Five teams have been linked to a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade this week after the Milwaukee Bucks superstar made it clear that he wasn’t set on staying with the franchise long-term.
Next summer Milwaukee can offer Antetokounmpo a five-year deal worth up to $334 million. It would be the largest contract in league history, though that doesn’t seem to matter much to the former NBA MVP.
During a recent podcast appearance, he stated quite clearly that his goal is winning another championship.
Point blank.
Last night history was made as my friend Giannis Antetokounmpo made his podcast debut on the 48 Minutes Podcast by @BleavSports with myself, @PureHoopsBruce, & @worldbfreer. He gave us 110% just as he does everyday on the court in the @NBA for the @Bucks. https://t.co/EhizVj09PR pic.twitter.com/3gXnzKBkj7
— Ross Geiger (@RossGeiger) September 12, 2023
“I’m a Milwaukee Buck, but most importantly I’m a winner… If there is a better situation for me to win the Larry O’Brien I have to take that better situation,” he said.
This of course isn’t the first time Antetokounmpo has said something like this. He gave a similar comment to Tania Ganguli of the New York Times back in August.
“I would not be the best version of myself if I don’t know that everybody’s on the same page, everybody’s going for a championship, everybody’s going to sacrifice time away from their family like I do,” he said.
“And if I don’t feel that, I’m not signing.”
Where there is this much smoke, there is usually fire. It genuinely feels like Antetokounmpo is laying the groundwork for an exit a la LeBron James and Kevin Durant before him.
According to ESPN, five teams area currently being linked to Antetokounmpo in some capacity. Those teams are: the New Orleans Pelicans, Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors.
Other dark horse suitors have also been linked to the Bucks star, albeit in a more limited capacity.
Any of those teams would certainly make sense for Antetokounmpo given the caliber of player he is, but some are certainly better fits than others.
The Warriors and Raptors, especially, are particularly intriguing options.
Big week for Oregon, Colorado and Deion Sanders already. https://t.co/qylLix6igh
— Game 7 (@game7__) September 21, 2023
Time will tell if Antetokounmpo really leaves Milwaukee. He did a similar song and dance a few years ago, before ultimately remaining with the Bucks.
Then he went on to win a championship with the franchise.
That said, based on how the NBA has gone over the past few years, Antetokounmpo ditching the Bucks for greener pastures wouldn’t be all that shocking of a move either.
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A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
