The Milwaukee Bucks and the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo remain the biggest story entering the NBA season. Milwaukee’s losses of Damian Lillard, Brook Lopez, and Khris Middleton over the past year have left Myles Turner and Kyle Kuzma as Antetokounmpo’s top supporting players for a steep drop from recent years.
ESPN insider Shams Charania reported that Antetokounmpo views the New York Knicks as the only team he would consider joining in a potential trade to contend for a title. The two-time MVP attempted to shut down those rumors by claiming he met with Bucks officials to reaffirm his commitment to the franchise.
Bucks owner Wes Edens, however, disputed that claim, saying, “I cannot recall that meeting,” implying it never happened, according to USA Today. Antetokounmpo’s effort to quiet speculation about his future may only intensify the noise unless he and the organization align publicly. Edens’ denial of a conversation Giannis insists occurred reflects poorly on both sides as the season begins.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Is Rethinking His Future
One thing that remains certain is that Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to compete for championships and win at the highest level. The former MVP hasn’t shied away from acknowledging concerns about his future. While he has expressed a desire to commit to Milwaukee this season, Antetokounmpo admitted he plans to evaluate the situation as the year progresses.
It’s only natural that Antetokounmpo wants to give the franchise a fair chance, having spent his entire adult life in Milwaukee. Still, the writing may be on the wall since most analysts believe the Bucks have a second-round ceiling and little chance of winning another NBA title this season or any time remotely soon.
The Knicks have emerged as the biggest threat, standing as one of the few true contenders in the Eastern Conference. Reports suggest Antetokounmpo is intrigued by the idea of playing in a major market like New York. The conflicting accounts between Bucks ownership and Antetokounmpo regarding their reported meeting only add more fuel to speculation that a trade could come sooner rather than later.
Milwaukee Has Big Giannis Antetokounmpo Decision
The Bucks must start prioritizing their long-term future if Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to leave the door open for a potential move within the next year. Both team management and fans would love to see Antetokounmpo spend his entire career in Milwaukee, and there’s a strong case that he’s already the greatest player in franchise history.
However, other teams have learned the hard way that when superstars demand trades, it can devastate a franchise if they don’t receive a strong return. Anything short of a hot start this season will invite speculation about whether Antetokounmpo might request a move. The Bucks may be wise to explore trade options on their own terms rather than limit themselves to Giannis’ preferred destinations.
The Knicks appear to be his top choice, but they have limited draft capital after sending multiple picks to the Brooklyn Nets for Mikal Bridges. Milwaukee also has little interest in veteran role players if a rebuild becomes necessary.
Teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, and Oklahoma City Thunder possess far more appealing assets. If the uncertainty around Antetokounmpo’s future continues to overshadow the season, the Bucks may have to act before he forces their hand.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Bucks Owner Disputes Giannis Antetokounmpo Meeting appeared first on Heavy Sports.