The Milwaukee Bucks are officially shopping Giannis Antetokounmpo, and many suitors have made themselves known, including the Golden State Warriors, the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Miami Heat. However, there might be a surprising underdog that could swipe Antetokounmpo from under them.
According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, the Charlotte Hornets might be a team to watch at the deadline, as they could make a run for Antetokounmpo.
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"I think there are other teams we have not talked about that would be very surprising that are also making calls ... Charlotte is an interesting team. I’ve heard that name out there,” Shelburne said.
While it is an eyebrow-raiser, it’s not unthinkable. The Hornets went from a projected lottery team this season to a record of 23-28, and only one place away from making the Play-In Tournament. They’ve gone 8-2 in their last 10 games, so they are red-hot and ready to capitalize.
Getting Antetokounmpo could solve a lot of problems. It would basically guarantee them a spot in the Play-In, give their Rookie of the Year candidate Kon Kneuppel a superstar teammate, and put them in contention for a couple years at least.
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Plus, the Hornets have a ton of assets: they have young stars in LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and more, they own their picks plus other first-rounders, and they have over $100 million in expiring contracts. With that in mind, they might be a perfect trade partner for Milwaukee.
Hopefully, the Bucks think hard about this, as they could get the best possible return from Charlotte, of all places.
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