ESPN s trade proposal sends Antetokounmpo to the Warriors and Dream-Chasing Green to the Lakers

According to US sports media F/W reporter Vishvisha Kumar. Among the boldest trading assumptions proposed so far this offseason, ESPN's Zachary Kram proposed a heavy trade plan involving four teams that will set off a shock wave in the NBA. What is the core content of the transaction? Two-time MVP Antetokounmpo joined the Warriors, while Mengmeng Green teamed up with James on the Lakers.

The specific plan is:

The Warriors get: Antetokounmpo

The Lakers get: Dream Chasing Green, Gafford

The Mavericks get: Vincent, 2031 Los Angeles Lakers first-round draft pick, 2025 No. 41 draft pick

The Bucks get: Reeves, Sister Bo, Kumingga, TJD, Kleber, 2029 and 2031 Warriors first-round draft pick swap, 2030 Lakers first-round draft pick swap

The Warriors form a new Big Three

This proposal is both bold and strategic. For the Warriors, this will be the ultimate winner, sacrificing depth and young assets to build a superstar trio of Curry, Butler and Antetokounmpo. After the acquisition of Butler in February, the Warriors appear to be committed to making the most of Curry's final years of his career. Antetokounmpo will bring them the league's most athletic defensive pillars and unstoppable inside power. The Warriors have long been associated with the stars, and as Kuminga's future is uncertain, the team may seek to pack him up to reset their caps altogether. Pairing Antetokounmpo with Butler's firepower and Curry's offense will make the Warriors immediately a championship favorite again. The Lakers' forward line has been improved and the center problem has been solved. The Lakers will turn to balance decisively. By trading Rivers, they will add two strong defensive players, Green and Gafford. Green has long been associated with James, a move that ultimately paired them on the same team. Gafford is a proven basket protection and all-in-one threat, and will provide Doncic with a complementary frontcourt partner and let Redick's system emphasize pick-and-roll spacing and defensive structure more prominently.

The Mavericks get a substitute point guard

For Dallas, the deal is about value. As Irving is expected to miss most of the 2025-26 season after a torn ACL, he has won a seasoned ball handler Vincent and two future draft picks. While Gafford is a good player, the Mavericks are able to withstand his departure, especially as Lively becomes a long-term inside pillar.

If the Bucks choose to give up Antetokounmpo, the team will get the necessary foundation for reconstruction

Although Antetokounmpo has not formally requested a deal, speculation about his future has only increased and not decreased in recent seasons. And for the first time this season, he has heard from teams to him, suggesting that his long-term prospects may change. But according to multiple insiders, he has expressed his desire to stay with the Bucks, who are still fully committed to building around him, with cap flexibility even if their draft assets are limited.

If management still chooses to trade, this plan will be something management cannot refuse: Reeves provides backcourt scoring and organizational offense; Kumingga and TJD bring defensive versatility and youth; Kleber is a reliable insider; and has sufficient future draft capital to prepare for subsequent stars. All 4 teams got what they wanted in the trade. What do you think?