The Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors are two teams that would love to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but it looks like that won't be an option. Both teams made moves leading up to the NBA Trade Deadline that make it seem like they have pivoted from thinking they can land the Greek Freak in a mid-season deal.
Giannis all but certain to stay in Milwaukee
It's been trending this way for the past few days. While plenty of teams would love to get Giannis on their payroll, no one has a package worth jumping at. Miami comes the closest, but even then, there would be some immediate pushback, considering the lack of draft capital. Minnesota and Golden State were two teams missing either draft capital or compelling young players.
Both teams have now seemingly pivoted.
Overnight, the Warriors flipped Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks for Kristaps Porzingis. Moving on from Kuminga is important because he was the closest thing to a young player with potential Golden State had to offer. Taking him off the market essentially means they have now waved the white flag on their Giannis dreams.
As for the Timberwolves, moments ago, they landed highly coveted guard Ayo Dosunmu from the Chicago Bulls in a deal centered around Rob Dillingham and four second-round picks. Those were some assets that likely would have gone Milwaukee's way if a deal were still in play. They aren't out of the race entirely, as they still have Jaden McDaniels, but their odds certainly took a hit here.
It feels inevitable that the Miami Heat will pivot in the coming hours as well. Barring a sudden change, Giannis looks like he will be a Buck beyond the deadline. In fact, there's a chance Milwaukee remains a buyer on the trade market and tries to make some win-now swings, with Jake Fischer reporting they are still in on Ja Morant. That's not the type of move a team heading for a rebuild makes.
If Giannis' team does not change, the Bucks will have a brief rest period. Talks about the Greek Freak's future will undoubtedly pick up again in the summer, but Milwaukee will also have a better opportunity then to prove to Giannis that they are the best spot for him. For now, everyone will be on the edge of their seats for the next few hours, waiting for official word.
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