The Milwaukee Bucks’ early exit from the NBA Playoffs has sparked speculation about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the organization. That speculation has grown to include a list of potential teams Antetokounmpo might be interested in playing for if he pushed for a trade.
In an appearance on “The Zach Lowe Show,” Howard Beck of The Ringer shared some speculation he had heard about which teams Antetokounmpo might have the most interest in if he were to be dealt. The list is essentially composed of the standard large-market franchises, including the New York Knicks and both the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers.
“Does Giannis ask out? If he does, does he have a list? I poked around a little bit a few days ago, and the initial thing I got from one person was just like some rumblings that it’s already just the big cities,” Beck said. “One of the LA teams or one of the New York teams or maybe Miami, not a big market, but a glamour market, mid-size market. I think they threw Chicago in there. I can’t remember if Houston came up. It should.”
Beck pointed out that the Bucks are not under any obligation to honor a specific request if Antetokounmpo did make one. There is also no guarantee that Antetokounmpo will ask for a trade to begin with, and he has previously said he cannot envision asking for a trade.
With the Bucks floundering a bit, some teams will probably try to test the resolve of both Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. At least one surprising team may be thinking along those lines, but the Bucks are not going to be eager to make a move if Antetokounmpo is not going to rock the boat.
