NBA gossip: Insider conjectures about Giannis Antetokounmpo's desired cities for potential trade
In the heat of the NBA playoffs, whispers of the offseason are already swirling, particularly surrounding the fate of Giannis Antetokounmpo and his future with the Milwaukee Bucks. This year's early playoff exits for the Bucks and Portland Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard's injury have sparked rumors of an Antetokounmpo trade, with his potential desire for a big-market team becoming the league's hottest topic.
The Ringer's Howard Beck hinted that the two-time MVP might be eyeing glamour markets like Los Angeles, New York, or Miami, or perhaps Chicago or Houston. While the grueling speculation remains largely conjecture at this point, NBA stars often prioritize marquee cities in their wish lists.
So, let's size up some potential trade suitors for Giannis.
Notable Contenders
Houston Rockets and Brooklyn Nets, both represented by big-city teams, seem poised to make the most convincing pitches. The Rockets boast a slew of intriguing young prospects and Phoenix Suns first-round picks, while the Nets hold a trove of 10 tradable first-rounders and players like Cam Thomas, Nic Claxton, and Cam Johnson.
The picture darkens for other market teams, making their cases more ambiguous.
The Chicago Bulls could emerge as a dark horse with their five tradable first-rounders and young stars Coby White, Josh Giddey, and Matas Buzelis.
The New York Knicks, despite owning only one tradable first-round pick, may offer a package built around established players like Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart. Yet, their offer might stretch the Bucks' roster-building capabilities, as they currently possess only one tradable first-round pick and no cap space.
The Lakers have a single tradable first-round pick in 2031, while the Clippers own two tradable first-rounders. Their young talent pool is less impressive compared to other contenders.
The Miami Heat offer a bit more flexibility with young players like Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Nikola Jovic, and Jaime Jacquez Jr., along with two tradable first-round picks, but their haul still falls short.
The Golden State Warriors might be interested but lack players beyond their big three of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and Quentin Post are their best young rotation pieces, while Jonathan Kuminga has struggled to secure a consistent spot in the lineup.
Securing a new destination for Antetokounmpo isn't a sure thing, given his remaining three years on his current contract. Still, a few small-market teams, such as the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs, might enter the fray if the Bucks seek to maximize their return. However, securing a significant return would likely require Antetokounmpo's commitment.
- Despite the lingering rumors, the Milwaukee Bucks' superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo might be considering big-market teams such as Los Angeles, New York, or Miami, Chicago, or Houston.
- The Houston Rockets and Brooklyn Nets, with their appealing city landscapes and promising young prospects or tradable draft picks, are considered potential suitors for Giannis.
- The Chicago Bulls could become a dark horse contender given their array of tradable first-round picks and young stars.
- The New York Knicks could potentially offer a package built around established players like Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart, although their roster-building capabilities might be strained.
- Small-market teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs may perceive an opportunity if the Bucks aim to maximize their return for Giannis, but securing a significant return would likely necessitate his commitment.
