Warriors: Are we sure a Klay-for-Giannis trade would work?

From the Bucks’ perspective…

Depending on who you talk to, Giannis is one of the best four players in professional basketball. He is unquestionably the most physically dominant force the NBA has seen since Shaquille O’Neal wore purple and gold for the Los Angeles Lakers. Klay Thompson, on the other hand—though a terrific two-way player—does not scratch the surface of what Giannis brings to the table.

Giannis is something that Klay has simply never been in his professional career: The focal point of a high-octane offense. While Klay is a maestro off the ball and arguably the best ‘number two’ in the game, Giannis is the key playmaker for the best offense in basketball.

Not only is Antetokounmpo’s playmaking on the offensive side of the ball vital, though. His versatility, length, and rim protection on the defensive end is the sole reason the Bucks are one of the most maddening teams to score on in the entire NBA.

Those points alone should be enough of a reason for the Bucks to be out on any Klay-for-Giannis trade. This much is obvious, though. It should go without mentioning that the Bucks would become substantially worse with Klay filling Giannis’ shoes.

In the case of the Warriors, however, things become more intriguing when you consider both the loss of Klay Thompson and the addition of Giannis.