Giannis Antetokounmpo
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Milwaukee Bucks could deal Giannis Antetokounmpo before the trade deadline in February
The Milwaukee Bucks are entertaining all trade offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo ahead of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline. Many teams would love to add a two-time MVP to their roster, especially since Antetokounmpo is still in his prime. Bad teams can become good, good teams can become contenders, and contenders can become favorites with a player like Giannis joining the roster.
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported the following about two teams having the best chance since the Bucks value their offers most:
“At this point, all this momentum it seems like Minnesota does. I’ve heard internally Milwaukee values Minnesota potential package and Miami potential package over the Warriors.”
The Minnesota Timberwolves have picked up steam over the past few days to become the new betting favorite to land Antetokounmpo in a trade. Minnesota hopes to pair Giannis with Anthony Edwards to finally make the NBA Finals after falling just short of that goal during the past two postseasons.
Miami Heat fans should also be excited about their team being mentioned as another favorite trade package from the Timberwolves’ perspective. Both teams’ offers stand out above the rest, and Fischer didn’t even bother naming the other franchises in this context of impressing the Bucks.
Minnesota’s Trade Path To Giannis Antetokounmpo
Many fans are surprised about the Timberwolves having a strong chance to add Giannis since they need a third or fourth team to help. Milwaukee reportedly has no interest in a straight one for one trade to take back the pieces from Minnesota.
Reports indicate that the Timberwolves have been active all week in trying to make moves with other teams to improve their offer to the Bucks since they can’t currently do it on their own. Minnesota was part of a three-team trade today sending away salary and adding a first-round pick likely to help the Antetokounmpo package.
Players like Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, and Donte DiVincenzo will likely have to be moved to such a deal happen. Even the big contract stars like Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle could see their names involved. The Timberwolves must be creative to have any chance at closing the deal to acquire Giannis.
Miami Still Has Chance With Giannis
The momentum of Giannis to Minnesota growing has led to everyone viewing the Timberwolves as the top of the class for good reason. However, Fischer went out of his way to reference Miami’s offer and how Milwaukee is still impressed by it.
The Heat can easily send multiple young players and an established veteran for the framework of a valuable trade package. Miami also has an easier avenue of adding more draft picks since Minnesota is still sending some of their future first round picks to the Utah Jazz from the Gobert trade.
No team is out of it until Antetokounmpo is officially traded, but two teams hold a strong lead. Things could change if the Bucks opt to keep Giannis and shop him to more teams in the offseason. Minnesota or Miami must strike now to have their best chance at adding a generational talent to their roster.