In the NBA, we sometimes love transactions more than the games themselves. Speculating about where the top stars might go is a big reason for the sport’s popularity. And while the Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs might be poised to become dynasties, there’s one person who could impede their progress.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is reportedly in play and could be traded this offseason. Every franchise, except Oklahoma City and San Antonio, should do whatever it takes to land the former NBA champion and MVP. He has already been linked to the teams in the Eastern Conference Finals— the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Other teams prominently mentioned include the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Golden State Warriors.
Antetokounmpo, 31, is still in his prime. In fact, his player efficiency rating last year was a career-high 32.6, though it came in only 36 games. He had an injury-plagued season. But there’s no reason to doubt he’ll be the Greek Freak again. There was speculation that the Bucks shut him down late in the season, prompting an NBA investigation.
The Bucks deserve credit for drafting and developing Antetokounmpo, who led them to the 2021 NBA title. They have also failed Antetokounmpo by not providing the right roster and coaching since then. It seems clear that Antetokounmpo could use a fresh start. Will that happen? It’s hard to say. The best way to push for a trade in the NBA is to make a mess. But you have to be willing to take a public-relations hit.
The most recent example was Jimmy Butler, who was willing to be the bad guy until he was traded to the Warriors. However, Antetokounmpo is different. He is sensitive to public criticism. Ideally, he might want to take a passive-aggressive approach, saying he never asked for a trade while still wanting to be traded.
According to The Athletic, Bucks owner Jimmy Haslam has said he will trade Antetokounmpo if Antetokounmpo doesn’t commit to a long-term extension. The Athletic also reported that the franchise expects to learn more about Antetokounmpo’s situation before next month’s NBA draft.
What makes this all even more intriguing is whether the teams making the biggest push for Antetokounmpo are the Eastern Conference Finals participants. The Knicks make the most sense, since he has long been connected to them. If New York fails to advance to the NBA Finals, there will be a strong push to bring him in. Even if it means altering its roster.
And what about the Cavaliers? After blowing a huge lead and losing to the Knicks in overtime, all options are on the table. James Harden is expected to opt out of his deal and re-sign with the Cavaliers. But given how poorly Harden played defensively in Game 1, you wonder whether that move will still happen.
No matter where Antetokounmpo goes, the window to win a championship will likely be just a few years. Oklahoma and San Antonio have two of the league’s youngest rosters. Barring injury, either team will have a shot at the title every year for the foreseeable future.
However, if you want to win a championship in 2027, some franchise needs to make a move for Antetokounmpo now.
About Michael Grant
Born in Jamaica. Grew up in New York City. Lives in Louisville, Ky. Sports writer. Not related to Ulysses S. Grant.