USA Today via Reuters
Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts during the second half against the Orlando Magic in game four of the first round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at The Field House. Mandatory Credit: Ashley Landis/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, Pool)
USA Today via Reuters
Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts during the second half against the Orlando Magic in game four of the first round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at The Field House. Mandatory Credit: Ashley Landis/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, Pool)
One of the most captivating trade rumors making rounds this offseason is around the Milwaukee Bucks‘ superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo. Although Giannis has consistently denied any chances of leaving the Bucks, Miami Heat has been linked to the superstar with utmost certainty.
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Miami Heat was the best team in the Eastern Conference last season. Even though they reached the NBA Finals, Pat Riley believes that the team still needs an upgrade. This is because next season, teams like Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, and Philadelphia 76ers are expected to get even better. Thus, a tougher competition means a tougher run for the title.
The Miami Heat need another star to play alongside Jimmy Butler, and it looks like they have found that star in Giannis Antetokounmpo. Giannis has only one more year of contract with the Bucks and will become a free agent in 2021. After another disappointing exit from the playoffs, it was speculated that Giannis will leave the Bucks.
The Bucks failed to build an adequate roster to help Giannis, which could be the biggest reason for his exit. Although nothing has been set in stone yet, Giannis might have unknowingly confirmed the rumors.
USA Today via Reuters
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo loses the ball while under pressure from Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (front) and forward Jae Crowder (back) during the first half of game four of the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Giannis Antetokounmpo drops subtle hints
Recently, Giannis joined Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios on a FaceTime call. Following this call, Nick did an interview with ‘The Sydney Morning Herald’ in which he revealed what Giannis told him about his future with the Bucks.
“I just asked him a bunch of questions,” said Kyrgios. “I asked him straight away if he was going to go and join Miami and then he had a massive smile on his face. Maybe that could be brewing.”
One of the biggest problems in acquiring someone like Giannis is matching up to his valuation. The two-time MVP is in his prime and shows all signs of getting even better. So, who can you give away for a player like that?
Luckily, the Heat is a team that is filled with a talent to the brim. Players who have been added as potential trade assets are Tyler Herro, Andre Iguodala, Kelly Olynyk, and Bam Adebayo.
However, is it wise for the Bucks to trade almost half of their roster for Giannis? Will he fit well with a drive and dish player like Jimmy Butler, who is just like him?