The Bucks took a big risk keeping Giannis Antetokounmpo past this year’s trade deadline, but it could pay off in the summer. Many playoff teams were hesitant to pursue him during the season, but they could change their tune if they disappoint in the playoffs. By waiting for the market to develop, the Bucks may have actually done well to maximize Giannis’ trade return.
Teams will be willing to offer more in the offseason
Chief among potential suitors for Giannis will be teams that run up against their ceiling in the playoffs. In the East, the Hawks and Magic immediately come to mind; both are solid playoff teams but unlikely to win even a single series. Adding Giannis to their cores, especially with the looming threat of him joining a juggernaut rival, could seem more appealing once they’re eliminated.
In the West, a very interesting target is the Rockets. Houston already showed last year that they’re willing to sacrifice youth for veteran superstars when they traded for Kevin Durant. However, they’re still currently behind some other West teams even with KD.
As Durant gets older, the Rockets’ window gets smaller. And Giannis could be the perfect pairing alongside Durant to create another undeniable title contender. The Rockets also have intriguing young prospects and draft capital that would interest the Bucks in a rebuild.
Even more established teams like the Knicks or Cavaliers may be willing to open their treasure chests for Giannis’ services. If either has a premature or disappointing playoff exit, they may be desperate enough to throw everything at the Bucks for the Greek Freak.
The Bucks were wise to stay patient
Tensions have been brewing between the Bucks and Giannis since last offseason, but the Bucks stayed vigilant in their trade demands. When the market didn’t provide an adequate package at the midseason trade deadline, they kept Giannis even knowing that the relationship could sour further in coming months.
Even though that relationship has seemingly reached new levels of toxicity, the Bucks could still be rewarded for their steadfast mindset soon. This coming offseason will be a huge one not only for the Bucks and Giannis, but also many other teams who are getting a look into their foreseeable playoff futures. And some teams will inevitably be desperate to change their futures.
The Bucks have postured since last offseason like they intended to keep Giannis and rebuild a contender around him. They were often criticized for this seemingly hopeless commitment, including by myself. Only now are we all realizing that it might have been a strategic bluff to maintain Giannis’ trade intrigue until the right moment to strike. If this does work out for Milwaukee, it will be a brilliant gambit on their part.