Giannis Antetokounmpo might not be with the Milwaukee Bucks much longer. Antetokounmpo and his agent, Alex Saratsis, began conversations with Milwaukee about his future, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania on December 3. Charania said a resolution was expected in the “coming weeks,” which means a decision could be near.
In fact, the two-time NBA MVP’s future may be fully decided very soon. Antetokounmpo has missed the last three weeks with a right calf strain and should be nearing his return. If so, the Bucks could keep Antetokounmpo out of the lineup or trade him to prevent another injury this season.
Milwaukee prefers to keep Antetokounmpo, but it may not matter if he requests a trade to another team. Below, we dive into five landing spots for Antetokounmpo if he requests a trade from the Bucks.
New York Knicks
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The New York Knicks would be the big-market team that Giannis Antetokounmpo desires so much. However, the trade package for Antetokounmpo will be massive no matter what. The Knicks would have to include several players, such as OG Anunoby, and several draft picks. New York would become the favorite in the Eastern Conference with Antetokounmpo, but it would be a huge exodus of players.
Miami Heat
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The Miami Heat have been linked to Antetokounmpo for years, and it might be their time to pounce. Miami would likely have to trade Tyler Herro, but the Bucks might push for Bam Adebayo to be included in the trade package. Either way, Antetokounmpo is worth the price of admission, as he would bring the Heat back to the top of the Eastern Conference.
Los Angeles Lakers
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The Los Angeles Lakers acquired Luka Doncic less than one year ago, but could Antetokounmpo be next? Los Angeles doesn’t have the assets of other teams, but if the Bucks forward requests the “Lakers and only the Lakers,” it could give the team some leverage. Doncic and Antetokounmpo would run the league for a long time, but it might be one of the hardest scenarios.
Golden State Warriors
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The Golden State Warriors are in desperate need of new talent. Golden State is struggling with Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, leaving the door open for a massive run at Antetokounmpo. The Warriors would likely have to include Green and Jonathan Kuminga, along with more players and picks, but it would be worth prioritizing the present and future.
Oklahoma City Thunder
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The Oklahoma City Thunder don’t need Antetokounmpo, but they have the assets to complete a trade with the Bucks right now. Oklahoma City has the best team in the NBA coming off a championship, and could trade its surplus of draft picks to acquire the 31-year-old champion. The Thunder could pull off a trade for Antetokounmpo and send the rest of the NBA into a frenzy.
Austin Konenski is a sports writer at Sportsnaut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA, and College Football. His work … More about Austin Konenski