NBA rumors: Most realistic Giannis Antetokounmpo trade scenarios

NBA power rankings: Milwaukee Bucks

Sep 6, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after making a basket against the Miami Heat during the first half of game four of the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Updated: Oct. 8, 5:43 PM EST

Following his Milwaukee Bucks’ shocking secound round loss to the Miami Heat in the NBA Playoffs, reigning league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo made sure to note that he’s not going to demand a trade this offseason.

A lot of the speculation surrounding Giannis, who will be in a contract year during the 2020-21 campaign, has focused on a potential departure from Milwaukee. It makes sense for a number of reasons.

If Milwaukee is unable to sign Giannis to a super-max extension this offseason that would pay him roughly $227.5 million over the next five seasons, the team will have to think long and hard about trading their all-time great player.

“If he doesn’t sign the (supermax) this offseason, I think the Bucks have to look at exploring the trade market,” one Eastern Conference executive said, via Chris Haynes of Yahoo! Sports.

Simply put, the Bucks can’t afford to lose Giannis for nothing next summer.

Should a trade become almost inevitable in the coming months, a whole host of teams would show interest. However, there’s about four likely scenarios. We look at them below.

Golden State Warriors: Where there’s smoke, there’s fire

“He (Giannis) could be on the Warriors in three months,” a former Western Conference executive said.

Miami Heat: Don’t ever discount the legendary Pat Riley

Dallas Mavericks: Mark Cuban making a splash for Giannis would make sense

Philadelphia 76ers: Giannis Antetokounmpo for Ben Simmons swap?

New Orleans Pelicans: Teaming Giannis Antetokounmpo up with Zion Williamson

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