Rumors continue to circulate about the potential of Giannis Antetokounmpo getting traded by this season’s trade deadline. The Milwaukee Bucks locker room starting to feel the tension of a superstar losing faith makes it more likely a trade will take place this season once Antetokounmpo formally requests it. Many teams would love to acquire a former NBA Champion and two-time MVP Award winner.
However, two teams remain the favorites due to various reports linking them to Giannis. Reporter Sam Amick appeared on Run it Back and claimed that the New York Knicks and Miami Heat remain the two most realistic destinations for Antetokounmpo:
“They have a lot of good things going for them. The culture is intact; we know the interest is there. I think Miami could be a great fit if the Knicks thing isn’t there.”
The quote confirms previous reports that Antetokounmpo has already named the Knicks as his top option going back to last offseason. However, Miami would be the perfect team to jump in the mix and make Giannis the new face of the franchise if the Knicks don’t have enough to properly appease Milwaukee’s desire.
Why Giannis Antetokounmpo Still Likes Knicks
Amick went in depth about the appeal of both franchises and their path towards acquiring Antetokounmpo. The business side and ability to continue growing as a big name in mainstream pop culture makes the Knicks a strong option. Giannis expressed a desire to get traded to New York during the offseason before Milwaukee convinced him to give the season a chance.
The Bucks season is trending more negatively and the roster losing him for multiple weeks means that they have virtually no chance at contending for a title this season. Antetokounmpo requesting a trade would likely see him still prioritizing the Knicks as the #1 option ahead of the February deadline.
“New York, as a market, Giannis and his business sense has looked at that in the past,” Amick said. “It’s something that people kind of sleep on with him is that he’s one of those guys. Whether it’s a product of his upbringing or what it might be, he has no interest in leaving any money on the table and he wants the biggest profile off the court. New York checks all those boxes.”
Why Miami Could Get Giannis Antetokounmpo
The NYC market is a huge help for the Knicks, but their roster is quite limiting in trading to a team looking to rebuild after dealing Antetokounmpo. Milwaukee will want young players with high upsides and many future draft picks if they chose to trade a franchise icon.
Miami has more to offer than the Knicks due to better younger players, like Kel’el Ware or rookie Kasparas Jakucionis, being expendable pieces. New York traded most of its valuable draft picks to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Mikal Bridges to harm their potential offer.
Amick made it clear that the Heat is the franchise he’s watching if the Knicks can’t figure out a path towards enticing the Bucks. Both teams remain the popular options in most reports that indicate they have the best chances of acquiring Giannis via a trade.
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