Portland Trail Blazers: Evaluating three trades for Giannis Antetokounmpo

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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Giannis for CJ McCollum + Gary Trent Jr. and a first

Sadly for Blazer fans, this trade would mean saying goodbye to franchise cornerstone CJ McCollum. We love CJ, but if Giannis were on the trade block, we would need to put out best foot forward.

In CJ, the Bucks would get an elite shot creator who is firmly in his prime, while also being under long-term team control. CJ could be a lead guard. We’ve seen how he has gone on his own when Dame has been injured or rested. On the Bucks, he would have defensive ace Eric Bledsoe next to him as well. He would also have three-point spacing across the floor that he’s never had playing for Portland.

The Blazers would also have to include Gary Trent Jr. to get the deal done. Everyone knows who Trent is now, and he would be the young prospect that would be part of the next strong Bucks team. Giannis is a superstar, so there’s no way the trade gets done without Trent being included.

Trent could also be part of the strong defensive identity that Mike Budenholzer has built recently in Milwaukee. The Blazers first-round picks in 2020, 2022 and 2024 would have to be included too. Though this is only the 16th selection and likely even worse in 2022 and 2024, the Bucks have given away some of their picks in future years, so this would give them another selection on draft night.

For the Blazers, they would put Giannis next to Damian Lillard, and instantly be a championship contender. This team would be top five in defense and offense, while also having two of the best players in the league.