The NBA is a star-driven league, and trade rumors and speculation tend to gain more attention than the actual game. More often than not, the trade rumors are little more than social media fodder, although sometimes they gain real traction and are based in reality.
For two of the league’s biggest stars, there seems to be some truth in their inclusion. LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo are seemingly unhappy with their current situation, or at least on the fence.
James is not sure how to handle no longer being the focus of the Los Angeles Lakers. Antetokounmpo, on the other hand, would be the centerpiece of any team, but he wants to be a winner. The Milwaukee Bucks might not be able to offer that anymore.
As the league braces for both James and Antetokounmpo to request a trade, one factor makes a deal being finalized a bit far-fetched: the second apron.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 08: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball against LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the second quarter at Crypto.com Arena on February 08, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Why NBA Trade Rumors are Losing Traction
Let’s forget for a second that James is currently sidelined with injury and counting down the days until his 41st birthday. He is coming off an All-NBA Second Team season and is still one of the top 15 players in the league.
Antetokounmpo, meanwhile, is a top-three player on both sides of the ball. In theory, any team with either of them on the roster should be a contender.
However, the spotlight is waning on James for the first time in his career, and Antetokounmpo has lost in the first round of the playoffs in each of the last three seasons. It might be time for a change.
With both superstars making well over $50 million this season, moving them is such a massive task that demanding a move might not even be worth it, despite the swirling trade rumors.
“I just do not see it,” declared Sam Amick on FanDuel’s Run It Back. “If you are LeBron and you are not quite sure that you might want to finish things up in Laker land, you look up and it is the second apron environment. It is the fact that free agency is not what it used to be. You cannot go get that max deal somewhere else.”
Antetokounmpo is a max player, but not many teams could give him the next contract he seeks, aside from the Bucks. James thinks he is still a max player, and the Lakers are the only team with a vested interest in him, even if LA is no longer as enamored as James would like.
Trade Rumors Will Pick Up as NBA Season Goes On
At the time of writing, the Lakers are 2-1. Luka Doncic looks amazing, and Austin Reaves has already set a scoring benchmark. The Bucks are also 2-1. Antetokounmpo led the team in points, rebounds, and assists in all three games. Milwaukee is in no rush to move him.
However, even the best teams hid a skid. Injuries pile up, playoff hopes take a hit. It might not be James and Antetokounmpo on the trade block this winter, but players like Lauri Markkanen, Tyler Herro, or Joel Embiid may be shopped.
Trade rumors are a fickle business. Even though Antetokounmpo has little interest in playing for a bottom-feeder like the Charlotte Hornets (purely used as an example), there are plenty of cellar-dwellers who could pull off a blockbuster.
With Antetokounmpo under team control though next season, it’s ultimately up to the Bucks if they want to fall in line with the trade rumors and shop their best player.
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