In today's NBA, trading for a star means one thing: you'd better be willing to commit to them long term with a nice new deal. As rumors about Giannis Antetokounmpo's future with the Milwaukee Bucks stir, opposing teams reportedly aren't fully sold on giving the Greek Freak hundreds of millions of dollars as he ages. Here is what ESPN's Brian Windhorst had to say on the topic.
"I've surveyed executives on their views on Antetokounmpo since the summer, and there's definitely a bit of trepidation about committing potentially $300 million through his mid-30s, which is probably going to be on the table next summer in Milwaukee or elsewhere."
If this is true, Giannis' best bet might just be staying with the Milwaukee Bucks and hoping they can right the ship in time.
Opposing teams potentially weary of paying Giannis long-term money
Looking at the current NBA, this argument sounds a bit foolish. Let's break down some of the NBA's highest-paid players this season. Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Jimmy Butler all rank in the top five, taking home over $54 million each this season. Curry and Durant are 37, while Butler is 36. Age didn't stop any of them from securing some of the richest salaries in the NBA in recent years.
Of course, every player is different, but it's odd to bring up this argument when Giannis is 31 years old as of this month. He's got plenty of good years left. The primary concern with the Greek Freak is that his athleticism will dwindle as he ages, reducing the greatest strength of his game, which is fair to a degree. Even if he keeps expanding his game, that's really what makes him pop.
Recent injuries certainly haven't done much to calm fears from other teams. The Greek Freak has had his share of battles with the injury bug in recent years. This season alone, he's already missed time due to groin and calf injuries. If the absences keep piling up, teams will only grow more worried about trading for Giannis, even with his stature as one of the best players in the game.
Contracts aren't going to get smaller anytime soon. Players will ask for and get all of the money they possibly can from teams. Giannis Antetokounmpo is no different.
The thing is, Giannis almost certainly wouldn't have to worry about the Milwaukee Bucks being cheap in negotiations. He is the franchise. They want to keep him in town until the day he decides to hang up his shoes. They'll pay whatever it takes. If they could offer him a gargantuan extension right now, they would. If he's still on the team next year, they will do so the second he's eligible.
As rumors heat up, this will be a fascinating angle that may dictate how things ultimately pan out.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.