With the re-signing of Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez and the swapping of champs, the Bucks made their point. The Greek god, though, isn’t satisfied: “I don’t want to be on the same team for 20 years and not win another championship.”
The breakup might occur as early as the next summer. The Bucks may have to make a move if Antetokounmpo decides not to re-sign. The most likely teams involved in a trade are the Lakers and the Knicks.
Antetokounmpo isn’t the only star player who has been drawn to the Lakers and Knicks. The issue is that by this time next year, Milwaukee will have taken control.
If Antetokounmpo truly wаnted to go, the waiting list would be much longer. The Miami Heat, led by Pat Riley, are not expected to skip the game. The Golden State Warriors have the plan in place to keep winning long after Curry has retired.
In previous seasons, Toronto has let Antetokounmpo do the math. It’s possible that the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Clippers will all make the playoffs.
The prospects of the 2021 NBA champion remaining strong enough to compete in the top East group and Antetokounmpo setting a new salary record with the Milwaukee Bucks next summer are incredibly high right now.
Lopez is 35, Jrue Holliday is 33, and Middleton isn’t much younger, thus the Deer Herd club is aging and losing value. Giannis may decide to leave if his future is set.
The Lakers appear to be the preferred team. LeBron James’ contract will expire next year, and while he technically has the Player Option, he is unlikely to use it to play alongside his son.
The Knicks are clearly a better match for Antetokounmpo than the Lakers. It’s a dream come true to take over for LeBron James and lead the Yellow-Purple team to become the NBA’s most successful franchise.
