NBA transfer: Will Giannis Antetokounmpo go to Lakers if he leaves Milwaukee Bucks?
Giannis Antetokounmpo says he's more interested in winning more championships than big sums of money and won't re-sign with the Bucks if they don't "go all the way" towards victory.
The Bucks showed by renewing Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, and also changing champions. But that still seems to be too little for the Greek demigod: "I don't want to be on the same team for 20 years and not win another championship."
The relationship could end as soon as next summer. If Antetokounmpo chooses not to renew, the Bucks may have to make a trade. The Lakers and Knicks are the most likely candidates for an exchange.
The Lakers and Knicks are brands that attract many big names, not just Antetokounmpo. The problem is, by this time next year, Milwaukee will be in charge.
The waiting list would be much longer if Antetokounmpo really wanted to leave. Pat Riley and the Miami Heat are unlikely to sit out. The Golden State Warriors know how they need to maintain continued success after Curry's time.
Toronto has left the calculations to Antetokounmpo in recent years. Philadelphia, Phoenix and Los Angeles Clippers are all likely to make the margin.
So far, the odds of Antetokounmpo setting a new salary record with the Milwaukee Bucks next summer are still very high, when the 2021 NBA champion is still strong enough to compete in the top East group.
However, with Lopez at 35, Jrue Holliday at 33 and Middleton not much younger, the Deer lineup is aging and declining in value. If the long-term path is calculated, maybe Giannis will leave.
The Lakers seem likely to be the desired destination. Next year, LeBron James' contract will expire, and even though he still has the Player Option, it is likely that he will not activate to be able to be his son's teammate.
Between the Knicks and the Lakers, it's not hard to see which is a better pick for Antetokounmpo. Inheriting LeBron James and bringing the Yellow-Purple team to become the most successful club in NBA history - a scenario could not be more beautiful.
