Spurs’ best realistic offer for Giannis Antetokounmpo when he hits the trade market

The San Antonio Spurs are uniquely positioned with five tradeable first-round draft picks, if they include their two 2025 lottery selections, in the chase for a star this summer. They have several young talents, four swaps, and 16 second-rounders to add in hopes of landing a marquee name. There will be no bigger superstar available than Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the Spurs are a serious threat to land the two-time MVP if he hits the open market.

San Antonio is still a young team, but they are ready to leave the development phase. Victor Wembanyama has GOAT potential and is already a star. The 21-year-old's play convinced De’Aaron Fox to make the Spurs his only destination after his trade request. It is only a matter of time before Wemby is dominating in the playoffs, and the Spurs must maximize the roster around him to become a serious title threat.

If San Antonio targets Giannis, they would have an elite bid. The Bucks' future is in serious question with Damian Lillard likely out for the entire 2025-26 season. Antetokounmpo wants to compete for championships, and he would form an unstoppable inside duo with Wemby, but what would the Spurs have to give up?

Spurs' best realistic offer for Giannis would intrigue the Bucks

San Antonio likely makes Wembanyama, Fox, and Stephon Castle untouchable in trade talks. It still leaves them with a mountain of draft capital and developing talents to move. The Bucks need young players to players, especially if they are moving off Giannis. They do not control their draft picks, which means the Spurs would have to pay a larger price to convince the Bucks it is worth it.

This trade likely involves multiple teams to satisfy the apron rules, but here is what the Spurs would give up to land the Greek Freak.

This is the Spurs going all-in. Ideally, they would give up less, but this is Giannis. He is one of the best players on the planet. Milwaukee will get several massive offers as every team jumps into the bidding. If San Antonio wants to win, it will be costly.

Giannis takes the Sochan and Keldon minutes at the four. It hurts giving up Devin Vassell, but the Spurs likely try to take back less money than they send out to avoid being hard-capped at the first apron. Teams will gladly take on some salary for draft pick compensation, so there is a clear path to making this work.

The Spurs part with four rotation pieces and four first-round picks. It is a massive price, but gives San Antonio the flexibility to add more talent. They would likely target a couple veterans to round out their rotation. This would be a scary roster with upside as Wembanyama reaches his peak.

There is a transition happening in San Antonio. Gregg Popovich is heading into the full-time president role, and the Spurs made Mitch Johnson the full-time head coach. There will be pressure to win immediately as Wemby is already a superstar. Going all in on Giannis would certainly help their cause.

The San Antonio Spurs know how to build a champion. Does that involve trading for Giannis? It just might, but fans can bet the team’s decision-makers will figure it out. Just give them time.