Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks has been a major question. It seems like it’s just a matter of time before he leaves Milwaukee. Teams across the league have been saving assets for when he becomes officially available.
But despite interest from multiple teams, The Athletic’s Joe Vardon has reported that one team has made it clear it won’t pursue the Greek superstar.
Will Giannis Antetokounmpo Leave the Bucks?
The Cleveland Cavaliers have made it clear that they won’t be making any offers for Antetokounmpo. “The Cavs, probably soon, are going home for the summer with the most expensive roster in NBA history and no finals berth to show for it,” Vardon said.
Vardon also spoke about the NBA rulebook: “The rules are written such that it is unlikely some key role players will be back, and it is nearly impossible to bring in better replacements without first making significant moves to shed salary.”
“Otherwise, you’re looking at something drastic like trading Evan Mobley for Giannis Antetokounmpo, though two league sources say Cleveland has shown no interest in that move as of now,” Vardon added.
They are down 0-3 to the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals. It doesn’t seem like the Cavs can pull off a sensational comeback like they did in 2016.
Cleveland carries the most expensive roster in NBA history and sits in first-apron territory; at this stage, it is quite hard to make any major improvements.
The salary rules make it nearly impossible to bring in better replacements without first shedding significant money. That leaves drastic moves on the table, including one that would send Evan Mobley to Milwaukee for Giannis Antetokounmpo. But Vardon reported that two league sources say Cleveland has shown no interest in that move as of now.
The Antetokounmpo market is more complicated than it appears. NBC Sports has reported that while the Bucks are serious about making a deal, the market itself has been more difficult than expected.
The Golden State Warriors are aggressively pursuing Antetokounmpo, with a package reportedly centered around Jimmy Butler, Brandin Podziemski, and multiple first-round picks.
The Lakers have also been linked. Bill Simmons of the Ringer has suggested Antetokounmpo has his eye on Boston, though he noted the Celtics may not share the same level of enthusiasm.
The New York Knicks are reportedly the only destination outside Milwaukee that Antetokounmpo expressed interest in. But trading for him while staying below the second apron would require the Knicks to move one of OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, or Josh Hart. That is unlikely with New York three wins from the NBA Finals.
The deadline is nearing. Bucks GM Jon Horst needs to either secure an extension from Antetokounmpo or complete a trade before June 23.
