The Utah Jazz have not been linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo, even with all the rumors floating about. That's not to say hypothetical trades making the two-time MVP a Jazzman haven't been thrown out there, but there haven't been any recent intel linking the two-time MVP. It's a shame because Utah would become a contender if they got him, and they'd have an awesome package.
It was brought up the other day that despite all the talent Utah has on their roster, they lack "that guy" on their roster. Antetokounmpo fits that label easily, but how could a trade get done? Well, now that Utah has the No. 2 pick in a loaded draft, the following would be agreed to between the two sides.
Jazz get: Antetokounmpo
Bucks get: No. 2 pick on his rookie scale contract ($13 million), Walker Kessler (via sign-and-trade at $30 million), Ace Bailey, John Konchar
Would that be a bit of an overpay? Sure, but it's prime Giannis Antetokounmpo, who could play the center position, run the offense, get the rebounds that Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen can't, and give them the defensive reinforcements the team would need.
It would give the Jazz so many options to choose from. The combo of Markkanen, JJJ, Giannis, all of whom are around the same height yet bring different qualities to the table, would make Utah perhaps the most unpredictable contender in the league.
As for the Bucks, they wouldn't do much better than this because no team can offer the same caliber of assets. Granted, both sides would have to wait until the rookie scale contract becomes tradeable, but it is still possible.
The only problem is that Utah should only entertain a trade like this if they know for a fact that Antetokounmpo would stay in Utah past his current contract. Until further notice, that doesn't seem like an option.
Unless Giannis wants to stay a Jazzman, it's not happening
Anyone from the Jazz's side who says this is too rich a deal for their blood would be on the money because Antetokounmpo could leave after next season. He has a player option and at this stage of his career, he wants to win and on his own terms.
As good as the situation would be in Utah, he may prefer staying in the East because getting to a title would be much easier there than it would be in the West. Even if players like Markkanen have gone out of their way to say to say Utah isn't as bad as their negative reputation suggests, stars are still hesitant to join them.
Granted, putting Giannis a on a team like this would put him back into contention, but there's still just so much risk involved that the Jazz would be wise to not make an offer like this unless Antetokounmpo makes it clear from the jump that he would stick around.
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