Giannis Antetokounmpo has been at the center of trade talking points for the myriad of TV pundits for some time now. The Greek player has stated on multiple occasions that he wants to stay in Milwaukee and has no interest in leaving. Despite that, the rumors surrounding his future continue to swirl like a spoon in a boiling pot. Over the years, the Bucks have made several trades to bring in some backup for Giannis, which, up until this point, has not produced the results the Bucks are looking for. Now, a mock trade has been proposed by an NBA insider that has the basketball world wondering, once again, if Giannis will stay in Milwaukee.
Despite Giannis claiming he wants to stay, the rumor mill keeps churning
When a top-tier player is involved in a trade, the sheer complexity of the NBA comes into focus. Evident by the unbelievable Kevin Durant trade that shocked the league and broke records in the NBA. Giannis is no KD, but he definitely is a championship-caliber player and a former champion with the Bucks. A mock trade presented by Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey has proposed what it might take to lure Giannis away from Milwaukee.
The mock trade features five teams as part of a complex deal that would see Giannis joining the Knicks, Karl-Anthony Towns to the Miami Heat, Lauri Markkanen to the San Antonio Spurs, and a package of Keldon Johnson, Bobby Portis, Jeremy Sochan, Tyler Kolek, a 2029 first-round pick from San Antonio, and a 2031 first-round pick from San Antonio to the Utah Jazz.
On the opposite end, the deal would include Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier, Harrison Barnes, a 2026 first-round pick from New York (via Washington), a 2030 first-round pick from Miami, a 2030 first-round pick swap from New York, a 2032 first-round pick swap from New York, a 2032 first-round pick from Miami, a top-50 protected 2031 second-round pick from Utah, and three second-round picks from New York.
The Bucks have made some interesting choices ahead of the new season
While the NBA pundits are focused on the potential trades that may take place before the season gets underway, Giannis is reportedly watching what the Bucks do with keen interest. Several seasons ago, the Bucks brought in Jrue Holiday to strengthen the roster. When that didn’t work, they traded for Damian Lillard. The expectation was that he would develop a level of chemistry with Giannis, but that never developed into a reality.
Lillard would ultimately be let go by the Bucks in a move that shocked the NBA and the basketball world as a whole. The Bucks waived Lillard’s contract, and he subsequently signed with his old team, the Portland Trailblazers. ESPN NBA insider Tim MacMahon echoed the thoughts of many in the NBA with his recent statement about Giannis’ future.
“Speculation has swirled around Antetokounmpo asking out of Milwaukee for several years. If he didn’t take that drastic step in the summer, it’s unlikely to happen midseason.” – ESPN NBA insider Tim MacMahon
Giannis is still the face of the Bucks franchise, for now at least
The NBA is no stranger to drama. The Luka Doncic trade by the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers is evidence that no player is safe in the NBA and could be traded at a moment’s notice if the team sees a potential trade that could benefit them. With the offseason offering the NBA stars a chance at playing for their national teams, the time off for Giannis will surely be spent in deep contemplation. Will he stay in Milwaukee and try to lead the team to another title? Or is there greener grass on the other side of the fence?
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