In two years, Giannis Antetokounmpo raises the possibility that he might depart the Bucks.
It’s time to link Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Lakers once more after he unexpectedly sparked suspicions that he would depart the Bucks.
One of the NBA’s main narratives for a considerable amount of time was Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future. However, a long-term agreement and an NBA championship during the previous year completely silenced that discussion, forcing media pundits to shift the subject to Zion Williamson’s impending departure from the Pelicans.
Given how far off his free agency is, Antetokounmpo is the only one who could realistically reignite that fire over the next two or three years. That makes it all the more intriguing that he decided to show up for an interview with Zach Baron of GQ brandishing lighters and a (literal) gas can.
Antetokounmpo seemed to be asking a lot of pointless questions during his prospective discussion about staying in Milwaukee!
It was tough, so in the end Giannis chose to remain in Milwaukee. The Bucks then, surprisingly, prevailed. He informed me, “We overcame one challenge, which was to bring a championship here.” Though really difficult, we succeeded. incredibly difficult. I simply adore difficulties. What’s the upcoming difficulty? This may not be the next obstacle to overcome. He claimed it’s not because he doesn’t adore Milwaukee. However, he was always leery of things getting too simple. Giannis stated, “My family and I have decided to remain in this city that we all adore and has provided for us—for the time being.” It may alter in two years. I am being completely truthful with you. I’m sincere at all times. This city is my favorite. I adore this group of people. I want to be of as much assistance as I can.
It should be noted that Giannis’ agent informed Baron that while his remarks may not necessarily indicate that Giannis is considering leaving the Bucks, that is precisely the kind of damage control that agents are paid to perform (aside from the fact that Alex Saratsis has had a lot of this lately for his clients between this and Dennis Schröder’s free agency drama).
However, putting all of that aside, there are two really intriguing reasons why Giannis’s two-year timetable is SO important.
For instance, Giannis would likely decide to alter his mind in 2023–2024 if he did so in two years. Let’s say he reluctantly ended that season and spent the summer trying to get traded. He would only have one guaranteed year remaining on his deal, plus a player option at the conclusion.
That would also be a very good time for the Lakers to get involved, quite handily. Whose contracts expire in the summer of 2024, you know? Easton Dean and LeBron James. Actually, only Anthony Davis and Talen Horton-Tucker have contracts for the 2024–25 NBA season—that is, if the latter chooses to exercise his player option in his last year.
That leaves just $51.6 million in contracts on the books, even if he does. In theory, even with the present wage ceiling in place and without taking inflation into consideration, there would be sufficient room to acquire Antetokounmpo. Although there will be cap holds to take into consideration, it is doable in general.
Which brings up all of the previous narratives about Antetokounmpo’s connections to the Lakers once more. Just as his wife, who grew up a Lakers fan, is from Fresno. Or, to add one more tiny detail to the GQ article, how the winters in Los Angeles aren’t “cold as s—.”
It is a human being. To be honest, I wish K.D. was playing for me instead of against me. I want to play with the finest players. LeBron should be playing for me, not against me. On my team, Steph. Additionally, he noted that Milwaukee’s winters were “cold as shit.” There would be a chance to ensure that Milwaukee will never experience another winter. to bring up his boys in an area where they might occasionally see the sun.
The fact that Antetokounmpo chose to discuss his future and that it wasn’t in Milwaukee out of the blue is one of the many coincidences that are emerging once more that would indicate the Lakers as one of the favorites to sign him.
As the undisputed leader and Batman of Milwaukee, Antetokounmpo obviously prioritized winning. If that same drive still exists, is there a more alluring location to take over a team and guide them to glory than the open-minded Lakers in sunny Southern California?
It could make for a fascinating next several years, but one thing is for sure: the Lakers, who are chasing big players like Antetokounmpo, will always be at the center of rumors about them.