On May 10, Beijing time, the latest odds of Brother Alphabet were released, and he was most favored to stay with the Bucks, while the Warriors ranked second and the Rockets ranked third. The well-known American media Bleacher Report also previously listed five major trade plans, analyzing how the Warriors, Rockets, Spurs, Nets and Thunder need to get Brother Alphabet.
The latest odds are as follows: 1. Bucks (-200), 2. Warriors (+900), 3. Rockets (+950), 4. Spurs (+1200), 5. Lakers, Nets and Thunder (both +1600).
Bleacher Report also lists the five major trading plans of Brother Alphabet -
Brooklyn Nets
Potential trade framework: Antetokounmpo joins the Nets in exchange for Claxton, Cloney, Keown Johnson and six first-round picks
Long before Lillard's injury, New York Post reporter Brian Lewis revealed that Antetokounmpo "has been the Nets' number one target." It may have been wishful thinking at the time, but it was possible to make it happen.
For the Nets, Brother Alphabet is the best choice. As previously reported by ESPN, the Nets plan to "chase superstars" in the offseason, and there is no star more dazzling than Antetokounmpo. The 30-year-old is in his prime, having won two regular season MVPs, one Defensive Player of the Year and one Finals MVP.
However, the key to convincing him to join Brooklyn is to show his blueprint for the championship. The Nets have lost 106 games in the past two seasons, lacking either star players or potential stars with obvious superstar potential.
Still, the Nets have plenty of salary space this summer, backed by the top market of New York, and have a considerable pool of draft picks, which can not only trade multiple first-round picks, but also keep assets to continue to strengthen. What's more, the new coach Jordi Fernandes is expected to become a new generation of coaches.
The Nets could rebuild their roster around Antetokounmpo, Cameron Johnson, Cameron Thomas, and ideally the potential rookie drafted. With New York's market appeal and the superstar's reach, recruiting helpers won't be a difficult task.
Golden State Warriors
Potential trade framework: Antetokounmpo joins the Warriors in exchange for Butler and two first-round picks
For a long time, there have been "scandals" between the warriors and Brother Alphabet. It all seemed like a fantasy for Warriors fans before, but if Antetokounmpo is concerned about the future of the Bucks (which is completely understandable), that could change quickly.
To be clear, the Warriors can't offer the most enticing trade chips, but still be able to piece together an attractive offer.
With the exception of Curry (who is worth mentioning that Curry belongs to the same agency as his brother), other players and draft picks can be used as trade chips. Draft picks and up-and-coming stars will be sent away, and Dreamers and even key players like Butler could be involved — either being sent back to the Bucks (who lack draft picks and have difficulty rebuilding through rebuilding) or traded to a third-party team, who will then send other assets to the Bucks.
This deal may still need to be pushed by Brother Alphabet to be completed. It's not hard to imagine that he might publicly say that the Warriors are the best place for him. He and Curry appreciate each other, and their style of play is a perfect fit. The duo will be lethal and draw the attention of the defense to each other, creating space that can make the opponent feel like a fish in water.
Even with the blockbuster trade of Antetokounmpo, the Warriors will still retain a good group of role players, plus the famous coach Steve Kerr, and management who is willing to spend a lot of money to compete for a championship. As long as he stays healthy, this lineup is enough to challenge for a championship in Curry's prime.
Houston Rockets
Potential trade framework: Antetokounmpo joins the Rockets in exchange for Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Shepard, Whitmore and three first-round picks
The Rockets are close to being a championship contender. Their defense is extremely pressing and dominant, enough to shine on the playoff stage. Under the tutelage of coach Udoka, the team has a high fighting spirit and can fight tenaciously even in the face of strong opponents.
But their offense dragged their feet — ranking only 12th in the league in offensive efficiency. When they can't play fast, or when they miss a lot of shots, their offense tends to stall (22nd in the league in half-court offensive efficiency).
The addition of Brother Alphabet is expected to change this situation immediately. While scoring isn't his most prominent skill, he's averaged 30+ points per game for three consecutive seasons (and shot over 60% from the field for two consecutive years). On the inside, he's unstoppable, and on the outside, he's a growing offensive threat. He averaged a career-wide difference between assists (6.5) and turnovers (3.1) per game, and shot a whopping 44.2% from mid-range (a respectable number of shots).
He can be the team's leading scorer, but he doesn't need to play a lot of ball-carrying singles. This is crucial, because while the Rockets traded for Brother Alphabet, there is a high probability that they are unwilling to give up Shen Jing. The Bucks could also accept such a trade, as the Rockets can still send multiple first-round picks and other young potential players (Jalen Green, Jabari Smith, Shepard and Whitmore are all reasonable options).
With such a blockbuster deal, the Rockets can go from being a promising up-and-comer to a true title contender.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Potential trade framework: Antetokounmpo joins the Thunder in exchange for Hartenstein, Carson Wallace, Topic and four first-round picks
Even without Brother Alphabet, the Thunder is still strong. This season, they have a league-leading win rate of 82.9 percent; The goal difference was 12.9, the best ever.
Still, the Thunder are a strong candidate for a potential home for two reasons: First, they have assets that are huge enough to chase any star. A large number of draft picks and up-and-coming stars allow them to complete blockbuster trades without over-impacting their existing rotation.
Second, despite the Thunder's lavish roster, there is only one true superstar. Maybe the team thinks Jalen Williams or Chet Holmgren have the potential to become superstars, but only Alexander has really reached the top level at the moment.
If the team misses out on a championship this season, they shouldn't rule out making a major trade. While it may seem like their championship window will never close, that's not the case — just ask the Thunder, who owned Durant, Westbrook and Harden.
Alexander may need a stronger helper to break through the championship bottleneck, and Antetokounmpo could easily take on that role. Depending on the Bucks' demand for draft picks, the Thunder could even close a trade without sending Jalen Williams or Holmgren. A couple of future first-round picks, paired with Hartenstein, Dort, Caruso, Carson Wallace and Topit, could make a deal.
San Antonio Spurs
Potential trade framework: Antetokounmpo joins Spurs in exchange for Castle, Sochan, Keldon Johnson and four first-round picks
With Wembanyama's rise, the Spurs boldly pursued Fox before the trade deadline. This is undoubtedly a reinforcement for the current championship, but it is far from being a "desperate bet".
If you can get Brother Alphabet, the situation will be completely different. If it turns out on paper, the deal could make the Spurs a "cheat code" in the league.
Compared to Wembanyama's ideal partner, he is older and has a slightly weaker projection, but as long as there is a chance to combine two talented players, it is worth a try. In addition, the Spurs have a lot of assets, and even if they complete such a blockbuster deal, it will not break their bones. They'll send some, but not all, of Castle, Vassell, Sochan and Keldon Johnson, as well as some first-round picks, but still build a great supporting cast around the two superstars and leave room for reinforcements.
The inside combination of Brother Alphabet and Wembanyama may subvert the alliance pattern. Their combination of height, reach, and skill makes them unbeatable. The Spurs may be able to combine a combination of offensive firepower and an impregnable defense. While it won't be that simple, for reference, if the two big men maintain their stats this season, the Twin Towers will be averaging about 55 points, 23 rebounds, 10 assists, five blocks, and two steals per game. It's a nightmare for the other 29 teams in the league.
To get the deal done, the Spurs will need to show unprecedented boldness, but how many opportunities will there be for a team in a non-top market to bring two epoch-making talents together? The Spurs could use this to change the league in an instant, and he may also think he has the best chance of challenging for a championship now and for years to come.