If Giannis Antetokounmpo is seeking a change of scenary, the absolute best thing he could do for the Milwaukee Bucks on his way out would be keeping his options open. Per ESPN's Jamal Collier, that is exactly what it looks like he will do. In his latest reporting, the reporter highlighted how Giannis is not zeroed in on one destination as trade talks involving his name heat up.
"Despite locking in on New York a few months ago, Antetokounmpo has been much more open about his future going forward and is not expected to focus on one destination."
Giannis update gives Bucks leverage in trade talks
This tidbit is particularly important because prior to this season, ESPN's Shams Charania went on the record saying that if he wasn't playing in Milwaukee, Giannis wanted to play for the Knicks. This led to some brief conversations between Milwaukee and New York that obviously went nowhere. It's a good thing they didn't, as it would have limited the return the Bucks could get.
Everyone remembers just over a year ago when the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers quietly agreed on a deal that sent Luka Doncic to California. The rest of the NBA knew nothing, and it hurt the Mavericks' return.
Now, the Bucks can cast a wide net and listen to calls from anyone. The key in any potential Giannis trade is whether or not he would be willing to sign an extension with the team when he is eligible in the near future. Prior to the season, he may have said, "Only if you are the Knicks." Now, he may have broadened his horizons.
It's the best thing he could have done for the Milwaukee Bucks. Limiting his options, especially to just the Knicks, could have forced the Bucks to accept a poor return. He will still have to accept any trade landing spot, but with an open mind, Milwaukee can hope to start a bidding war so interested parties will empty their entire asset cabinet to get him.
The question now is which teams might Giannis be open to. Of course, there's New York, and Miami and Golden State have been mentioned for years now. Who else? That's the question.
Whether the Bucks potentially look to trade him before the deadline or in the summer, they have time. General Manager Jon Horst should be in his office listening to offer after offer. If the Bucks are going to trade away their superstar, they need the best possible return, and they should leave absolutely no stone unturned in their search to get it.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.