The strongest foundations carry the tallest towers. But when the base begins to shake, everything comes toppling down. Take the Milwaukee Bucks, for example. The NBA Cup champions gave hope to their fans. Finally, after a disastrous start to the 2024-25 season, things were changing. However, the bubble burst and exposed their reality, bringing the struggles back to the surface. And maybe, just maybe, that Round 1 elimination from the Playoffs was the last straw for Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Losing 1-4 to the Indiana Pacers amidst all the rumors circulating about his trade, the Greek Freak once again became the hottest topic of conversation in the NBA town. Questions returned to the scene about his stay in Milwaukee. He had once made it clear, “If we don’t win a championship, I might get traded. Yeah, this is the job we live. This is the world we’re living in. It’s everybody.”

Soon after the disappointing end to the playoff run, the Bucks’ front office called for an emergency meeting. It was about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the franchise. But, according to S.I.’s Chris Mannix, “There have been no substantive conversations between the Bucks and Giannis about the future. The dust is still settling on all this, and rightfully, they want to give time for temperatures to cool.”

Well, does this mean the Bucks want curious eyes to turn away so they can make a move, that is, if they are in a position to do so? Looks just like it. “But it just seems like we’re heading toward an obvious parting of the ways, for a couple of reasons,” the reporter informed. “One, Giannis is never going to be more valuable to all the other 29 teams because he’s got two guaranteed years left on his contract.”

Antetokounmpo has a player option to hit free agency in the summer of 2027. He has two years still left on his contract, and is an eye-candy for the 29 teams in the league. They’d be more willing to trade for him now, knowing they’d have him under contract for at least two seasons, making it a rare window where his value is at its peak and the Bucks could command a massive return.

With two guaranteed years left, Giannis Antetokounmpo is a valuable trade target for all NBA teams, even small-market ones. Normally, such teams avoid chasing superstars due to fears they won’t commit long-term and would leave for big markets like New York or L.A. But with Giannis under contract, teams feel more secure taking that risk now.

Giannis Antetokounmpo might have already set his target

Chris Mannix noted, “If you’re a small-market team, you’re not acquiring this guy, afraid that he might say, ‘You know what? I’m not signing an extension. I’m going to go play for the Knicks or the Lakers.’ So you’ve got a window here.” Simply put, no matter which market team you are on, aim for Giannis.

“And if you’re the Bucks, you’ve got teams out there potentially that could make you these massive offers. This is where the Bucks and Jon Horst, I think, need to be aware. You’ve got to be able to smell desperation.” Looks like the Milwaukee Bucks are in a strong position if they consider trading Giannis Antetokounmpo. With many teams likely to offer huge packages, GM Jon Horst needs to recognize which teams are desperate enough to overpay.

Meanwhile, the whispers are growing louder, and the Knicks are right at the heart of it. With Lillard injured and key players possibly leaving, Giannis Antetokounmpo may soon explore his options. The Knicks have the draft capital, the playoff-ready roster, and the spotlight. Add Brunson, Towns, and Anunoby to the mix, and Madison Square Garden starts to feel like the perfect stage.

In the end, the storm may be too strong for Milwaukee to weather. As uncertainty clouds the Bucks, the spotlight shifts to New York. The Knicks are ready, armed with assets and ambition. If Giannis Antetokounmpo chooses to move, the stage is set. And this time, it just might be the Garden that hears the roar of the Greek Freak.