Cooper Flagg’s blockbuster NBA trade idea sends Duke superstar to Bucks.

Cooper Flagg hasn’t played an NBA game yet, but that hasn’t stopped teams from plotting how to land the Duke standout. His future will likely become clearer on Monday, May 12, during the NBA Draft Lottery. While he may not quite match the hype of past top prospects like Victor Wembanyama or Tim Duncan, Flagg remains a strong favorite to be chosen first overall. Even without an official announcement, whichever team wins the lottery is expected to become Flagg’s new home—unless that franchise chooses to trade the pick for a proven star.

This is the backdrop to the Milwaukee Bucks’ offseason, which is expected to be filled with speculation about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future. CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn recently explored possible destinations for the Bucks star. One team reportedly ramping up efforts to acquire Antetokounmpo is the Brooklyn Nets. If Brooklyn secures the No. 1 pick, Quinn suggests they might consider using it in a trade for Antetokounmpo—a move that couldn’t officially happen until draft day.

“The Nets could play a major role,” Quinn wrote, noting that the team controls four unprotected future first-round picks from the Knicks, adding to their trade appeal. He points out that if Brooklyn’s lottery pick lands in the top four—or at No. 1—a Flagg-for-Antetokounmpo deal could make sense as a present-versus-future exchange. Would a team prefer five years of All-NBA performance or 15 years of potential greatness? That depends on each team’s priorities, but the Bucks might lean toward the long-term upside. Quinn also names prospects like Dylan Harper or Ace Bailey as other potential trade assets, though they may not be as appealing as Flagg.

It’s important to note that Antetokounmpo has not requested a trade, and similar rumors have swirled in past offseasons, only for him to reaffirm his commitment to Milwaukee. However, with the Bucks recently falling short in the playoffs again, league insiders are beginning to wonder if a change could be on the horizon. Antetokounmpo is signed with Milwaukee through the 2027-28 season on a three-year, $175 million contract.