After the brief vacation, the inevitable seems to have taken place. Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered yet another first-round exit. And although it was the same story as last year, the Greek Freak is getting impatient. His exit at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse sparked these rumors.

And until now, there have been numerous occasions when Antetokounmpo’s name has floated around. However, at the age of 30, this might be the year that his unbreakable loyalty cracks.

According to Shams Charania, Antetokounmpo is yet to make any firm decision on his future. At the same time, he is deliberating whether it is “sensible” to remain in Milwaukee. And for the first time in his career, he is “open-minded about exploring whether his best long-term fit is remaining in Milwaukee or playing elsewhere,” according to the renowned insider.

Coming from Charania’s sources, you know there is some credibility to how Giannis Antetokounmpo is weighing his options during the offseason. And from his lens, there really are two alternatives to choose from. Staying in Milwaukee would make Antetokounmpo immortal. He is already celebrated as a franchise legend for bringing a title in 2021. Furthermore, his individual resume is decorated with accolades only a few superstars in NBA history share.

But on the other hand is his desire to compete. That’s the core of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s personality. Ever since discussing his future during the last offseason, he stressed wanting to remain in the hunt for titles. The last few seasons have proved that the Bucks aren’t exactly close to achieving their 2021 berth again. Moreover, roster limitations don’t allow for significant upgrades unless they try trading Damian Lillard.

A bump in taking that road is Lillard’s ACL tear during the playoffs. The Bucks might get the shorter end of the stick in any trade for the veteran guard. So, as a franchise, when the representatives do meet in the offseason, there are two plausible paths. Either they can convince Antetokounmpo to stay with a promise to improve the supporting cast. Or the Bucks shift into a rebuilding phase, in which case, the demand for the Greek Freak seems to be at its peak.

Suitors Are Lining Up for Giannis Antetokounmpo

It’s not a wild guess that almost every competitive team will want their hands on Giannis Antetokounmpo. But only a handful actually have the resources to facilitate this blockbuster trade. According to Chris Mannix, two teams could make a run at him. The Houston Rockets and the Oklahoma City Thunder seem to be in a prime position.

“I think Houston number one is a team that, you know, saw what they were with this group. That’s what they wanted to do. They’ll collect data, figure out what they’re they look like. I think they realize Jalen Green probably not the guy that can lead them to a championship. Um they’ve got Jalen Green and they’ve got all of Phoenix’s draft capital for the next couple years which is going to be really valuable. That’s one team,” Mannix revealed on the Rich Eisen Show.

Ime Udoka didn’t think the Rockets had grown enough to harbor a superstar this season. But with a second seed finish, their early postseason exit could use some experience. Antetokounmpo comes with not only a championship pedigree but a history of stellar playoff performances.

As for the Thunder, they are caught at an impasse. Thanks to their franchise-altering trade for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, they aren’t just a formidable team, but also have a hoard of picks they can use. With their tempting young core, Mannix feels the Bucks could choose a central player to build their next era around. But if he were to pick, he feels OKC has the next James Harden in their ranks.

“If I’m Milwaukee and I can choose between offers of Jalen Green and a bunch of good draft picks, and maybe all the draft picks that Oklahoma City has to offer, and Jalen Williams, who I think could be James Harden 2.0. Like I think if you give Jaylen Williams room to blossom, he could be a superstar in this league,” he shared.

Other teams are bound to join the race. Having cemented himself as a franchise icon, maybe the Bucks will allow Giannis Antetokounmpo to choose his next destination. All that can be taken from it is that the offseason shall be packed with drama and astonishing moves, which could reshape the NBA.