Top 5 landing spots for Giannis Antetokounmpo amid rumors of Bucks star's exit next season
On more than one occasion, Giannis Antetokounmpo has voiced his desire to play for a title contender — even if that contender is not necessarily the team he’s currently with. The Milwaukee Bucks, it should be noted, have not reached the Eastern Conference finals since Antetokounmpo led them to an NBA title in 2021.
For some time now, league insiders have monitored the possibility of the Greek Freak asking out of Milwaukee and potentially causing another seismic shift in the NBA's power dynamics.
According to the sports betting website Bovada, five teams are considered the favorites to land Antetokounmpo if he doesn’t return to the Bucks next season:
5 landing spots for Giannis Antetokounmpo amid rumors of his Milwaukee exit
#1. Brooklyn Nets
Since the "Big Three" era of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden fell apart, the Nets have been far from title contention.
Landing Antetokounmpo would jump-start their chances of regaining relevance in the Eastern Conference, though it could cost them significant draft capital and promising players such as Cam Johnson, Nic Claxton and Cam Thomas.
Odds of landing Antetokounmpo: -200
#2. San Antonio Spurs
Under the leadership of R.C. Buford, their GM-turned-CEO, the Spurs remain a force when it comes to constructing championship-caliber rosters. It wouldn’t be surprising to see San Antonio somehow create the out-of-this-world pairing of Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama.
Odds of landing Antetokounmpo: +325
#3. LA Lakers
Speaking of GMs who have pulled off bold moves, Rob Pelinka can hang his hat on the blockbuster deal that paired LeBron James with Luka Doncic. As the Lakers begin building around Dončić in the twilight of James' career, Pelinka might be able to pull another rabbit — or in this case, Greek Freak — out of his hat.
Odds of landing Antetokounmpo: +450
#4. Miami Heat
Antetokounmpo is familiar with the Heat, who eliminated the Bucks after emerging from the play-in tournament two seasons ago. With the Pat Riley-led Heat, Antetokounmpo would be assured he’s playing within a culture that consistently chases championships.
Odds of landing Antetokounmpo: +500
#5. Toronto Raptors
Over the past few years, the Raptors’ roster has been in flux, with Scottie Barnes as the untouchable cornerstone. Toronto could roll the dice on acquiring Antetokounmpo while still finding a way to keep Barnes.
Odds of landing Antetokounmpo: +1600