Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a loyal soldier for the Milwaukee Bucks. He brought the NBA title back to Milwaukee after a 40-year drought in 2021. However, after yet another disappointing postseason run, we may be in for a huge shift in the landscape. It seems Giannis’ days in Wisconsin are numbered.
As a former MVP and one of the best players on the planet, there’s a long list of suitors for his signature. And an extremely overpowered team-up with a rising star may be on the horizon for the Greek Freak. So let’s see what the rumor mill says about Giannis and the current situation within Milwaukee right now.
San Antonio Spurs emerge as frontrunners for Giannis Antetokounmpo’s signature
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the Spurs are looking to add some more star power to their roster. And in that pursuit, Fischer reports that the Spurs are pursuing multiple targets. The Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant is one of them. Joining KD on the list of star targets is none other than the Greek Freak, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
With players like De’Aaron Fox, Victor Wembanyama, Chris Paul, and more, Giannis or potentially even KD would be an incredible addition to the Spurs’ roster. Still, some issues may become a hindrance to this trade. You see, Giannis has a contract that runs through the 2027-28 season with the Milwaukee Bucks. And that contract also has a $62 million player’s option for the final season.
Jan 31, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) dunks over Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
So, San Antonio will need to assemble a strong trade package to net Giannis’ signature in the coming offseason. However, considering the mix of youth and experience within the Spurs, they should be able to cook up something, on paper at least.
Nonetheless, just the prospect of Giannis and Wemby on the same team will torment opposition teams. However, that brings us to our second problem. Victor Wembanyama is out indefinitely as he’s suffering from deep vein thrombosis. And this may give Giannis a reason pause as he picks his next destination. Regardless, the Spurs still seem like an incredible project for him to join and take to the next level.
But there’s one more aspect to be considered. And that’s the timing of it all.
Why should the Greek Freak leave now?
The Milwaukee Bucks have crashed out in the first round of the Playoffs for the last two years. So, after the Bucks went 0-2 against the Pacers, NBA insider Chris Haynes explained why there was cause for concern in Milwaukee. “I don’t think so, I don’t think so,” said Haynes when asked whether Giannis would hang it up in Milwaukee. “This is going to be a pivotal playoff…If they don’t get to the Finals, win the Finals, or even make a deep run, you can probably see some wholesale changes going on in Milwaukee,” said Haynes.
He explained that these changes could range from the players to the front office, and everything in between. And if Haynes’ report is to be believed, things don’t look good for the Bucks. Currently, they are down 3-1 in the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers.
Oct 30, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and guard Damian Lillard (0) looks on during a timeout in the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
But to make matters much, much worse, Damian Lillard is out again. And he won’t be coming back anytime soon. Dame came back after nearly having his season ended by deep vein thrombosis, only to have his season actually ended by a torn Achilles tendon suffered in Game 4 against the Pacers. Now, Giannis has no backup heading to Game 5. And the Bucks are likely in for a drubbing against the Pacers.
Considering all this, it’s not very surprising that reports of Giannis’s trade have only multiplied recently. The Bucks are in a bad position. Rather than wasting his prime here, it may be in Giannis’s best interests to cut his losses. Furthermore, there’s not a single person who can claim they don’t want to see the Greek Freak and Wemby partner up.
Oh, maybe Bucks fans don’t. Nonetheless, all any of us can do is wait and find out what the future holds in store for Giannis.
The post NBA Trade Rumors: Giannis Antetokounmpo Could Join West All-Star in Blockbuster Move as National Reporter Hints at Major Bucks Change appeared first on EssentiallySports.