahoma becomes an even heavier favorite to create a dynasty. SGA, Antetokounmpo, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace form a nightmare core that could rule the NBA for years.

Getting Giannis Antetokounmpo will eventually be brutal for the Thunder’s salary cap. Oklahoma City is under the punishing second apron this season because Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren are still on their rookie deals. Both, who signed five-year, $240.7 million deals, will earn $41.5 million next season, per Spotrac.

Antetokounmpo, on the payroll next season for $58.4 million, has a $62.7 million player option in June 2027. Add Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s deal, which will jump to $61 million in the same year, and the small-market Thunder will have some serious financial obligations.

Thunder executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti might not be tempted. He has a young roster that could sustain winning for years even without the bruising power forward. The Thunder are already dominant sans the Greek Freak. Presti values roster flexibility, which he will have with his young core and draft capital.

As dominant as the Thunder have been, championships are never guaranteed. Thus, a deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo is always a possibility.

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Fans react to potential Giannis Antetokounmpo to Thunder trade

Giannis Antetokounmpo to the OKC Thunder, if it happens, will be monumental. Oklahoma City could be marching to another championship with the two-time MVP teaming up with reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Fans reacted to the proposed Bucks-Thunder deal involving the Greek Freak:

“Love Giannis, but there’s no way in hell Presti is dumb enough to do this.”

Prof K of MANTRA (🕉️,🏠)

@Profoneur

@213clipset Love Giannis but there’s no way in hell Presti is dumb enough to do this

One fan said:

LVI YEY

@yeynotgaming

@213clipset They have the capital but they love holding on to those picks like uno draw 4s

Another fan added:

talkbets

@talkbets101

@213clipset Why on earth would OKC do this? OKC is set up to be a championship team for the next 10 years unless they mess it up with a trade like this. They don’t need Giannis at all. Adding another player who takes 25 shots a game won’t make them any better.

One more fan continued:

Reggie

@imreggiedejesus

@213clipset Adam Silver would have to veto at this point 😭

Another fan commented:

It Aint All Flowers

@TheRooster1975

@213clipset Presti would look at this, have time to blink, then hang up the phone. Thunder don’t need giannis, at least nowhere near that price.

The Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis swap stunned the NBA. Antetokounmpo himself was shocked but noted the business side of the league. Only time will tell if the Bucks and the Thunder follow the route taken by the Mavericks and the Lakers.