ESPN mock trade lands the Bucks a former All-Star | Sporting News

The Milwaukee Bucks have been front and center early in the NBA offseason, thanks in large part to the swirling trade discussions surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo.

However, recent reporting suggests that Antetokounmpo may not be getting moved after all.

He hasnt requested a trade from Milwaukee, and the Bucks havent expressed any desire to move him.

As such, the Bucks will need to seek out roster upgrades around Antetokounmpo should he return for a 13th season in Milwaukee.

ESPNs Kevin Pelton presented a mock trade swapping two former All-Stars.

The full mock trade is as follows: Bucks receive: Bradley Beal, Royce ONeal, 2025 first-round pick Suns receive: Pat Connaughton, Damian Lillard Pelton s explanation for the deal stems from the potential effects of Damian Lillards injury.

The 34-year-old suffered a torn achilles in the first round of the playoffs, putting his status for next season in serious jeopardy.

Additionally, Pelton believes that Beal may perform better in Milwaukee given that he would have more on-ball opportunities than he currently does in Phoenix.

Beal has two years and roughly $110 million remaining on his contract.

He and LeBron James are the only players in the NBA with a no-trade clause.

Beal, who would need to waive his no-trade clause to make the deal work, could fit better in Milwaukee than he has with the Suns, getting more opportunities to handle the ball and spacing the floor for Antetokounmpo in a way Lillard wasn't as comfortable doing, Pelton said.

The Bucks also win the undercard here, adding wing depth with O'Neale in a swap that's necessary to avoid hard-capping Phoenix at the lower luxury tax apron and getting a late first-rounder to use upgrading the rest of the roster.

Beal is not nearly the same player he once was when he was a member of the Washington Wizards.

The three-time All-Star averaged just 17.0 points per game in 53 appearances this season, 15 of those coming off the bench, a stark drop off from his career-high of 31.3 points per game in 2020-2021.

Along with his inconsistent play, 31-year-old has seen his career derailed by injuries, averaging just 49 games per season since his last All-Star appearance in 2021..

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