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Why Bucks trading Giannis Antetokounmpo before NBA Draft makes sense originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Milwaukee Bucks are facing the tough reality of trading away their franchise superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The rumors have persisted for a while, and this offseason seems to be the time that it'll actually happen. Whether it's to the Miami Heat, the Boston Celtics, or a dark horse -- the reality is that trading Giannis is going to be tough for the Bucks and their fanbase regardless.
Despite that, a trade might come sooner than later.
All along, there's been chatter that Antetokounmpo might get dealt before the NBA Draft -- and the draft starts on Tuesday night.
On one hand, that might feel rushed to some. Why not draw out the bidding war as long as possible?
But on the other hand, it makes a lot of sense to deal Giannis before the draft.
MORE: Celtics' Jaylen Brown trade offer for Giannis takes shape
Why would the Bucks trade Giannis before the NBA Draft?
This would all be about understanding value in a return.
Draft picks, when traded in future years, don't actually have their exact positioning attached. That only comes after teams play out the season and the lottery takes place.
Right before the draft, though, teams know exactly what they're worth. If the Bucks were getting a 2026 draft pick from a trading partner, it wouldn't be just a first-round pick from 1-30. They'd know its exact spot.
They'll get a lot more than just a 2026 pick or two from another team to send away Giannis, but it does matter.
There's going to be variability in outcomes no matter what happens here. But at least if the Bucks do the deal before the draft (and before free agency starts making things more complicated), they'll have a slightly better idea of what they're getting in return.
MORE: Why Thunder traded talented wing Aaron Wiggins to the Hawks
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