New updates have emerged on the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade market, including one specific team allegedly exuding “confidence” over their chances to get a deal done.
As we get closer to the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline, there is no bigger story in the league than the future of the Milwaukee Bucks superstar. Despite rumors all summer that he might get moved after the team lost in the first round of the playoffs for a third straight year, the two-time MVP stayed in Wisconsin. However, the trade chatter has fired up once again over the last few weeks.
Milwaukee began the week with an 18-25 record and three games out of a play-in spot. It is a first-half result well below the standard of the title-hunting superstar. It has led to speculation that a divorce is sure to come. The big question is, will it be this season, or during the summer?
According to veteran NBA insider Marc Stein, “Representatives from two more teams insisted to me Tuesday that they still believe a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade remains feasible before next week’s deadline.”
However, just to make things difficult, Stein added that another team that would also have interest in an Antetokounmpo pursuit if he became available is “convinced” he will remain in Milwaukee for the rest of the season, and the tough conversations about a separation will begin in the offseason.
Miami Heat ‘confident’ about completing Giannis Antetokounmpo trade
Whenever the trade chase for Giannis Antetokounmpo does officially begin, many teams will surely inquire about what it will take to acquire his services. The New York Knicks are often viewed as a favorite because the two-time NBA MVP is believed to prefer a move to Gotham in a potential trade.
However, in his report, Stein revealed an Eastern Conference rival that feels very good about their chances whenever the bidding for the NBA great begins.
So what team out there could actually tempt the Bucks into a deal in the next week-plus? The most common answer to that question when posed to various league executives continues to be Miami,” Stein wrote. “… Miami, for what it’s worth, is said to believe it has a real shot at crafting a pathway to Antetokounmpo.
“The Heat’s presumed best offer, mind you, would likely be headlined by Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, and draft capital.”
