The big obstacle to the Bucks trading Giannis ... the Pelicans have their first-rounders.

Another less-spoken obstacle is that Giannis will still want Bobby as a team-mate, and want a team to plan on extending Bobby. Spurs have plenty of space for two experienced bigs still under 30 ... especially one who has experience playing off a big freak superstar.

Pelicans are formally looking to add budget-saving 2nd-rounders. This gives up their Bucks 2025-pick and 2026-swap for the Hornets 2025-pick and a bunch of 2nd-rounders, including getting three of their own back. The Hornets pick is no longer protected, and it's right in the middle of where the Bucks pick would be if they hold course, vs where it would be if they trade Giannis and tank.

Bucks get the type of trade they would want - one that returns their next two draft picks, plus many more firsts, plus a massive payroll-drop.

Hornets get a 'big 3' team (Vassell to join Ball and Miller) and their 6th-man (Keldon), to have a core in their early 20s under contract for at least 3 years.

Alternatives: Bucks may prefer to get Tidjale Salaun as a rookie they can start giving minutes to. Pelicans may prefer Blake Wesley as a Pop-coached point-guard to develop under Dejounte.