Rumors about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks are growing stronger due to their poor 2-7 start to the season.
There are two likely actions the team could take before Antetokounmpo is traded: firing head coach Doc Rivers and making changes around their star duo. If neither of these moves work, or if the front office decides to rebuild, almost every NBA team would consider trying to acquire the 29-year-old superstar.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are among the teams reportedly interested in him, with NBA Hall of Famer Paul Pierce naming them as the perfect place for Antetokounmpo.
“This team is built to win right now,” Pierce said on the Ticket & The Truth podcast. “They were the No. 1 seed last year… I need Giannis right now. You’re going to have so much pressure taken off Shai with Giannis because he can get you 30 or 40… I’m doing that if you’re saying Chet [Holmgren] and some draft picks for Giannis. I got to really sit down.”
Other teams that have been mentioned as possible destinations for the eight-time All-Star include the Miami Heat, Brooklyn Nets, and Golden State Warriors. While the Thunder may not be as big a market as these other teams, they can offer the most attractive trade package.
Chet Holmgren, the Thunder’s third-year player, is having an excellent season, averaging 18.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks on 51.9% shooting and 40% from three-point range through nine games. It’s clear he’s on track to become a future All-Star, and he could be the new star in Milwaukee if traded.
Not only can Oklahoma City offer the best player in any trade with these teams, but they also have the most draft picks. If Antetokounmpo truly wants to leave Milwaukee, refusing a trade with the Thunder would be a missed opportunity.
