How Portland Trail Blazers could actually land Giannis Antetokounmpo

Fischer, writing in The Stein Line on Substack, said new owner Tom Dundon's first NBA offseason will be shaped by this pursuit.

During his introductory news conference, Dundon said he plans to be "more aggressive than most" when chasing star talent, and that has not come across as empty talk.

Blazers GM Joe Cronin said a similar thing, telling reporters the team is open to a major move but only "at the right price point," per multiple reports.

Any trade package built around Antetokounmpo would likely include Jerami Grant's contract, valued at $34.2 million next season before a $36.4 million player option in 2027-28. But Giannis is carrying a $58.5 million salary, so additional salary matching through a multi-team structure is almost certainly required.

Portland engaged in trade conversations with Milwaukee as recently as the week before February's trade deadline, before various teams ultimately concluded the Bucks were not ready to move him.

The real obstacle is what Antetokounmpo wants. Per Fischer, Portland may not rank high on his preferred destination list.

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