The Milwaukee Bucks have failed to replicate the success they had in 2021, when they won the NBA championship with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Even after acquiring the likes of Damian Lillard, Milwaukee did not taste any postseason success. One of the main reasons for this would be the team’s unfortunate string of injuries.
Both Antetokounmpo and Lillard suffered injuries during the postseason, which crushed their title hopes again. After the recent exit at the hands of the Indiana Pacers, the Greek star’s future has been in question.
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Will Giannis Antetokounmpo Leave Bucks?
It is understandable, considering his career has been somewhat stagnant in terms of titles over the last four years. He has mentioned in the past that he would be open to leaving the Bucks, but his current intention is to stay with the team. With that said, trade rumors surround the star, including several potential landing spots.
One of those teams would be the Philadelphia 76ers, as PFSN analyst Brandon Austin suggests.
Philadelphia 76ers receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks receive: Paul George, Kelly Oubre, 2028 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick, 2031 first-round pick
He writes, “Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the best basketball players in the world, but his future with the Milwaukee Bucks is still very much up in the air. As currently constructed, this team cannot realistically contend in the Eastern Conference, even in a year when the race is wide open. While it will be tough, Milwaukee should listen to offers, and the Philadelphia 76ers have to put their bid in.”
The Bucks made a shocking move to waive Lillard and sign Myles Turner with that money. From a commercial point of view, it made sense since Lillard isn’t returning to the court anytime soon. However, even with Turner, the Bucks still don’t appear to be a championship-winning team.
The Bucks are currently 8-11 at this stage of the season, and it doesn’t look like they can contend for the East without the Greek forward.
Austin adds, “The 76ers have some promising core pieces in place with guards Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. Jared McCain looked legit as a rookie before his season was cut short, but he’s back on the floor and looking to re-establish himself. That brings us to Joel Embiid and Paul George, who have been unable to stay on the floor for extended periods.”
Paul George and Joel Embiid have also not tasted any significant success with the 76ers. George has had the rougher time in Philly so far, struggling to find his spark that we all used to admire.
Austin writes that it might be time for a change for George, especially with his expensive contract: “Given the challenges with George and Embiid’s large contracts, it may be time for a change. George isn’t worth his deal. Kelly Oubre has played well, but trading him is an easy call. Landing Antetokounmpo would instantly boost Philadelphia’s frontcourt. If the Sixers can part with draft capital instead of McCain, they may consider it.”
Antetokounmpo can undoubtedly help the 76ers contend for the title, alongside Embiid. They would make a massive starting lineup and could definitely hurt the opposition’s defense together. As for the Bucks, they would still have work to do even after landing George, but at least it could be a fresh start for the All-Star.