Giannis Antetokounmpo sent the Magic a trade proposal in Zach Love

A blockbuster trade concept including Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Orlando Magic came up this week after NBA analyst Zach Lowe floated the idea on the latest episode of The Zach Lowe Show.

Lowe revealed a hypothetical deal that would send the Milwaukee Bucks superstar to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Paolo Bancherotogether with limited additional assets. The proposal drew immediate attention given the stature of both players and the long-term implications for each franchise.

“My favorite fake trade for Giannis is Paolo Banchero plus whatever they have left, which isn’t much, I think you could trade one first round pick, plus something else for Giannis. Because you need a player to help you win right now. And you’re kind of selling high on Paolo, which isn’t possible anymore, but that was poison let loose.”

Lowe added that the idea has been on his mind since the start of the season, framing it as a winning move for Milwaukee if the franchise eventually turns to reset around younger assets.

Banchero, 23, is in his fourth NBA season and remains a centerpiece of the Magic’s long-term plans. He is averaging 21.6 points, 8.7 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game while shooting 46.1% from the field and 29.1% from three-point range in 35 appearances, logging 34.1 minutes per game. In his last outing, he had 37 points, 10 rebounds and four assists on 13-for-21 shooting in 114-98 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night, Orlando’s second straight loss. The loss dropped the Magic to 23-22, putting them in eighth place in the Eastern Conference amid a disappointing season relative to expectations.

Zach Love floats Giannis Antetokounmpo–Paolo Banchero trade between Bucks, Magic

Banchero is making about $41.5 million this season after signing a five-year, $239 million max rookie extension that could escalate to $287 million if he earns All-NBA honors. The contract includes a player option for the 2030-31 season, making it a long-term financial commitment for any franchise.

Antetokounmpo, 31, has been a fixture in trade speculation all season as Milwaukee has struggled to find power. The former two-time MVP and Defensive Player of the Year is averaging 28 points, 10 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game while shooting career highs of 64.5% from the field and 39.5% from three-point range in 30 games, playing 29.2 minutes per contest. Despite his efficiency, the Bucks sit at 18-26, 11th in the Eastern Conference.

Antetokounmpo is making $54.1 million this season as part of a three-year, $175.3 million deal that includes a player option for the 2027-28 campaign. His salary, age and championship pedigree would dramatically change the trajectory of a Magic team built around youth and defensive development.

For now, the scenario remains purely theoretical. Antetokounmpo is currently out again with a calf strainand the deadline for his return remains uncertain. Milwaukee will try to snap a two-game skid Tuesday night when it opens a three-game sweep against the Philadelphia 76ers (24-21) at 8:00 PM ET on NBC and Peacock.

Orlando, meanwhile, will look to end a four-game losing streak on Wednesday night when it travels to face the Miami Heat (25-22) at 7:30 PM ET as speculation continues about where the franchise could go if bold opportunities present themselves.