[Amick] It is widely believed that Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to be traded to a “true title contender” and wants to remain in the Eastern Conference
The NBA’s draft lottery is Sunday in Chicago, where a host of potential Antetokounmpo suitors will finally know where their first-round pick lands. That sort of intel is key in superstar discussions like these, as it crystallizes the value that each team can, and can’t, provide with their respective proposals.
It might take some time to assess which teams are the most serious on this front, as the various front offices and ownership groups unpack the deeper meaning of their demise. But at first glance, the Bucks should have very little trouble sparking another round of legitimate interest as they decide — yet again — how to proceed here.
Then there’s this reality to remember, as well: Giannis’ voice will play a pivotal part in the process. If he has a team (or two or three) he truly wants to play for, then that sort of endorsement would compel those front offices to feel comfortable putting even more on the Bucks’ table.
One last thing to remember here before we dive into all the different team dynamics: This list might get even longer after the second round. What happens if the Cleveland Cavaliers get swept by the Detroit Pistons? Or the Timberwolves, who were one of the most aggressive Antetokounmpo suitors at the deadline, can’t measure up against the Spurs? Or the Lakers, who are in a deep hole against the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder and are known to be dreaming big this offseason? Maybe the Knicks, who are known to have piqued Antetokounmpo’s strong interest in the past, come up short of the NBA Finals mandate laid down by James Dolan in the middle of this season.