Giannis Antetokounmpo's situation in Milwaukee remains in flux, and a trade from the Bucks, whether this summer or down the road, is still potentially on the table. That's a league-altering development that every team should be monitoring, even if they don't make sense as a landing spot for Antetokounmpo, to see how they can benefit should a blockbuster trade happen.
Previously, that angle was as a facilitator for the Portland Trail Blazers, as it wouldn't be logical for a rebuilding Portland team to make an all-in move for Antetokounmpo. It would make more sense for them to see how they could acquire a rising star who better fits their timeline, especially since they have those valuable Bucks picks from the Damian Lillard trade that Milwaukee would want back even more so if they were to initiate a roster teardown post-Giannis.
However, the Blazers' situation changed thanks to their offseason moves, and as a result, so should their status in the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes.
Blazers are suddenly positioned to go all-in for Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Blazers increased their win total by 15 last season, primarily due to their trade for Deni Avdija and the strides their young core has taken. They're now looking to accelerate their rebuilding timeline, as evidenced by their additions of aging stars Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard -- who both just so happen to be Giannis' former teammates.
Part of the concern in trading for Giannis is whether he'd actually want to be in Portland. Some believe that Giannis would prefer to play in a big city or market if he were to leave Milwaukee, which Portland is not. They also weren't any better off in terms of offering Giannis a legitimate chance at a second ring, which would largely defeat the point of requesting a trade in the first place. That all changed when Portland landed two of Giannis' co-stars this summer. Blazers general manager Joe Cronin has constructed a roster much better built for a playoff run than Lillard's first stint in Portland.
There are multiple paths to constructing a winning roster, as each of the past championship teams has differed. But the Oklahoma City Thunder's run may have been the most encouraging for Portland's outlook. Not only are they a small market, but they also separate themselves from the rest of the league with their depth and defense. The Blazers already have that part of the formula down, as they should be an elite defense after the addition of Holiday. Of course, the elephant in the room is that they don't have an MVP like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Being a Giannis Antetokounmpo away from contention can apply to several teams in the league. He's a top-five player in the league. However, that particularly applies to Portland because of the elite role players they have in place to complement his game and Milwaukee's picks.
Adding Holiday and Lillard this summer was surprising and exciting -- all the feels. But unfortunately, it's unlikely to translate to anything significant for Portland. If Lillard gets back to form, there's maybe a puncher's chance at a playoff run. But with Giannis in the equation, Portland would immediately have to be included in that tier of juggernauts out west.
Trading for him suddenly makes a lot more sense for all involved parties. The Blazers want to win now, the Bucks need their picks back, and Dame and Giannis get a chance to finish what they started -- this time in Portland.