ESPN's Shams Charania may have announced the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade in a hilarious post on X before it is officially confirmed. A trade between the Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons, and Minnesota Timberwolves may have all but confirmed the Milwaukee Bucks' star's departure, thanks to Charania making it pretty obvious who their next target is.
Charania says, "Minnesota creates significant tax savings and roster space as they pursue a Milwaukee star this week."
Who could it be?
Timberwolves make trade to pursue "Milwaukee star"
Minnesota moved on from veteran guard Mike Conley, opening up both tax savings and a roster space that could lead to the two-time MVP being acquired. The Timberwolves were a surprise team that appeared on the radar to trade for the Greek Freak, and now it looks like they may well be the front-runners.
Another big deal on Tuesday saw Jaren Jackson Jr. traded to the Utah Jazz, with three first-round picks going to Memphis. This should be a starting point for the Bucks if they decide to trade Giannis. Three first-round picks for a two-time All-Star should have General Manager Jon Horst asking for anything and everything he can get his hands on.
Minnesota doesn't have an abundance of picks right now, but it will gain two more in the offseason. In terms of young players, too, they only really have Joan Beringer, who is a very raw big man, and Rob Dillingham, who has struggled to make an impact as the long-term Conley replacement. Neither is really that blue-chip prospect the Bucks are looking for, and so that could lead to further teams involved, or it could be dragged out until the summer.
What is incredibly comical about this post is Charania saying "Milwaukee star" as if there is a plethora of players to select from. Bobby Portis has been on the radar for some teams. Myles Turner and Kyle Kuzma crop up with their expensive contracts. So hey, if labeling those guys as stars ups the asking price, go for it, Jon Horst.
It is not the first time Charania has made slight comments that have rubbed Bucks fans the wrong way. Countless times over the years, we have seen comments around Giannis' future, which all mean the same thing but are worded in different ways.
There are still two days left until the NBA Trade Deadline officially closes, so there is no guarantee a Giannis deal is finalized. Nothing has happened as of yet; however, if all reports are believed to be true and the Timberwolves are making space, it does feel like Minnesota may well be Giannis' trade destination.