Blockbuster Trade Proposal Sends Butler To Detroit And Giannis To Golden State

Jimmy Butler and Giannis Antetokounmpo appear to be happy in their respective NBA homes. However, both All-Stars have been associated with blockbuster moves for quite some time now.

In particular, insiders have been speculating on Antetokounmpo’s next landing spot. Though ESPN’s Shams Charania reported in September that the Greek Freak would be staying put with the Milwaukee Bucks, subsequent reports have continued to push the idea that Antetokounmpo will be moving to another team, perhaps before the season ends.

Earlier this week, Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report proposed a three-team trade that would send Antetokounmpo to a team that he’s been linked to over the past few months. In Buckley’s proposal, the two-time MVP would be making his way to the Golden State Warriors. Meanwhile, Butler would find himself shipped to the Detroit Pistons, while the Bucks get a cache of young talent and draft assets.

So, who wins this trade?

In the short term, Golden State would emerge as the victor of this transaction. Over the past three seasons, Antetokounmpo has averaged better than 30 points and eight rebounds per game. Never mind the wear and tear of 13 seasons in the league: The Greek Freak has barely shown signs of slowing down. If Steph Curry and Draymond Green decide that the Bay Area will be their home for the next few years, they would make a lethal combination with Antetokounmpo.

Butler, meanwhile, would find himself in a rather familiar situation: playing the role of grizzled, fired-up vet on a youthful team. The Pistons, however, have some interesting dance partners for him. Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson are interesting young assets that could benefit from the wisdom and the passion that Butler brings to the table.

As for Milwaukee, a trade like this would signal the end of an era. By shipping away the last major piece of their 2021 championship squad, the Bucks would enter a full rebuild. Brandin Podziemski and a healthy Jaden Ivey offer a promising start, and the various draft picks and swaps acquired by Milwaukee could bring some more fresh pieces.

Does this trade make the Warriors a title contender and the Pistons an even stronger threat in the East? Both scenarios are possible, and they’re must-see attractions as well. Butler and Cade Cunningham on the fast break would be an absolute thrill, while a half-court offense powered by Curry and Antetokounmpo would be difficult to stop.