NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Monday that Giannis Antetokounmpo hasn't decided whether to stay with the Bucks (subscription required). One team in particular, the Phoenix Suns, would like that situation to get resolved sooner rather than later.
Phoenix's top priority is hiring a new head coach, but once that happens and the offseason officially begins, the team's attention should shift to a Kevin Durant trade. New GM Brian Gregory made it sound like KD could remain in the desert, but "running it back" shouldn't be an option. The Suns failed to reach the Play-In Tournament a few weeks ago, and the West has gotten stronger since then.
If there is legitimate interest in Durant, a trade should happen. One thing that could deter that from happening is Antetokounmpo. If he requests a trade, that will dominate offseason headlines, overshadowing KD. Phoenix should hope that Antetokounmpo stays in Milwaukee so that there will be more interest in Durant, especially if it sways a team like Houston to join the mix.
As Stein wrote, the Bucks are trying to persuade Giannis to stay by pitching him on the East being a significantly weaker conference than the West, meaning he'd have a better chance to win a second title in his current conference. While that is true, it isn't the best recruiting tactic by Milwaukee. However, Phoenix can only hope that it will keep the 30-year-old in Wisconsin.
Giannis Antetokounmpo still hasn't decided what he wants to do
Stein noted that teams are lining up, preparing for their Giannis dream to come true. There will be a frenzy like no other if he hits the market. There will be a list of preferred destinations, but that won't stop teams who aren't listed from making a run at the superstar.
The Suns won't be out of luck if Giannis requests a trade, but the longer the saga draws on, the more complicated the Durant situation will get for Phoenix. Teams that may be interested in KD, but are more interested in Giannis, will wait to see how the latter's situation shakes out. Durant can help a team win a championship, but he'll turn 37 before the start of next season. The title window with KD will be shorter than with Giannis.
Gregory and the front office could be left with no choice but to wait. Perhaps Giannis will do the Suns a favor and tell the Bucks soon that he wants to stay put, allowing Phoenix to try to get the best possible return for Durant.