Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo has already become one of the NBA’s best players just five seasons into his career. His all-around game is amazing. This past season he averaged 26.9 points, 10 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.5 steals and nearly a block and a half per game. During the 2017-18 season he was not only top-20 in the league in those categories, but also became only the fifth player all-time to lead his team in all five of the major categories joining the likes of Dave Cowens, Scottie Pippen, Kevin Garnett, and LeBron James. All are current or future members of the basketball Hall of Fame.
Pretty good company huh?
Giannis has three years left on a four-year $100 million extension he signed a couple of years ago. He is a true superstar in this league and would cost a lot more than the #1 pick. Even if Milwaukee listened, one would have to assume that Josh Jackson and more would have to be involved.
Why would the Bucks consider such a move? They are in Milwaukee and as much as the Greek Freak says he likes it there and wants to be there long term, all that can change if the team is not able to improve. He was mad when they dumped Jason Kidd even though it was probably a smart decision given Kidd’s track record as coach of the Brooklyn Nets and how his tenure was floundering in Milwaukee.
He is seemingly not happy with playing with Eric Bledsoe or Jabari Parker either, two other core pieces to their team. With three years left, they could get a lot of value for him. Each year he stays and other young guys like Thon Maker and Parker don’t pan out, his opportunity to win drops.
If they are not able to put a true contender around him in the next 18 months it would not be surprising for him to request a trade.