The massive news of Giannis Antetokounmpo welcoming a trade away from the Milwaukee Bucks sees every contending NBA fan base hoping they’ll have a chance to add the superstar. A handful of teams have been rumored to have strong interest in acquiring Antetokounmpo since the rumors started about his future in Milwaukee starting to reach the end of the road last offseason.
Dallas Hoops Journal reports that Antetokounmpo currently views three team as his preferred destinations:
“NBA legend Giannis Antetokounmpo is ready to leave the Milwaukee Bucks, and the future Hall of Famer prefers to be traded to the Miami Heat, New York Knicks or Toronto Raptors, sources told Dallas Hoops Journal.
The Heat, Knicks and Raptors are actively pursuing Antetokounmpo despite the swingman expected to miss the next four to six weeks with a right calf injury, sources said.”
All three teams have hopes of being involved in the Giannis trade talks and will be looking to boost their best trade packages. The New York Knicks were reportedly Antetokounmpo’s top and only choice given when he entertained a trade last offseason. The Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat are also on Giannis’ wish list and could become contenders with him leading either franchise.
Knicks Still Favored To Land Giannis
Betting sites have the Knicks listed as the favorite to acquire Antetokounmpo due to his confirmed interest for almost a full year now. Giannis’ desire to play in a big market and New York being the closest of the three teams to title contention sets up an ideal scenario.
However, the Knicks lack young assets and draft picks to easily put together a direct trade package. Rumors of the Portland Trail Blazers desiring Mikal Bridges could help New York’s case if the Blazers are willing to send back Milwaukee’s picks they acquired in the Damian Lillard trade.
The Knicks will likely need a multi-team deal to make this work, unless the Bucks opt to trade Giannis to his desired attraction to thank him for his contributions to the franchise. New York’s struggles after winning the NBA Cup should see them active in exploring all avenues to acquire Antetokounmpo before the deadline.
Giannis Open To More Teams Now
Another interesting report about the Antetokounmpo trade request is that he’s no longer putting the Knicks above all other teams. Miami and Toronto both being named in the report is not a coincidence since both franchises believe they are one true superstar away from contention.
Giannis has praised Toronto many times throughout the years and could appease Milwaukee with a move here since the Raptors have young pieces to trade away. Miami has a few prospects on the roster and future draft picks saved, as they’ve been trying to add an All-NBA level player for a few years now.
Other teams will likely make their voices heard in trade discussions and could tempt Antetokounmpo into adding them to the list. The Bucks should have a goal of taking the best deal offered to them to rebuild after the highly successful Giannis era finally comes to an end.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Has Three Preferred Trade Destinations