Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks
The San Antonio Spurs are on the rise. With the generational talent that is Victor Wembanyama leading the charge, the franchise is already looking like it has a bright future. The 19-year-old sensation is showcasing his rare blend of size, skill, and defensive prowess in his sophomore season, and he’s poised to take over the NBA.
But despite the team’s promising outlook, the Spurs are still a few pieces away from true title contention. Enter a potential blockbuster trade that could propel them into the elite tier of NBA contenders: the acquisition of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Trade Proposal That Has Spurs Fans Dreaming
In a recent article by Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, a potential trade package that would send Giannis to San Antonio was discussed. While such a deal could only happen if the reigning Finals MVP chooses to leave Milwaukee, Buckley’s proposal suggests that the Spurs could be a serious destination. Here’s what the trade would look like:
Spurs Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Bucks Receive: Jeremy Sochan, Keldon Johnson, Malaki Branham, Zach Collins, multiple first-round picks (2025-2031, including pick swaps and top-10 protections)
Buckley believes that if Giannis becomes available, the Spurs could be a legitimate suitor, thanks to their vast collection of trade assets and the presence of Wembanyama, who is already on the fast track to superstardom. With such a deal, the Spurs would instantly go from a rebuilding team to one with championship aspirations. “Add a megastar of Antetokounmpo’s ilk to the mix, and they might surge all the way to heavyweight-contender status,” Buckley wrote.
The Case for Giannis and Wembanyama
While this trade is certainly an exciting fantasy for Spurs fans, it hinges on a big “what if.” Giannis, 29, is still in his prime, and a partnership with Wembanyama could be one of the most devastating duos the NBA has ever seen. Both players are elite two-way forces—Giannis with his unparalleled combination of strength, athleticism, and playmaking, and Wembanyama with his extraordinary shot-blocking ability, scoring touch, and versatility.
If the Bucks can’t build a championship contender around Giannis, it’s not hard to imagine him seeking a new challenge. The idea of him joining forces with Wembanyama, creating an unstoppable force in the paint on both ends of the floor, is tantalizing. With Giannis’s leadership and postseason experience, he could be the ideal mentor to help Wembanyama develop into an even more complete player, while also setting the Spurs up for immediate contention.
Giannis Would Have to Push for the Trade
For this dream to even remotely become a reality, Giannis would need to request a trade. According to Marc Stein, writing in his newsletter, the Bucks are not actively looking to part with their star, and any trade involving Giannis would only happen if he pushes for it. “It is understood quite clearly in 29 other front offices that Antetokounmpo is only ever going to be made available for trade if he pushes for it,” Stein reported.
Milwaukee, after a rocky start to the season, has begun to find its rhythm. If the Bucks continue to improve and contend in the Eastern Conference, the chances of Giannis leaving become slimmer by the day. However, should things go south in Milwaukee—whether it’s roster dissatisfaction or playoff failure—the possibility of Giannis requesting a move can’t be completely ruled out.
Wembanyama’s Continued Growth: A Superstar in the Making
While a Giannis-Wembanyama pairing may seem like a pipe dream, it’s not out of the realm of possibility. The Spurs are already in prime position to build a championship-contending roster around Wembanyama, who is putting together an MVP-caliber season. In 18 games this year, Wembanyama is averaging 23.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.3 steals, and 3.4 blocks. He’s a near-lock for an All-Star spot and could make the All-Defensive team as well.
At just 19 years old, Wembanyama is already one of the best defenders in the league, and his offensive game is expanding by the day. There’s no doubt that, in the near future, he could be the face of a contender. But adding a player like Giannis could fast-track that process, providing a veteran superstar to complement his growth and accelerate the Spurs’ timeline.
A Pipe Dream That Could Come True?
In the end, this trade is nothing more than a theoretical scenario—one that Spurs fans can dream about, but may never come to fruition. Giannis is deeply tied to the Bucks, and it would take a lot for him to even consider a trade. The odds are long, but if he does ever become available, few teams have the assets to match what the Spurs can offer. With a treasure trove of draft picks, young talent, and an ascending superstar in Wembanyama, the Spurs would be a team to watch whenever a star player hits the market.
For now, though, San Antonio’s focus should remain on developing Wembanyama into the player we know he’s destined to become. But with the right moves, this Spurs team could soon find itself in the same conversation as the NBA’s elite—especially if they manage to land a superstar like Giannis.
