NBA Trade Rumors: Giannis Antetokounmpo's Market Shrinks as Three Major West Contenders Set to Pass on 2x MVP 

NBA: Boston Celtics at Milwaukee Bucks - Source: Imagn
NBA Trade Rumors: Giannis Antetokounmpo's Market Shrinks as Three Major West Contenders Set to Pass on 2x MVP (Image Source: Imagn)

Giannis Antetokounmpo's market doesn't look as lucrative with three major contenders in the OKC Thunder, Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs expected to stay put.

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The Western Conference trio could also have offered the best packages for the two-time MVP. However, according to Marc Stein, the Spurs, Rockets and Thunder are content with their current cores. Here's what the NBA insider reported Sunday:

"There is a growing belief among trade-trackers that San Antonio and Houston, like Oklahoma City, do not plan to join the chase for Antetokounmpo even if the Bucks ultimately do decide to consider in-season proposals for their two-time MVP."
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The Thunder are the best team in the NBA with a 24-2 record. The Rockets are third in the West with a 16-6 record and the 18-7 Spurs are fourth. San Antonio also just made the NBA Cup finals after beating championship favorites, the Thunder, in the semifinals.

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Antetokounmpo is likely in the final few years of his prime at 31. It makes sense for these teams to stay out of the sweepstakes, given that a potential trade for the two-time MVP would require parting with several young players with All-Star-caliber upside.

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NBA Trade Rumors: Knicks, Heat and Warriors do plan to pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo won't generate interest among the league's best, but those struggling to reach the top won't hesitate. They also align with his desire to land in a city with "sun" and a "big market."

According to Chris Haynes, the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and Golden State Warriors have shown interest in trading for Antetokounmpo. All three teams are in big markets. New York is also among the teams favored to reach the NBA Finals.

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The Heat and Warriors aren't among the league's best, but that could change if Antetokounmpo lands on their rosters. These teams don't have lucrative packages, but they could be serviceable from the Bucks' perspective.

For now, Giannis Antetokounmpo hasn't requested a trade and is expected to remain with Milwaukee beyond the February deadline. However, amid the team's struggles in his absence due to a calf injury, there could be concerns about his motivation to stay with the team.

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Edited by Arhaan Raje
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