Raptors go all out to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, creating the Big Three to win the championship again

According to the latest report by sports media F/W contributor Eddie Bitar. The Toronto Raptors once made a bold move to trade Kawhi Leonard to eventually win the NBA championship, and they could do it again by targeting Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. In 2018, the Toronto Raptors shocked the NBA world by acquiring Kawhi Leonard, a move that ultimately led to the team’s first overall championship. Now, with the Milwaukee Bucks facing uncertainty and Giannis Antetokounmpo reportedly willing to explore his options, the Raptors have a chance to make another bold move.

Antetokounmpo is expected to meet with the Bucks management to discuss the team's third straight first-round exit and the direction of Damian Lillard's injury at the end of the season. Toronto has internationally attractive and stable management and is considered a suitable destination for the Greek star. The Raptors have long been interested in Antetokounmpo, trying to trade in the 2013 draft to pick him and clear the cap space in 2020 in hopes of signing him. With the roster of Scotty Barnes and Brandon Ingram, Toronto can provide Antetokounmpo with a competitive team and simulate a deal for both teams:

Raptors get: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Bucks get: Barrett, Quickley, 2025 No. 9 draft pick, 2025 No. 39 draft pick, 2028 first-round pick from the Raptors

Raptors will build a different Big Three

Toronto Raptors can take a very bold step by acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo to form a strong trio with Brandon Ingram and Scotty Barnes. Despite the Milwaukee Bucks' early exit from the playoffs, Antetokounmpo showed his dominance in the 2024-25 season, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists and shooting 60.1% from the field.

His joining brought two MVP and strength on both sides of the court offense and defense to Toronto. Brandon Ingram complements Antetokounm's inside presence with his outside scoring and organizational abilities. Ingram averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists in the same season, providing the Raptors with a versatile offensive weapon. His ability to create his own shooting opportunities and provide teammates with assists adds depth to the Raptors’ offensive plan. 2022 Rookie of the Year Scotty Barnes continues to grow into a well-rounded player. He averaged 19.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game in the 2024-25 season, demonstrating his versatility and defensive abilities. Like the Raptors’ Kawhi, Giannis can complete a perfect roster and prepare for winning the NBA championship.

The Bucks gained a lot of future assets and began to rebuild

The Milwaukee Bucks' decision to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo marks the beginning of a new era focused on reconstruction. Despite Antetokounmpo's outstanding performance, the Bucks were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the third time in a row, highlighting the need for strategic reforms. The deal provides Milwaukee with valuable assets to start the process.

In return for Antetokounmpo, the Bucks received a package deal that includes promising young talent and future draft picks. These assets provide Milwaukee with the flexibility to develop new cores and build for the future. The infusion of youth and potential lays the foundation for a comprehensive reconstruction aimed at long-term success. While the departure of the team cornerstone is significant, the Bucks will be happy with the draft pick and the two players, Barrett (21.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 5.4 APG) and Quickley (17.1 PPG, 5.8 APG), both of whom are 25 years old. The Raptors have a decisive management team, Toronto's acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo marks a decisive shift to direct competition. After missing the playoffs in a 30-52 season, the Raptors are declaring their ambitions. The introduction of players like Antetokounmpo shows his commitment to winning now.

This move is reminiscent of the Raptors’ 2018 deal against Kawhi Leonard, which ended up winning their first NBA title. By forming the trio of Antetokounm, Ingram and Barnes, Toronto positioned itself as a powerful force in the Eastern Conference. In this lineup, the integration of experience and young players provides both direct impact and future potential. Raptors management is known for their bold decisions, and once again they risked the calculated risk and received high returns. If this new core can be united and meet expectations, Toronto may find himself back in the championship battle, injecting vitality into the fan base and winning the championship again.