3: Giannis Antetokounmpo
If Giannis Antetokounmpo was traded to the Knicks, New York City might come crumbling down. The idea of a trade happening isn’t as improbable as it might sound.
Antetokounmpo is eligible to sign another extension with the Bucks this summer, but it’s been reported that it’s “unlikely” that he’ll do so after Milwaukee was eliminated by Miami in the first round of the playoffs. Following 2023-24, he’ll have two seasons left on his contract, with the second season being a $51.9 million player option for 2025-26.
The Bucks are now being coached by first-time head coach Adrian Griffin, the Raptors’ former lead assistant coach. Milwaukee fired Mike Budenholzer shortly after its 2022-23 season came to an end. Budenholzer led the Bucks to an NBA title in 2021.
Milwaukee is in an interesting position entering 2023-24. The Bucks got a big win in free agency by retaining Brook Lopez and as expected, Khris Middleton re-signed to a three-year, $102 million deal. If Milwaukee’s run-it-back effort doesn’t work out, its two-time MVP could leave Wisconsin behind. You best believe that New York would do everything in its power to land Giannis Antetokounmpo.