Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo will be the big fish for teams trying to reel in a whale this offseason. Since being named the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2017, he’s been a Defensive Player of the Year (2020), two-time league MVP (2019, 2020), and 10-time All-Star. He even led the Bucks to a championship in 2021, their first and only title since 1971.
If Milwaukee’s front office hadn’t broken up their title team, perhaps they wouldn’t be on pins and needles now. There’s no use in crying over spilled milk. Even so, there’s a direct correlation between the Bucks’ post-ring transactions and Antetokounmpo’s willingness to be traded. With Milwaukee currently 24-31, their win percentage (.436) the worst it’s been since they won 43.9% of their games in 1997-98, it’s only becoming more likely the Greek Freak will get out of dodge sooner rather than later. In fact, Antetokounmpo’s resolve is expected to be strongly tested this offseason.
9 Teams Named As Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Offseason Suitors
There are now nine teams that are considered to be potential offseason suitors for Antetokounmpo.
“The (Miami) Heat, (Golden State) Warriors, (Minnesota) Timberwolves, (Los Angeles) Lakers, possibly the (New York) Knicks and potentially others are expected to pursue a trade for Antetokounmpo this summer if he’s made available,” per Miami Herald reporter Barry Jackson. “And there’s a new wild card: An asset-rich team that didn’t pursue him before the trade deadline might rethink that if it’s ousted before the NBA Finals. That group includes Houston, San Antonio, Cleveland and Detroit.”
New York Knicks
If Antetokounmpo was asked to rank the teams he wants to play for outside of the Bucks, the New York Knicks might top the list. Last summer, Milwaukee and New York even had an “exclusive negotiating window” to get a trade done. Whether the knowledge that he was the Knicks’ headliner in the package for Antetokoumpo has affected his play, Karl-Anthony Towns‘s performance this season hasn’t done anything to cement his future in the Big Apple.
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat aren’t necessarily a big market team but they’re a respected organization based in a glamorous city. As a result, they’re consistently connected to stars that become available on the trade market. This time, that player is Antetokounmpo, who’d likely be Bam Adebayo‘s newest co-star. At the least, the Greek Freak can fill the void left by Jimmy Butler much better than Andrew Wiggins can.
Golden State Warriors
In a vacuum, it’s hard to see the appeal Antetokounmpo’s offensive skillset has for a team that adores the 3-ball. Yet, blending his interior dominance with Stephen Curry‘s outside gravity could certainly break opposing defenses. With the Golden State Warriors desire to send Curry out with a bang, they could be extremely motivated to complete a trade for Antetokounmpo.
Minnesota Timberwolves
When Minnesota Timberwolves beat writer Gery Woelfel of Woelfel’s Press Box reported that there was a team with an All-Star on their roster that “ultimately decided not to pursue Antetokounmpo because they didn’t feel his ego would allow him to accept a co-starring role…,” the Wolves may have been the first team to come to mind. All the same, Antetokounmpo and Anthony Edwards would be a deadly duo.
Los Angeles Lakers
James sounds like he’s ready to rejoin the Cleveland Cavaliers this offseason. Even if he wasn’t, the Los Angeles Lakers could make a move for Antetokounmpo, whom Luka Doncic would like to team up with. With Doncic now LA’s franchise cornerstone, he’s the most influential person in the organization. That being said, the Lakers and Hall of Fame talents simply seem to be drawn to each other.
Houston Rockets
Kevin Durant‘s return to Texas has been just rough enough to question his long-term future with the Houston Rockets. At the same time, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka has shown significant distaste for Alperen Sengun‘s defensive limitations. The Bucks might better appreciate the opportunity to build around Sengun, a 23-year-old two-time All-Star often compared to Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic.
San Antonio Spurs
The idea of Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama joining forces is mind-melting. If the San Antonio Spurs can pull that off, there’s little doubt that many would consider them title-contenders. To complete such a trade, San Antonio would likely have to give up one of their prized guards. De’Aaron Fox makes the most money and is a two-time All-Star. However, Stephon Castle (21) and Dylan Harper (19) are a few years younger than Fox, who turned 28 in December.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Could the Cavaliers add James and Antetokounmpo in the same summer? Even if it’s just the latter, it would do a lot to raise their chances of winning an NBA championship. 24-year-old Evan Mobley would be the sacrificial lamb, so to speak. Nonetheless, the trio of Antetokounmpo, Donovan Mitchell and James Harden would be a good, old-fashioned Big Three. If they somehow get James on board too, that’s just downright unfair.
Detroit Pistons
As far as franchise turnarounds go, the Detroit Pistons are one of the NBA’s rag-to-riches stories. Who knows if that has an appeal to Antetokounmpo, who’s one of the NBA players who escaped real poverty through basketball. All that can be sure is that he and Cade Cunningham would form one of the most talented tag teams in the league. Hopefully, the Pistons wouldn’t have to gut their depth to make the trade.
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