Giannis Antetokounmpo to leave Bucks for East rival? NBA insider drops MASSIVE BOMB about former MVP’s future
Giannis Antetokounmpo has played for the Milwaukee Bucks throughout his career so far.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo (Image via ESPN)
The 2022-23 NBA season ended in misery for the Milwaukee Bucks. Led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee had a formidable season this year. Holding a 58-24 record, the Bucks walked into the postseason as the number-one seed in the Eastern Conference. However, they met a highly spirited Miami Heat led by Jimmy Butler in the first round of the playoffs. In a huge upset, the Bucks were eliminated from title contention after losing the series 4-1. A rather anti-climactic end to the season for the top team in the East.
Following Milwaukee’s disappointment, many conversations have been going around about their star Antetokounmpo. Immediately after the Game 5 loss, the former MVP was asked if he viewed this season as a failure. He denied. However, NBA insider Brian Windhorst spoke on ESPN’s First Take about the speculations around the Bucks forward’s contract extension. He said that he was uncertain about Antetokounmpo’s return to Milwaukee for the next season and that he could move to the New York Knicks.
Windhorst spoke extensively about the doubts surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s return. “Is Giannis going to extend? I don’t know. And that uncertainty is what the league is watching right now. The New York Knicks, for example, they got 97% of their attention on the Miami Heat, 3% of their attention on Milwaukee,” he said.
Moreover, he went on to explain why the former MVP is so crucial for Milwaukee. “In Milwaukee, Giannis Antetokounmpo is a non-renewable resource,” he said, saying that if he leaves the organization, he might not come back.
Is a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade to New York Knicks likely?
Brian Windhorst wasn’t the only analyst on First Take predicting the former MVP’s exit from Milwaukee. Stephen A. Smith, too spoke about how the big star could want out after a horrendous postseason. However, how likely is this outcome? For starters, Antetokounmpo has been a very loyal forward to the Bucks. Moreover, he has led them to a championship already in 2021 and has the potential to do it again. After all, he still is in his prime with impeccable fitness levels to be a competitor of the highest order.
However, what if Antetokounmpo were to leave the Milwaukee Bucks? The New York Knicks are probably one of the most interesting destinations for the former MVP. Currently playing with two young and dynamic guards, Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson, the Knicks are having a great 2022-23 NBA season. Moreover, the Knicks have consistently been making massive upgrades to their roster. However, if they were to bring in Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee would demand a group of players worth his price.
Despite the speculations, these are still early days for anyone to rightly predict a trade for the superstar. Keeping his history in mind, it would be safe to assume that the two-time MVP intends to stay and have a come-back season with the Bucks next year. However, if he were to opt out and search for a new home, the entire league would be on their toes to watch who pursues him with the most enticing trade offers.
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Ritvik Malhotra
(1085 Articles Published)