The Milwaukee Bucks have a generational talent in reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
However, there are only a handful of players that are capable of being the No. 1 player on a championship-caliber team, and for now, it doesn’t feel like he is one of them.
While he’s yet to reach his prime and is already looking likely to win his second straight MVP, Giannis’ time in Milwaukee may come to an abrupt end if the Bucks are swept in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
They’re currently down 2-0 to the Wildcat-led Miami Heat.
The Bucks have put a roster around him that has folded in the playoffs. The Greek Freak has been far from great, but role players like Wesley Matthews and Pat Connaughton haven’t helped Milwaukee to start the series.
After a tough few games and what could be a difficult-to-swallow quick postseason exit for the second straight season, Giannis may want out. No team is going to pay the price for a one-year rental of Giannis as he’s set to be a free agent after next season.
However, at that time, he’ll have every team in the league to choose from, and Yahoo!’s Vince Goodwill thinks Miami may be a frontrunner.
“For the better part of two games, Miami has made the most comfortable team in the NBA look uncomfortable — and whether the Heat realize it or not, they could be putting on the best recruiting job on Giannis Antetokounmpo, who’s set to enter unrestricted free agency after next season,” Goodwill wrote.
Given their youth, the Heat will be good for a long time. Their management is among the best in the league, and they have a top-tier coach in Erik Spoelstra leading the way. That all combines to be an attractive potential destination for Giannis.
“It’s no wonder many in league circles believe Miami and Toronto are the frontrunners in the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, with one observer telling Yahoo Sports “it’s an open secret” within the Orlando bubble,” he continued with.
The Bucks have had the chances to get Giannis the stars he needs. When free agency roles around, if they haven’t found a trade suitor or success in the postseason, expect that supermax contract being the only thing that keeps him in the cold north.
For now, Miami is an emerging leader in the Giannis sweepstakes.