Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks are like that will they, won't they couple from a sitcom, expect the emotional hook is NBA fans begging for the two sides to finally be done with each other. This offseason should hopefully answer those cries for finality.
With Giannis on the last year of his deal before a player option in 2027-28, the Bucks superstar is effectively an expiring contract. This should give him leverage in getting out the door, should that be what Antetokounmpo desires. Milwaukee might just be ready for it too.
Less than two weeks ago, it was reported that the Bucks were approaching the NBA Draft with a mindset of having multiple first-round picks at their disposal. That message looms even larger when coupling it with what NBA insider Marc Stein added to the matter in his recent rumor mill round-up.
"More and more, with sources saying [the] Miami [Heat] and Portland [Trail Blazers] are already in pursuit, Antetokounmpo's future is increasingly expected to be resolved over the next few weeks in conjunction with NBA Draft proceedings."
Giannis Antetokounmpo could have a new home by the NBA Draft
The Los Angeles Lakers have been included in the discussions around the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. They are the Lakers and this is a superstar after all. Such is par for the course.
However, the more practical interest for them may be seeing whether Antetokounmpo stays out of the Western Conference, rather than if he ends up on the Lakers roster. The building momentum is indicating the answer to that question should be on its way by the NBA Draft.
It has been reported that Giannis prefers to stay in the East. That matters considering the aforementioned point about Antetokounmpo only having one guaranteed year left on his current contract. Those circumstances should allow the two-time MVP to have reasonable sway over his next destination. What team would trade for him without a guarantee of him extending?
With the Oklahoma City Thunder continuing to lack interest in Giannis, according to the same rumors provided by Stein, that removes the worst-case scenario. The Blazers have otherwise been the only other team in the West regularly linked to Antetokounmpo.
That is worth not overlooking. The Blazers do hold some control over future Bucks draft picks.
Returning those to Milwaukee would allow them to rebuild properly. The idea of running back a duo of Giannis and Damian Lillard, with a different supporting cast, in Portland is undeniably comical to some extent after the underwhelming fit that it was for the Bucks.
Ultimately, whether Antetokounmpo does become someone the Lakers face off against with more regularity should be answered within the month. Unless Giannis is landing in Hollywood, the preference in Los Angeles would be him staying over on the other side of the playoff bracket.
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