News broke, yet again, for what feels like the hundredth time, that the Milwaukee Bucks are open to trading Giannis Antetokounmpo. Many teams have reason to be interested, understandably so, as Antetokounmpo is one of the most coveted stars in the NBA, but very few have what it takes to secure him.
However, that small list could now include the LA Clippers. This is due to the fact that their lottery gamble paid off, giving them the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, which was highlighted by Bill Simmons on “The Bill Simmons Podcast.”
Some may like the idea of a move for Antetokounmpo, and some might not, but the reality is that, within the next few weeks, LA must decide how to handle its pursuit of one of the biggest names on the trade market this summer.
The Clippers may have entered the Giannis sweepstake, but they need to find the exit
In every year prior, Giannis Antetokounmpo on the LA Clippers would have been a dream come true. Though it’s unknown how Lawrence Frank would’ve made it work, Antetokounmpo in red, white, and blue, next to Kawhi Leonard, guarantees the Clippers will be one of the primary threats in the Western Conference, competing with teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder.
In fact, there is a good chance the Clippers, at full health, might have walked away with a championship.
But, at the current moment, trading for 31-year-old Antetokounmpo is just not ideal. While he may still be great, Leonard is not getting any younger, as he is on the verge of turning 35 years old in the summer.
On top of that, with how much the Clippers went out of their way at the deadline to prioritize youth and obtain draft capital, it feels like going after Antetokounmpo with the inclusion of the fifth overall pick is sending the franchise in the wrong direction.
That said, regardless of the shape or form, the Clippers must make it clear to the Milwaukee Bucks, and essentially everyone else in the NBA, that their spot in the upcoming lottery is nearly untouchable.
This action will immediately remove their name from the sweepstakes for the former NBA champion and signal to Clipper Nation that they will be given what they deserve: a proper rebuild from the ground up.
No more years of trying to win with aging superstars.
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