While it may require the Clippers to trade Ivica Zubac, draft capital, and depth pieces, there is a realm of possibility where LA lands Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks. His talents would be an excellent addition to the duo of James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, ultimately creating the best trio in the world.
Furthermore, fans may prefer to retain Big Zu and find another way to Antetokounmpo, but Milwaukee likely will not accept unless they have a guaranteed star in the package and picks to lean on.
Zubac just had the best season of his young career, averaging 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, shooting 62.8% from the floor on just two missed games. He is a literal 'Iron Man' with a peak that has yet to arrive.
Regarding draft picks, the Clippers have a first this summer, a first in 2031, and a plethora of second-round picks they received by trading Terance Mann to the Atlanta Hawks.
However, with the Dallas Mavericks' recent rush of joy, they can immediately remove the Clippers from the race for Antetokounmpo by shipping their first overall pick to Milwaukee.
Any package the LA Clippers piece together will not stand a chance against what the Dallas Mavericks can offer
Although the all-but-confirmed first-overall pick, Cooper Flagg, ending up with the Milwaukee Bucks, sounds like a story simulation in NBA 2K25, it could happen if Nico Harrison and the Dallas Mavericks are as serious as they say they are about winning now.
Dallas already traded one of their franchise greats, Luka Doncic, to the Los Angeles Lakers to conquer a title faster, so it only makes sense that their pick in the 2025 NBA Draft is sent to the Bucks for the two-time MVP.
Moreover, the LA Clippers do not have an asset with the same, or even close, value to Dallas' first pick. This year, in particular, is of more significance as a generational talent like Flagg is the top prospect.
Given that he is one of the most talked-about rising stars since LeBron James in 2003, the Bucks would quickly accept their next face of the franchise in a deal that ships Giannis Antetokounmpo, primarily through the latest update from Shams Charania.
Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has not made any firm decisions, but for the first time in his career, he is open-minded about whether his best fit is remaining in Milwaukee – or playing elsewhere, league sources told ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 12, 2025
Story on ESPN: https://t.co/2aTg3Bq8o3
That said, the Clippers have a fair shot at acquiring Antetokounmpo in the offseason, but the Mavericks could end all hope with one phone call that includes their top selling point.