The NBA world shall be watching Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks this summer time. Following a 3rd consecutive first-round exit throughout which Damian Lillard tore his achilles, the two-time MVP’s future in Milwaukee is extra unsure than ever.
NBA followers and media have speculated a number of groups as possible locations ought to the Bucks celebrity ask for a commerce. Antetokounmpo added to these rumors throughout a Twitter Q&A on Saturday.
He revealed that New York is his favourite street metropolis to play in.
The 30-year-old additionally stated that Florida cities made him the happiest of all of the locations he is visited.
Whereas a protracted record of groups will enter the bidding for Antetokounmpo ought to he search a change of surroundings, his New York and Florida responses will gas hypothesis about his desired touchdown spots.
Giannis Antetokounmpo reveals favourite cities amid Bucks commerce rumors
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s New York response will pique the curiosity of Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks followers. Together with his future with the Bucks unsure during the last two years, each groups have been seen as real looking touchdown spots.
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Nonetheless, after unloading practically all of their draft capital in trades for Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Cities, the Knicks have far fewer property than different potential suitors. They may construct a package deal centered round established gamers akin to Cities, Bridges, OG Anunoby or Josh Hart. Nonetheless, it is troublesome to check New York gutting its core in a deal after making a deep playoff run this season.
Brooklyn seems to be a extra real looking touchdown spot. After buying and selling Bridges, the Nets have an NBA-best 10 tradable first-round picks, together with the No. 8 decide on this yr’s draft. However with out management of their first-round decide till 2031, the Bucks will possible search affect gamers to stay aggressive.
The Nets lack a star-level centerpiece, with Cam Johnson, Cam Thomas and Nic Claxton headlining the roster. Nonetheless, they may use their treasure trove of draft picks to assist the Bucks regain management of their upcoming first-round picks from the New Orleans Pelicans in a three-team commerce. The Pelicans personal the Bucks’ first-round picks in 2026 (swap) and 2027.
Antetokounmpo’s affinity for Florida cities shall be of be aware to Miami Warmth and Orlando Magic followers.
The Warmth want an inflow of star energy following a traditionally lopsided first-round sequence loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Nonetheless, Miami has solely two tradable first-round picks. A deal would possible require them to half with Bam Adebayo, and even then, a number of groups might provide considerably extra.
The Magic are a dark-horse candidate as a consequence of an intriguing mixture of younger prospects and draft capital. They’ve Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs as high-end younger prospects and 4 tradable first-round picks. Orlando might put collectively a package deal that helps the Bucks stay aggressive with a number of high-level supporting items remaining to encompass Antetokounmpo.
Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee ought to acquire readability within the coming weeks. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Monday that the Bucks star was “open-minded” about exploring a possible change of surroundings. Antetokounmpo is predicted to satisfy with Milwaukee subsequent week to debate his future and the course of the group, based on Chris Haynes.