Despite a few other names still being whispered on the lips of NBA analysts, Giannis Antetokounmpo is by far the biggest being talked about in terms of a trade. With the NBA trade deadline on February 5, and the situation in Milwaukee looking a bit unbearable for the two-time MVP, many NBA fans are speculating that Antetokounmpo will soon be wearing another team’s jersey.
It’s no secret that the Bucks’ losing record this season and their inability to right the ship so far have been sore points of contention for the superstar. His dejected appearance on the bench during games and in post-game interviews is obvious. And speaking of interviews, he recently stated of the team’s woes:
“We’re not playing hard. We aren’t doing the right thing. We’re not playing to win. We’re not playing together. Our chemistry’s not there. Guys are being selfish, trying to look for their own shots instead of looking for the right shot for the team. Guys trying to do it on their own. At times, I feel like when we’re down 10, down 15, down 20, we try to make it up in one play, and it’s not going to work.”
With all that being said, Antetokounmpo himself has not demanded a trade. In fact, ESPN reports that he made the bold statement, “There will never be a chance, and there will never be a moment that I will come out and say, ‘I want a trade.’”
Yet again, the tension in Milwaukee is evident, and the trade rumors are circulating. But it serves the Bucks to do what they can to make it work with Antetokounmpo, at least until the summer offseason.
The Milwaukee Bucks May Stand to Gain More in the Summer
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Although the Dallas Mavericks’ Anthony Davis, the Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant, and the Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga have all been discussed among basketball insiders for a trade, the prospects of Davis and Morant going anywhere before February 5th have decreased, given their injuries. A healthy Davis could have been a big help for the Bucks in turning this season around, but he’s likely not up and ready to play again for another few weeks and possibly a couple of months after the trade deadline. That wouldn’t really help the Bucks this season, realistically.
Now, when it comes to the offseason, the Bucks may find themselves with more options to choose from. As of publication, LeBron James, Bradley Beal, James Harden, and Kristaps Porziņģis are just a few of the players who may become free agents this summer. When you add the possibilities that the Mavericks may be willing to seriously talk about trading Davis by then and Memphis Ja Morant, it stands to reason Milwaukee could make trading Antetokounmpo incredibly worth the risk if they wait.
Then there’s the whole Jimmy Butler factor. While the Warriors are happy with Butler, and his contributions are undeniable, rumor has it that if there is a way to secure Antetokounmpo, they may be willing to deal Butler. However, that’s a conversation that’s not likely to officially happen between the two teams until the summer, when more is known about Butler’s recovery from his recent ACL injury.
If the Milwaukee Bucks Want to Trade Giannis Antetokounmpo Today, Where Would He Go?
If it proves that the situation between the Bucks and Antetokounmpo is just beyond repair, then the question becomes, where does the NBA champion end up? My first guess would be the New York Knicks. They’re in the middle of their own slump and could use a shake-up. There’s currently a three-team deal circulating involving the Trail Blazers that ultimately sees the Bucks wind up with Karl-Anthony Towns and Miles McBride, while Antetokounmpo and Jerami Grant go to the Knicks.
Additionally, I can’t rule out that the Warriors somehow pull off a midseason trade for Antetokounmpo and Kyle Kuzma, trading Bulter, Kuminga, and a future draft pick. This trade wouldn’t propel the Bucks to a championship-caliber team this year, but it may set them up for the next season.
For now, we will all just have to wait and see how the Bucks and Antetokounmpo “drama” resolves itself, whether that be in a few weeks or months.
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