Speculation about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks has been rife for some time now.
But could this long-drawn saga finally come to its conclusion in the coming weeks? An NBA executive certainly seems to think so.
NBA Executive Drops Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Hint
Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam made it clear earlier this month that he would like to see a resolution to Antetokounmpo’s future before the NBA Draft in just over a month’s time. Based on those comments, an NBA executive told ESPN’s Tim Bontemps that a Giannis trade could be in the offing.
“It just feels like they’re done with the circus, more than anything. They seem to want a clean break and to move on,” an Eastern Conference executive said.
Bontemps further claimed that there is a growing belief in NBA circles that Giannis will finally be traded in the coming weeks.
“In the wake of Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam’s comments, it seems like the Giannis Antetokounmpo saga could finally get some clarity between now and the draft. And, after years of “will they, won’t they,” the growing belief around the league is that this time an Antetokoumpo trade will actually happen,” Bontemps further wrote in his column.
It is worth noting that Giannis was almost traded by the Bucks at the February deadline. But the Bucks stood firm and rejected all offers. If a divorce were to finally happen this offseason, it would mark a disappointing conclusion to a historic 13-year run during which Giannis won two MVP awards and led the Bucks to the NBA Championship in 2021.
The Bucks finished 11th in the Eastern Conference this season with a 32-50 record. Milwaukee had to navigate Giannis trade rumors all year long, and the star forward was forced to sit out the final few weeks of the season even though he claimed he was fit to play.
The Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers are among the many teams reportedly in the Giannis trade sweepstakes. No matter where the “Greek Freak” goes next season, it will no doubt create a huge ripple effect in the NBA.
Antetokounmpo still has two years left on his current three-year, $175 million contract with the Bucks, with the second year a player option. He would become extension eligible in October, or six months after a potential trade.
