Before the NBA embarked upon a news-filled night with the draft lottery results and the playoff games, a report surfaced that Giannis Antetokounmpo is open-minded about a potential move. Following the Milwaukee Bucks' first-round loss to the Indiana Pacers for the second consecutive season, Giannis is considering other options for the first time in his career.
The Memphis Grizzlies are looking to take the next step that they have failed to take since a second-round playoff appearance in 2022. Acquiring a player of Giannis' caliber would help them accomplish a deeper playoff run, likely as early as next season, barring injury.
As with anything that is rumor-related in the NBA, fan bases start making their dream scenarios through trade machines, and this news was no different. With another report that hasn't been confirmed to be true or not about Giannis being intrigued by the idea of playing in a state with no income tax, Grizzlies fans wasted no time suggesting deals.
Tennessee has no state income tax
The state of Tennessee is one of only nine states that don't have an income tax. Of the states that have NBA teams, it is only one of three states, along with Florida and Texas. That means the Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, Orlando Magic, and Miami Heat would hypothetically interest Giannis the most.
With that exciting possibility, Grizzlies fans took to social media to suggest trade scenarios for the team to acquire the two-time MVP.
On X (formerly Twitter), Coach Von (@ohokcontae) proposed that the Grizzlies trade Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, GG Jackson, and at least three first-round draft picks for Giannis and Bobby Portis. While losing both Bane and Jackson Jr. would completely split their current core, gaining Giannis to pair with Ja Morant is the better option.
Ja and Giannis would form arguably the best two-man combo in the NBA, with the same amount of cap space to add shooters around them. Adding Bane, Jackson Jr., and GG Jackson would make the Bucks younger and remain competitive while replenishing their draft pick collection.
Also on X (formerly Twitter), The No Bluffin Podcast host, Chris (@chriman_), proposed a similar deal. He proposed Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, and three first-round draft picks for Giannis. This deal works and would save the Grizzlies $6 million in cap space to, again, add shooting around the new Ja-Giannis duo.
It's fun to dream, and now is the time for all fan bases to envision Giannis in their team's uniform. He has a championship under his belt, two MVPs, and a Defensive Player of the Year award while still in his prime at age 30. The Grizzlies would be wise to at least reach out about potentially acquiring him.