Grading a trade pitch where the Raptors join a blockbuster Giannis Antetokounmpo deal
Laying out the 3-team trade
The Golden State Warriors need a second superstar.
It's not that they haven't tried to acquire one, with the LA Clippers rejecting their trade overtures for Paul George and a push for Lauri Markkanen never quite coming together. Yet they enter the season with no clearcut No. 2 scorer next to Stephen Curry, which would be a disappointing way for Curry's prime to end.
Enter Giannis Antetokounmpo, who on paper would appear to be an ideal fit with Curry if he does hit the trade market. Yet to make such a blockbuster trade the Warriors would need to match a lot of salary, as they are hard-capped at the first tax apron and only a whisker below it as the season begins. The Milwaukee Bucks, on the other hand, are above the second tax apron and therefore cannot take back more money than they send out.
That's where the Toronto Raptors come in. They can take on salary in such a deal, send Bruce Brown as an expiring contract to the Milwaukee Bucks, and hopefully come out ahead in the wash. Such a 3-team deal was recently proposed on Blue Man Hoop, our sister site covering the Golden State Warriors. That deal understandably dug into the Warriors' side of things but glossed over the Raptors, allowing us to take a closer look here.
Here are the details of the trade:
Golden State Warriors Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, Kevon Looney, Trayce Jackson-Davis, Bruce Brown, 3x First-Round Picks, 2x First-Round Pick Swaps
Toronto Raptors Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Lindy Waters III, 2026 Second-Round Pick (ATL)
The Warriors land their superstar in Giannis Antetokounmpo, although they certainly pay a steep price. They lose three of their four-person young core in addition to reliable veterans in Kevon Looney and Andrew Wiggins.
The Bucks get a reset on a new chapter of their team and a boatload of draft picks in the process. Rather than taking on Andrew Wiggins' long-term contract, they get a player in Bruce Brown who will come off their books next offseason, or can even be flipped for value during the season.
What about the Toronto Raptors - is this a trade they should make?