Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
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Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors have seen a few teams consistently mentioned as realistic options for his next team. Franchises like the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks and Miami Heat all believe they have a good chance to add the superstar. However, a player of Antetokounmpo’s level will see unexpected teams entering the fray for their chance at turning a franchise around.
Brian Windhorst used his Hoops Collective podcast to the name the Brooklyn Nets as a surprising team looking to put together an impressive offer. “Brooklyn has 10 tradable firsts, Michael Porter Jr. and 11 tradeable firsts as of draft night,” Windhorst said. “I think Brooklyn will seriously consider making an offer.”
The average fan would look at the Nets and think it makes zero sense to trade for a superstar. A losing team currently rebuilding a young roster trading for Giannis could be a neutral move for him since he is already struggling to win with the Milwaukee Bucks. One positive for Brooklyn is the cap space and draft picks to acquire more talent and build around Antetokounmpo in this scenario.
This Could Be Nets’ Big “Moment”
Another NBA pundit from the New York Post chimed in with a deeper look as a writer covering the Nets daily. Brian Lewis claimed that the Nets are looking to be competitive as soon as next season. Brooklyn lacks their own draft pick in the upcoming seasons after this year to warrant a higher emphasis on winning.
“Then this is their moment,” Lewis reported that one league source told The Post. “Really depends on if they decide that their aimless tank is over. They could sure make the best offer.”
The interesting point raised here is that the Nets could make the best offer. Not only does this provide some interest in the Giannis trade rumors, but they may be able to use this for another star down the line when the timeline makes more sense. Brooklyn’s draft assets and ability to make big moves if they desire it bode well for the future.
Nets Have Better Chance Waiting Longer
Milwaukee is reportedly considering waiting until the offseason to make the big trade of sending Antetokounmpo to his next team. Brooklyn and other teams currently looking to tank for a high lottery pick would have more temptation to enter the trade race and add a superstar with a strong offer.
However, Giannis must likely approve the move since the next team will have to appease him enough to sign him to another max contract extension. The Nets and other rebuilding teams must hope that Antetokounmpo will trust them to rebuild quickly by adding other star players if they send assets for him.
The only thing certain is that many teams across the league are not letting the Giannis trade option pass them by. Teams should at least check in with the Bucks before deciding to give up. Brooklyn GM Sean Marks has viewed Antetokounmpo as a dream target for years and this may be his chance to swing for the fences again.