There has been speculation for years about the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes finally taking off. This offseason is lining up to be the time where those rumors may finally turn to reality.
There were murmurings coming from all places, speculating if this is when the Milwaukee Bucks superstar finally puts in that trade request and leaves for greener pastures.
Advertisement
To some extent, that speculation was initially not worth listening to. That is no longer the case. Shams Charania confirmed there is ample reason to be closely monitoring Antetokounmpo this offseason.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo controls the ball against New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby and center Karl-Anthony Towns during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden.Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Charania drops eye-opening Antetokounmpo report
The NBA insider revealed in his latest article for ESPN that considerations regarding where the rest of his future is played will be on Giannis’ mind for the first time.
“The two-time NBA MVP has not made any firm decisions on his Bucks future after the franchise’s third consecutive postseason exit in the first round, but, for the first time in his career, Antetokounmpo is open-minded about exploring whether his best long-term fit is remaining in Milwaukee or playing elsewhere, league sources told ESPN.”
-Shams Charania
Charania added that the development of this situation will be entirely in the hands of Antetokounmpo.
“Any conversations surrounding the perennial All-NBA superstar and 2021 NBA champion start primarily with where he believes his long-term future lies and whether there is a franchise outside of Milwaukee that is sensible for him.”
-Shams Charania
With an opportunity to join the sweepstakes, the Knicks will need to take a long, hard look at the idea of acquiring the two-time NBA MVP.
Advertisement
Related: Celtics Analyst Takes Shot at Knicks After Game 2
The Knicks’ most important focus is currently their second-round series against the Boston Celtics. If the team loses the advantage they have gained and experiences an exit, bolstering the roster (again) would not be a bad initiative.
New York has handed over a lot of draft capital in recent seasons to assemble the team they have presently. A trade package for Antetokounmpo would need to be a player-heavy deal, featuring some of their key stars.
The Greek Freak has been rumored to prefer a large market. The Knicks certainly fit that description and the need could exist by the end of this campaign.
Related: Kristaps Porzingis Details Injury During Knicks-Celtics Series