With the NBA common season proper across the nook, Bucks celebrity Giannis Antetokounmpo is staying in Milwaukee, however his future is much from settled.
This offseason, it appeared like Antetokounmpo may have been on the transfer after the Bucks struggled to make a aggressive collection with the Indiana Pacers within the first spherical, shedding in 5 video games.
Antetokounmpo contemplated his future in Milwaukee this offseason. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, that contemplation may have led to a brand new starting with the New York Knicks.
The Bucks thought of a number of commerce suitors for Antetokounmpo. Nevertheless, the 30-year-old celebrity from Greece solely had curiosity in leaving Milwaukee for New York Metropolis.
Charania reported that the Bucks and Knicks engaged in commerce talks for Antetokounmpo all through August. However traction on a deal by no means materialized because the Bucks have been apprehensive to commerce away a franchise legend to an Jap Convention foe.
Antetokounmpo has persistently utilized stress to the Bucks, repeatedly stating that he needs to win one other championship in Milwaukee. If the Greek Freak appears like he can’t win with the Bucks, he may have his eyes set on a brand new vacation spot.
There’s no denying that the Knicks are able to contend proper now. They’ve the fourth-best odds to win the NBA Championship and the second-best odds to win the Jap Convention.
In keeping with oddsmakers, the Cleveland Cavaliers are the one staff that stands in New York’s means of creating it out of the East this season. Bear in mind, the Indiana Pacers will probably be with out Tyrese Haliburton and the Boston Celtics will probably be with out Jayson Tatum on account of ruptured Achilles tendons.
The East is wide open for the taking. Which is why some pundits in New York will rip the Knicks for not pulling the set off on a deal to land Antetokounmpo within the Massive Apple.
Nevertheless it takes two groups to tango. And in line with Charania’s reporting, the Bucks appeared fairly apprehensive to take part in commerce conversations regardless that they understood that their relationship with their homegrown celebrity may very well be rocky.
Bucks basic supervisor Jon Horst was capable of transfer on from Damian Lillard, who simply didn’t work out in Milwaukee on account of accidents. Then, Milwaukee added free agent big man Myles Turner from the Indiana Pacers. If the Bucks keep wholesome, there’s a world the place they will make some noise in a weakened Jap Convention.
Whereas it appears like Antetokounmpo definitely has his eyes on New York, profitable heals every part. If the Knicks can win a title with out him, they may really feel like geniuses for not mortgaging their roster and their future for one participant.
Whereas if the Bucks make noise within the NBA postseason, Antetokounmpo may very well be satisfied that Milwaukee is a spot to contend.
It feels prefer it’s as much as the Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers – or another Jap Convention contender – to deal with enterprise earlier than Antetokounmpo groups up with Jalen Brunson.
