The Greek Freak’s future in Milwaukee is in serious doubt. Rachel Nichols explains why one of the Bucks’ decisions could influence what happens next.
Giannis Antetokounmpo won the Milwaukee Bucks their first NBA championship in half a century in 2021. His departure from the franchise has never seemed like a real possibility until now.
After another disappointing first-round exit in the playoffs, rumors of a Giannis trade have ramped up. Paul George may not think Antetokounmpo will leave, but many reports say otherwise.
The San Antonio Spurs have been touted as a potential destination, and Brian Windhorst even linked the Golden State Warriors with a move for the former 2-time MVP.
No matter what ends up happening, the experts seem to think that any potential move would see Giannis leave the Eastern Conference.
Photo by John Fisher/Getty ImagesRachel Nichols thinks the Jrue Holiday situation will influence any Giannis move for Milwaukee
The Bucks traded away Jrue Holiday in the Damian Lillard deal, only for him to join the Boston Celtics and win a championship. Rachel Nichols believes this will impact the team’s approach.
“I’ve seen a lot of things floated about what they’re going to say to him in the meeting,” Nichols said. “Hey Giannis, stay in the East. You never know, look what happened this year.
“I don’t think they’re going to deal him East. I think they watched that blow up with Jrue Holiday.
“I think after you have traded away Jrue Holiday and had him turn around and beat you for an NBA title and win in his next city, I do not think that you can put Giannis in the Eastern Conference.
“To have a guy who is that emotionally connected to your city, and then to have him come in multiple times a year and rip your heart out is not something I think that they want to do.
“And by the way, they don’t really have to make some wrenching decision. The best offers for Giannis are going to come from the Western Conference anyway.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo going West wouldn’t be good for NBA parity
One of the most discussed NBA talking points is the weakness of the East in comparison to the Western Conference. A lot of the league’s biggest superstars play in the West.
The likes of Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Luka Doncic are all on Western Conference teams.
To the contrary, Giannis has been the only consistent superstar alongside Jayson Tatum on the other side. Joel Embiid is too injured, Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton have only just arrived.
If the Greek Freak also goes West, this imbalance will only grow. The Bucks may not want to deal him to another team they have to face four times a season, but that might not be ideal for the NBA.