Giannis Antetokounmpo will tell any interested suitors whether he wants to play for them or not. If he tells one team he has no interest in re-signing there once his contract is up, that team will likely stop their pursuit. The Portland Trail Blazers may not be among those teams, according to ESPN's Shams Charania, who discussed this on Stugotz and Company.
“I’m pretty sure that Portland would do a couple players, starters, and a first-round pick for Giannis, no matter the risk-reward. You just go get Giannis. But the price is not going to be that this go around. It’s not going to be a couple rotational players and a first-round pick.”
Now, as Charania notes, the current asking price for Giannis isn't anything close to what it would take for Portland to be willing to trade for a disgruntled Giannis. However, that could change if teams don't show much interest in Giannis. Portland's interest should only serve as motivation for a team like the Miami Heat to keep their foot on the gas in their pursuit and not low-ball Milwaukee.
Heat need to keep up the pressure
Miami is making it clear they are throwing just about everything on the table for Giannis. Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, and whatever else the Bucks want outside of Bam Adebayo appear to be there for the taking. An offer like that is exactly what a team like the Portland Trail Blazers won't land Giannis this summer; someone will give up the farm to land him.
However, amid reports from The Athletic's Sam Amick and Eric Nehm (subscription required) that the Greek Freak has concerns about Miami's roster post-trade, perhaps the Heat dial back their offer. The idea would be to keep some of their depth. If the Milwaukee Bucks feel like they are being low-balled, perhaps they could turn elsewhere, especially to a team like Portland outside of the conference.
Miami, the ball is in your court. How badly do you want him?
Heat need to outbid suitors
Miami has the most appealing trade package in the eyes of many. Whether the Bucks plan to keep Tyler Herro or trade him, he is a former All-Star who is still young. Kel'el Ware is a blue-chip prospect who has plenty of untapped potential. Miami's role players could give the team nice pieces to further fill out the roster. That goes without mentioning their countless draft picks.
Other teams just don't have that type of capital to burn or aren't willing to risk trading for Giannis just to have him leave in a year. It's smart. Yet, the longer this saga drags out, the more a team like the Trail Blazers could look to sneak its way into the conversation to see what it might take to get Giannis, even if they aren't his first choice.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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