NBA Trade Rumors: Giannis Antetokounmpo Could Snub Lakers for $5.7 Billion Juggernaut if Knicks Pursuit Stalls

NBA: Milwaukee Bucks at Miami Heat - Source: Imagn
NBA Trade Rumors: Giannis Antetokounmpo Snubs Lakers for $5.7 Billion Juggernaut if Knicks Pursuit Stalls (Image source: Imagn)

NBA insider Howard Beck has floated the Miami Heat as a possible destination for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

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According to insiders Shams Charania, Brian Windhorst and Jake Fischer, Antetokounmpo prefers to play for a team in a big market like the New York Knicks. However, Beck said the Heat, who have a $5.7 billion valuation, per Forbes, is Antetokounmpo's preferred destination should talks with the Knicks not materialize.

"Again, in doing the Giannis story and talking to people around the league, Miami was suggested to me as a place Giannis would really love to land if it’s not New York," Beck said on "The Zach Lowe Show" on Thursday.
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Many pundits believe Miami is a frontrunner in the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes because the team can offer an attractive package for the two-time NBA MVP. The Heat could include one-time NBA All-Star Tyler Herro and rising star Kel'el Ware, and sweeten the deal with its role players and first-round draft picks.

In addition, Heat star Bam Adebayo and Antetokounmpo both share the same agent, Alex Saratsis, which could be key in future trade talks.

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Antetokounmpo would instantly make the Heat the favorites to win the East. While Miami would need to give up some of its depth to acquire the one-time NBA champion, the team still has a solid roster in Adebayo, Norman Powell and Davion Mitchell.

NBA insider reports the Bucks told rival teams they won't trade Giannis Antetokounmpo right now

Rival teams are certainly keeping a close eye on Giannis Antetokounmpo's situation. There were also rumors that some teams have already engaged the Milwaukee Bucks in trade discussions.

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In addition, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that a league source said, "The writing is on the wall" about Antetokounmpo's future. However, according to ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel on Thursday, Milwaukee has shut down trade conversations about the nine-time NBA All-Star.

"The Bucks are not taking any calls on him," Siegel said (Timestamp: 4:04). "Teams that have inquired about Giannis have basically been told no, and there have been no trade negotiations to this point surrounding Giannis."

Coming into Thursday's game against the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee is 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 10-15 record. The Bucks are on a two-game losing skid and have lost 10 of their previous 12 games. Should the Bucks continue to lose, Giannis Antetokounmpo might ask for a change in scenery soon.

Milwaukee Bucks Fans? Check out the latest Milwaukee Bucks depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

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Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos
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