NBA insider claims the New Orleans Pelicans will seriously contend for Giannis Antetokounmpo in the offseason.
For the third straight season, the Milwaukee Bucks have failed to impress in the NBA playoffs as they were eliminated in the first round at the hands of the Indiana Pacers.
The Bucks’ early exit could have huge consequences for the franchise in the future in the form of 2x NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Antetokounmpo has remained loyal to the Bucks throughout his career, but it feels like he’s wasting his prime at this point. As a result, the rumor mill suggests that Giannis and the Bucks will mutually discuss his future in the offseason.
Photo by Ben Brewer/Getty ImagesNew Orleans Pelicans could offer Zion Williamson for a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade
If a player of Antetokounmpo’s caliber becomes available for trade, it is bound to lead to a bidding war among every franchise in the NBA.
While the Brooklyn Nets are currently viewed as the favorites to land the Greek Freak if he demands a trade, NBA insider Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson recently reported that the New Orleans Pelicans are expected to show interest in him as well.
“Sources tell me new Pelicans President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars will be meeting with Zion Williamson in the near future, as the franchise continues to evaluate its future,” Robinson wrote.
He added: “I’m told Zion could very well be on the table in a potential Giannis deal if Milwaukee chooses to explore trade options.”
Trading for Antetokounmpo is one thing, but parting ways with franchise star Zion Williamson in the process is completely different. But is it really a surprise? Absolutely not.
There’s growing frustration between Williamson and the Pelicans
When he’s healthy, there’s no doubt that Zion is one of the most dominant players on the court. Unfortunately, the Pelicans have hardly witnessed that version of Williamson throughout his tenure with the team.
Even during the 2024-25 NBA season, Williamson was restricted to just 30 games due to a plethora of injury troubles.
Keeping that in mind, Robinson reported: “This isn’t just speculation. There’s been growing frustration internally between Zion and Pelicans ownership — and while Dumars will get his opportunity to sit down and get a read on Zion firsthand, I’m told that a trade involving the former No. 1 overall pick is very much on the table this offseason.”
With Williamson missing the majority of the season, it wasn’t a surprise that the Pelicans finished as the 14th seed in the conference with an abysmal 21-61 record.