The Milwaukee Bucks have been at the center of offseason trade rumors for years. This is because they have two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo on their team. Every offseason, national sports analysts try to predict what team the Greek Freak will leave Milwaukee for, either via trade or free agency. This kind of discourse, of course, requires ignoring the fact that Giannis has just signed a contract other expansion to stay in the league’s smallest market.
But that’s a problem, right? Giannis is one of the NBA’s biggest stars playing in their smallest market. This is a cardinal sin in the eyes of many who prefer to watch the league’s most popular players wearing the uniforms of the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat or New York Knicks.
Or is it something else? After all, Giannis won the NBA Championship in 2021 and that summerthe talking heads on ESPN, FOX and other networks were there Still predicted Giannis would leave Milwaukee. Meanwhile, Denver is a city with only 100,000 more people than Milwaukee, and Nikola Jokic’s name never appears in blockbuster trade rumors.
Why?
The proposed trade would send Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Denver Nuggets to join forces with Nikola Jokic
This, of course, means that Jokić is not mentioned in trade talks, unless it involves inviting another star to cooperate with him. In a recent article regarding The Vanishing World, each team’s best trade offer for Giannis was revealed. According to the author, the Nuggets would be able to take the two-time MVP away from Milwaukee without giving up their own MVP:
“Trade offer for Giannis Antetokounmpo: Michael Porter Jr, Aaron Gordon, 2024 first-round pick, 2026 first-round pick, 2024 second-round pick
“The Denver Nuggets are proposing a blockbuster deal to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo. Promising forward Michael Porter Jr. is the cornerstone of this offer. and Aaron Gordon heading to Milwaukee with a package of future draft picks. To facilitate a trade, the Bucks could acquire a player like Pat Connaughton to ensure the deal meets the necessary requirements. For Denver, the prospect of pairing Antetokounmpo with the reigning MVP Nikola Jokic it’s just tempting.
“With Jamal Murray completing the trio, the Nuggets would boast arguably the most formidable frontcourt in NBA history, capable of dominating on both ends of the floor. Imagine seamlessly combining Antetokounmpo’s athleticism, Nikola’s unparalleled play and Murray’s shooting ability to create a triumvirate destined for championship success.
Of course, such a trade will never happen. Sure, it looks good on paper… for Denver. However, little of this would benefit Milwaukee beyond three draft picks. And even then, it would go against everything the Bucks did last summer to win now.
The Milwaukee Bucks are not trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo
With all the talk about how Giannis “might” want to leave or “could” change his mind, nothing he or the team has done would indicate that this is even a remote possibility. The trade for Damian Lillard last season may have been made too overdue for the two stars to develop chemistry last season, but it showed everyone that Milwaukee was earnest about winning another championship, and soon.
The offseason work with Lillard and the coaching staff, which has been surrounded by question marks and controversy, will also be helpful.
As mentioned, Giannis signed another extension with the Bucks last year. His comments after Milwaukee’s first-round exit weren’t about what he wanted to do or where he wanted to be next year. They focused on how he could lend a hand improve this Bucks team and take it to the next level.
Jokic’s Nuggets were eliminated in the second round of this year’s playoffs. Why aren’t there any trade talks about him leaving Denver?
You really have to wonder what the national media has against Milwaukee and the Bucks organization.
For more great Wisconsin sports content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and stay up to date with Wisconsin sports news, click here!
Mayfield Sports Marketing
Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule Green Bay Packers players or alumni for a corporate appearance or product promotion. Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your chosen sports speaker. Mayfield Sports Marketing has gained a reputation as a company that invites top athletes to speak at events and trade shows. To learn more about Packers or alumni appearance costs and booking fees, call us today. www.MayfieldSports.com.
Radtke Sport
Wisconsin Sports Heroics is a proud partner of Radtke Sports to offer autographed memorabilia. Brett Favre, Rob Gronkowski, Giannis Antetokounmpo & MORE Guaranteed original collectibles and memorabilia including signed jerseys, photos and more on site www.RadtkeSports.com USE promo code: WSH to get FREE SHIPPING on your purchase. Some restrictions may apply
