"Giannis is getting traded to the Warriors": Fans erupt after Paul Pierce proposes blockbuster Giannis Antetokounmpo trade idea
Hoops fans reacted strongly after former NBA champion Paul Pierce suggested a blockbuster trade that would send superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo away from the Milwaukee Bucks. In a recent episode of the "KG Certified" podcast, Pierce proposed the idea of Giannis joining the OKC Thunder in a trade package centered around young star Chet Holmgren and multiple draft picks.
"This will break the league if this trade happens," Pierce said (from 14:40 onwards). "If you can find a way to get Giannis to OKC you know why and this is why I say that they got all the draft picks they got young talent that you can trade for him. Like nobody can give you the assets that OKC can get you."
Fans erupted after Pierce floated the idea, with one X user speculating that Giannis could be traded to the Golden State Warriors in a deal centered around Jonathan Kuminga.
"Giannis is getting traded to the Warriors for Kuminga, Moody and picks."
Several fans disagreed with the former Boston Celtics former superstar’s trade idea, arguing that OKC would never include Chet Holmgren in a deal, as it would disrupt their young core.
"Chet ain’t getting traded. Delete this garbage," a fan wrote.
"I’d rather have Chet in OKC. Can freak spread the floor? Thunder don’t need any more ball penetration," commented another fan.
"Doesnt make sense for OKC, they dont need Giannis to win a title this year, the fit wouldnt be ideal, the assets theyd use would be better saved to keep OKCs window open as long as possible. They also wouldnt give up Chet in any deal at this point, rightfully," another X user said.
Some fans agreed with Pierce's idea, suggesting that acquiring Giannis could make OKC the favorite to win the championship.
"Actually smart trade. Chet looks like he could be the one but rarely do guys actually live up to being The ones. Giannis is already there and would instantly make them title favorites even over Boston the defending champs," a fan wrote.
"They winning it all with Giannis but bucks deffo gonna ask for Chet n picks," said another.
OKC boasts a roster full of young talent that any team in the league would covet. Additionally, the Thunder hold a wealth of draft assets, including four first-round picks in the 2025 draft alone. Altogether, the Western Conference franchise has more than 10 first-round picks over the next seven drafts.
Milwaukee Bucks are struggling immensely
The Milwaukee Bucks have endured a rough start to the 2024-25 season, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co. slipping to a 2-7 record after a crushing 116-94 loss to the New York Knicks on Friday. Fans and analysts have begun speculating that Giannis might eventually request a trade if the Bucks don't turn their season around soon.
Following the loss, the two-time NBA MVP expressed clear frustration, passionately questioning his teammates’ competitive spirit in a postgame rant.
"If you're going to go out there and you're not gonna compete you're not going to win the game," Giannis said told reporters. "Sometimes you compete your a** off and you don't want win the game. But at least you give yourself a chance. You know, we played great last night, we came to New York, we lost by 30.
"We don't compete. Are we okay with not competing? I don't know. I'm not okay with that s**t ... We got Boston in two days. We don't compete, we gonna lose by 30," he added.
The Bucks have struggled to secure wins despite strong performances from Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. "The Greek Freak" is averaging 30.1 points, 12.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 60.5% from the field.
Lillard has also been impressive, posting 27.3 ppg and 6.7 apg on 46.0% shooting, including 36.9% from beyond the arc.