Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s name has prominently figured in the rumor mill in the last week or so after another early exit by the Milwaukee Bucks and after it was reported that the “Greek Freak” is, for the first time, open to the idea of playing in another NBA city.
Several teams have emerged as possible landing spots for Giannis. However, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst believes that the San Antonio Spurs have an advantage over the others because they have something unique.
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“San Antonio has something that is extremely attractive,” revealed Windhorst during his appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show”. “They have a star player in Victor Wembanyama who is on his rookie contract for several more years.”
Spurs have the “Golden Triangle”
The main issue in trading for Giannis isn’t really the package, but his salary. Antetokounmpo is set to make $54.1 million next season, which would not only present current and future salary cap issues. That isn’t the case in San Antonio because Wemby still has two more years under his rookie deal and will make just $13.3 million next season and $16.8 million in 2026-27.
They also have good complementary players like Devin Vassell ($27 million), Harrison Barnes ($19 million), and Keldon Johnson (17.5 million), whom they can use for matching purposes. San Antonio also has the reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, and multiple draft picks, including the No.2 and No.14 picks in next month’s draft, making their offer more attractive.
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“So, San Antonio can give them real players. They can give them young players, and they can give them draft picks. That’s the golden triangle. What we don’t know is whether Giannis wants to play in San Antonio or not,” added Windy.
Gil says Giannis’ timeline doesn’t match Wemby’s
It’s hard to speak for Antetokounmpo right now because he hasn’t officially said anything, nor has the Greek native confirmed that he wants to be traded. But if Giannis intends to finish his career elsewhere, former Washington Wizards All-Star Gilbert Arenas does not think that he wants to play with Wemby because at 30, “The Greek Freak” wants to win now, and that may not happen with a young running mate like “The Alien.”
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“I don’t see how he is convinced that he will win a championship with Wemby in the next, what, three years?” Arenas said on “All The Smoke.” “Giannis is 30. So you’re talking about, by the time Wemby comes into his own, where he is the problem of the NBA, you’re talking about 23… 24… 25. I don’t see Giannis doing that.”
That’s a good point, but that’s also just Gil’s opinion. No one really knows what’s on Giannis’ mind right now. There are reports that Antetokounmpo and the Bucks are set to meet next week to discuss his future. Perhaps by then, we’ll get a better picture of what’s next for the 2023 NBA champion. But yes, pairing the “Greek Freak” with Wemby is an intriguing idea.
Related: Pierce explains why the Spurs should pursue Giannis this summer: “That would be ridiculous”