Jason Burgos
A new report suggests an unexpected playoff team may soon emerge as the new favorite in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade pursuit.
The NBA Finals are just a few days away, which also means the offseason is just around the corner, and there will be no bigger story in the league this summer than the future of the Milwaukee Bucks legend. After a year of speculation about his tenure with the team ending, that eventuality looks to be a lock this summer after they listened to offers before February’s trade deadline.
Earlier this year, the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves were seen as the biggest contenders for the two-time NBA MVP. However, the Bucks passed on making a deal with the expectation that more teams and better offers would come this summer.
That was the topic of conversation when ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne appeared on The Rich Eisen Show last night. The NBA insider suggested the playoffs and the success of the San Antonio Spurs and Victor Wembanyama will galvanize teams in the West to “come out of the woodwork” and attempt a trade for Antetokounmpo.
Yet, when asked about which organizations are motivated to get a deal done this summer, she did mention the Heat. However, Shelburne also pointed to another team that made the playoffs this year and could potentially make one of the best offers the Bucks get. And that is the Orlando Magic.
Orlando Magic could make one of the strongest offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo
“I would look at a team like Orlando. They’re close. They made a move already and are going to get a new coach. They have some good young pieces,” Shelburne said.
On Friday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Magic are nearing a deal to make Spurs assistant Sean Sweeney their next head coach. He certainly would have an understanding of what it takes to overcome Wembanyama if the Magic could make a trip to the Finals in the next few seasons.
Antetokounmpo could supercharge that plan, and the Magic can make a strong offer. While they don’t have many first-round picks to offer in upcoming drafts because of the blockbuster trade for Desmond Bane last year, they have something the Bucks reportedly want in a deal: Young stars.
A potential trade offer to the Bucks could include both Paolo Banchero and Anthony Black. Both are under 25 years old and have the potential to flirt with being All-Stars every season in the years ahead. It is something not many teams can offer in a potential swap.
