As the NBA trade deadline approaches on February 5, the Portland Trail Blazers have found themselves right in the middle of the league’s loudest rumor mill. Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time MVP and face of the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2021 title run, has reportedly signaled he’s open to a fresh start. That alone has sent the league into chaos.
Milwaukee sits at 18–28 as of February 1, Giannis is sidelined with a calf injury, and the Bucks are at least listening on offers for their superstar. That’s where things get interesting for Rip City. Portland isn’t just watching from the sidelines. They’ve reportedly expressed real interest, and they happen to control a valuable stash of Milwaukee draft assets that could make a blockbuster possible.
But should they actually do it?
The Blazers are 23–25 and clinging to the No. 9 spot in the West. They’re stuck in that uncomfortable middle ground, not rebuilding but not truly contending either. Trading for a 31-year-old superstar like Giannis could instantly change the franchise’s trajectory. It could also blow up in spectacular fashion. Let’s break down both sides.
The Case For: A Real Shot at Contention
Giannis is still Giannis. Even in what’s been a messy season for Milwaukee, he’s putting up 28 points, 10 rebounds, and nearly 6 assists per game while shooting an absurd 65 percent from the field in just 29 minutes a night. He’s been a top-five MVP candidate year after year and remains one of the most impactful defenders in the league.
Now imagine him alongside Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday, the same trio that powered Milwaukee to a championship in 2021. Lillard is still rehabbing, but his shooting gravity alone changes everything. Holiday brings elite defense and steady leadership. That’s a ready-made core that could compete immediately (next season) in the West.
Portland’s biggest advantage is leverage. The Blazers control Milwaukee’s 2029 first-round pick outright, plus pick swaps in 2028 and 2030 from the Lillard deal. If the Bucks move Giannis, those picks suddenly look very valuable. Sending them back to Milwaukee could help Portland land Giannis without completely emptying their young core.
There’s also a compelling on-court vision. A lineup built around Giannis, Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, Toumani Camara, and Donovan Clingan blends star power with youth and versatility. Avdija has been outstanding on a team-friendly deal, Sharpe continues to flash star upside, and Clingan gives them a real interior anchor. That group alone would end the playoff drought and raise the ceiling significantly.
Ownership matters too. New owner Tom Dundon hasn’t exactly been shy about chasing big swings, and Joe Cronin has shown patience mixed with boldness. If Giannis buys in, he’s extension-eligible in October for a four-year supermax. This wouldn’t just be a rental. It could reset the franchise for the next decade.
The Case Against: Risk, Fit, and Reality
Here’s where the brakes come on. Multiple reports describe Portland’s chances as a long shot. Giannis has reportedly shown little interest in small markets, cold winters, or long travel back to Greece. With a massive player option in 2027–28, there’s a very real risk he leaves after a year and a half.
The price would also be brutal. Milwaukee wouldn’t just want picks. They’d want real young talent. Names like Avdija, Sharpe, Camara, Scoot Henderson, or Clingan would be on the table. Gutting the roster for a star in his early 30s, especially one dealing with recurring injuries, is dangerous.
There are fit questions too. Giannis and Avdija both thrive with the ball and attack the paint. Spacing could get tight quickly. Giannis draws fouls at an elite rate, but his three-point shooting is still low volume. Portland also doesn’t have much financial flexibility, sitting just $7.9 million below the first apron. Any move would have ripple effects.
There’s also a more realistic path. Portland could act as a facilitator in a multi-team deal, flipping assets and landing a high-level wing without the all-in risk. Someone like Mikal Bridges or Jaden McDaniels would upgrade the roster, preserve flexibility, and allow those Bucks picks to keep gaining value if Milwaukee eventually implodes anyway. Meanwhile, teams like New York, Miami, and Golden State can offer bigger markets and stronger immediate appeal.
The Verdict
If there’s a real path to Giannis, the Blazers should explore it. Players of his caliber don’t become available often, and Portland actually has a pitch that isn’t crazy. But this has to be a disciplined swing, not a desperate one.
Protect the core. Lean on the Bucks’ picks. Push for retention protections. If the price crosses the line, walk away.
And if it doesn’t happen, that’s okay. Portland’s young foundation is legit, and playing a smart middle role in this saga could still pay off in a big way. One way or another, the Blazers have options. The key is not forcing the moment, even when the dream is tempting.
Be the first to comment