After 13 years, Giannis Antetokounmpo could be moving on from the only franchise he’s ever known this offseason. In those years with the organization, Antetokounmpo has helped the Milwaukee Bucks become a perennial championship-contending team, helping them win it all in 2021.
With the Bucks on the decline, now could be the time for both parties to separate, though the divorce should be as amicable as it comes. If he’s made available, there should be several contenders across the league ready to pounce on the opportunity to land the two-time MVP.
Miami Heat
Joining the Miami Heat would give Antetokounmpo the best chance to play for a contender while remaining the best player on his team.
Miami historically builds strong defensive-minded teams with a ton of floor spacers on offense, which should help give Antetokounmpo ample driving lanes to get downhill and put pressure on the rim.
Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo would also give the Heat a strong defensive tandem, as Antetokounmpo’s size and length should help protect the rim with Adebayo playing closer to the perimeter.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder are coming off a disappointing loss to the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals, a year after winning it all.
OKC has some decisions to make on Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren’s future, as both contracts are set to exceed $40 million in the coming years.
Sam Presti has been reluctant to trade any of his draft picks in recent years, but OKC may need to add another MVP candidate to the mix alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to help them beat the Spurs. However, it’s highly unlikely Presti would be willing to go all in on Antetokounmpo.
Boston Celtics
There’s been loose chatter that the Boston Celtics could trade Jaylen Brown for Antetokounmpo, as Brown could eventually prefer to lead his own team.
Antetokounmpo would help improve Boston’s interior defense significantly alongside Neemias Queta.
Antetokounmpo’s ability to push the pace should also help the Celtics be more of a threat in transition and provide easier cutting lanes for Jayson Tatum to exploit both on the break and in half-court situations.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Antetokounmpo has apparently had some interest in playing with Anthony Edwards, as both could form a nice tandem given their respective abilities to attack the basket.
Edwards has become a much-improved 3-point shooter and can beat you from all three levels, but having Antetokounmpo ready to inflict damage down low should give Edwards easy opportunities to slip the ball inside to Antetokounmpo for easy baskets.
Opposing offenses will have nightmares trying to score with Antetokounmpo, Jaden McDaniels, and Edwards protecting the perimeter.
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers could be a good fit for Antetokounmpo, as budding star Deni Avdija could help set Antetokounmpo up for good looks while continuing to break defenses down with his ability to get downhill.
Antetokounmpo would be reuniting with Damian Lillard, as Lillard’s ability to light it up from deep could also help Antetokounmpo get cleaner looks at the rim.
