The Milwaukee Bucks may be on the verge of a franchise-altering move.
As the team enters the offseason, their goal is to keep their core intact. While speculation has primarily focused on Giannis Antetokounmpo's potential departure, another surprising scenario is gaining traction, one that could convince the two-time MVP to stay.
Matt Levine of Newsweek has floated the possibility of a blockbuster trade that would send Damian Lillard to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Kevin Durant.
"The teams could swap Durant for Damian Lillard, giving the Bucks two of the best scorers that the league has to offer," Levine wrote. "Lillard could take next season to rehab, and the Suns would then have him in the final year of his contract."
There is no doubt that a trade of that caliber would send shockwaves throughout the league.
Lillard, who suffered a torn left Achilles injury during Game 4 of the Bucks' NBA Playoff matchup against the Pacers, remains one of the best players in the league, averaging 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds.
He joined the Bucks in 2023 to chase a championship that has eluded him throughout his career; however, it hasn't materialized yet throughout his time playing next to Antetokounmpo.
Meanwhile, Durant, even at the age of 37, continues to be one of the best scorers with 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists on 52.7% shooting from the field. However, after the Suns finished with a disappointing 36-46 record, reports suggest that the Suns may be open to moving on from the superstar forward.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported that any Durant trade won't happen until there is clarity on whether Antetokounmpo decides on whether he will stay in Milwaukee or seek a trade.
A move of this magnitude may be enough to keep the Greek Freak in Milwaukee.
Pairing Durant with Antetokounmpo would create one of the most dominant duos in the NBA, instantly keeping the Bucks in contention at the top of the Eastern Conference while helping the Suns remain a threat in a loaded Western Conference. Damian Lillard is joining Devin Booker.