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Portland Trail Blazers: Evaluating three trades for Giannis Antetokounmpo

By Stevie Cozens

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 04: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots the ball during the third quarter against the Miami Heat in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at the Field House at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 04, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, 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 Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 04: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots the ball during the third quarter against the Miami Heat in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at the Field House at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 04, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, 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 Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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Stephen A. Smith recently said that Damian Lillard would fit well with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Which three trades could the Portland Trail Blazers put together to make this happen?

Stephen A. Smith recently said that 2020 Defensive Player of the year Giannis Antetokounmpo would bring a championship to the Portland Trail Blazers if he were paired with Damian Lillard. The Milwaukee Bucks superstar has gone out with the Bucks in the second round of the playoffs in consecutive years now, so speculation is abuzz at the moment that Giannis wants out.

Though he still has one year left on his deal, if Giannis is unhappy in Milwaukee after consecutive early playoff exits, the Bucks would need to trade him. As a relatively small market with just the one other star on the roster in Khris Middleton, it would be criminal for the Bucks if Giannis to leave for nothing in the 2021 free agency period.

For the Blazers, it may not be realistic to think that Giannis would agree to re-sign here in free agency, but there probably aren’t many fits better in the league than his with Damian Lillard.

Damian Lillard‘s elite shot creation is a perfect partner for Giannis’ amazing transition and passing game. Giannis has never been paired with a great point guard. Malcolm Brogdon was a good pairing, but the Bucks let him walk in free agency last year.

The Bucks have had the number two and number six offenses in the last two years without an elite shot creator on the team. Imagine Giannis / Dame pick and rolls. Imagine Giannis in transition with the space and gravity that Dame provides.

On the Blazers side, their defense would have the most significant improvement with the addition of Giannis. Only twice in Dame’s eight years in the NBA have the Blazers had a defense ranked in the top half of the league. Imagine how good this team could be with a top-five offense and top-five defense.

If Giannis is available in a trade, Neil Olshey should put a package together without hesitating. Yes, it would be sad having to farewell some of our key players, but this is a business. We want to win a title in Dame’s prime, and if Giannis were available, you go for it.

Here are three trades the Blazers could put together for Giannis.