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Unbothered Giannis Antetokounmpo parties in Greece with Bucks future unclear
Unbothered Giannis Antetokounmpo parties in Greece with Bucks future unclear

New York Post

time07-07-2025

  • Entertainment
  • New York Post

Unbothered Giannis Antetokounmpo parties in Greece with Bucks future unclear

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is on island time as rumors swirl about a potential new NBA home. The former two-time league MVP, currently at the center of offseason trade rumors, was filmed dancing on a boat in his native Greece in a TikTok video posted Sunday. 'Meanwhile in Greece,' Antetokounmpo captioned the post, adding a blue heart emoji. The 30-year-old forward, sporting white swim shorts with stripes, was holding a beverage and his phone in the clip. Fans took to the comments to give their opinions on where he should take his talents next, including the Heat, Warriors and Lakers. On Monday, Antetokounmpo unveiled his seventh signature basketball shoe with Nike, the Giannis Freak 7, which will be available July 29. Some fans speculated the shoe's 'Ignition' colorway — including neon orange and pink — is a hint that he could be headed to the Knicks. 3 Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is enjoying some R&R in Greece amid rumors about his potential next home. TikTok/Giannis Antetokounmpo 3 Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo dancing on a boat in Greece amid rumors about his potential next home. TikTok/Giannis Antetokounmpo Most signs point to the Greek Freak remaining with the Bucks next season. He's played his entire career in Milwaukee, which drafted him 15th overall in 2013. However, in the aftermath of the Bucks' third straight first-round playoff exit in April, some suspected Antetokounmpo would request a trade. On Monday, the Bucks signed former Pacers center Myles Turner after waiving injured point guard Damian Lillard — and parting ways with veteran 3-and-D big man Brook Lopez. 3 Giannis Antetokounmpo in action for the Bucks during the NBA playoffs in April. NBAE via Getty Images Lopez agreed to a two-year, $18 million contract to join the Clippers, ESPN's Shams Charania reported last week. The Bucks' 2024-25 season came to an end following a 119-118 overtime loss in Game 5 to the Indiana Pacers, the eventual Eastern Conference champions. Lillard went down with a torn Achilles tendon in Game 4, and Milwaukee seemed poised for a rebuild. Antetokounmpo is the only remaining core player from Milwaukee's 2021 title team.

Giannis Antetokounmpo trade grades for ESPN's Rockets-Bucks proposal
Giannis Antetokounmpo trade grades for ESPN's Rockets-Bucks proposal

Yahoo

time24-06-2025

  • Sport
  • Yahoo

Giannis Antetokounmpo trade grades for ESPN's Rockets-Bucks proposal

The post Giannis Antetokounmpo trade grades for ESPN's Rockets-Bucks proposal appeared first on ClutchPoints. There are no concrete indications that Giannis Antetokounmpo is going to ask for a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks after a disappointing past two seasons that both culminated in a first-round exit. Damian Lillard's injury means that the Bucks are even going to fight an uphill battle just to make the playoffs. Even then, rumor has it that Antetokounmpo's preference is to stay in the Cream City. Advertisement But still, there is no better time for dreaming than the offseason, and for a team such as the Houston Rockets who were stopped in their tracks by the Golden State Warriors (yet again) in the first round of the playoffs, acquiring Antetokounmpo would provide a clear pathway to title-contention, even in a stacked Western Conference. It was ever evident what the Rockets' issues were last season. But they are in luck, seeing as they have all the draft assets and young players necessary to swing a blockbuster trade, should they go that route. In fact, they are one of the prime contenders to trade for Kevin Durant, who has the Rockets among his three preferred destinations. Getting Durant would already help solve a lot of the Rockets' problems. But Durant is set to turn 37 years old before the start of next season. The Rockets, like other teams on the rise, would prefer to acquire someone like Antetokounmpo, who is turning just 31 years of age come December. But in the aftermath of the Desmond Bane trade, teams are going to have to accept that trading for a top-five player like Antetokounmpo will require giving up their best assets. For the Rockets, ESPN has a trade idea for how they can acquire the Greek Freak from the Bucks. ESPN's hypothetical Giannis Antetokounmpo Rockets-Bucks trade Rockets trade: Alperen Sengun, Cam Whitmore, Reed Sheppard, Jock Landale, 2025 first-round pick (No. 10), 2027 first-round pick (via Phoenix), and 2028 first-round pick Bucks trade: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Pat Connaughton Rockets shouldn't even have to think twice about this trade Troy Taormina-Imagn Images Perhaps the Rockets should think twice at least once about trading all of those assets mentioned above for Antetokounmpo. But that should be the extent of all the thinking they should be doing. This is a no-brainer trade that allows the Rockets to trade for one of the best players in the NBA while keeping most of their best assets. Advertisement In any Antetokounmpo trade scenario, the Bucks will be asking for Amen Thompson first. Thompson was such a multi-positional wrecker, a menace on the ball defensively while being a pest both on the passing lanes and when protecting the rim. He's such an athletic marvel and a winning player through and through who, at 22 years old, is one of the fastest-rising young players in the NBA. His offensive game is still a work in progress, but he already puts so much pressure on opposing defenses thanks to his sheer aggressiveness when attacking the basket. The three-point shot has a long way to go before being serviceable. However, he is the crown jewel of the Rockets' rebuild and they are not going to budge even if the Bucks will be asking for him to start any trade conversations. Thankfully for the Rockets, they have other young players to dangle, and between Thompson and Alperen Sengun, Thompson is the one Houston should want to keep. Sengun is an incredible young player, a brilliant offensive hub at the post who showed in the playoffs just how tough he can be even against a lockdown defender like Draymond Green, but his defensive limitations cap his overall ceiling. Alas, the fit between Sengun and Antetokounmpo would be iffy at best; Sengun hasn't quite progressed as a three-point shooter. In fact, last season was his worst three-point shooting season yet, making just 23.3 percent of his attempts from deep. And in a hypothetical world where Antetokounmpo is a Rocket, there wouldn't be as much space to run the offense through Sengun like Houston did this past season. Advertisement One would think that the Rockets would immediately become one of the fastest-paced teams in the NBA after acquiring Antetokounmpo, and having Thompson around for that instead of Sengun would be a better fit. But aside from Sengun, it's hard to argue that the Rockets aren't giving up too little in this trade. Jock Landale is nothing more than salary filler. Meanwhile, the other young pieces involved in the hypothetical trade, Cam Whitmore and Reed Sheppard, didn't even play huge roles last season for the 52-win Rockets team. Whitmore, in particular, is facing a logjam of talent at the forward positions, and he hasn't emerged as a preferred player in Ime Udoka's rotation since he doesn't contribute much on the defensive end, and his offensive game is limited, as he is a score-first player who rarely makes his teammates better (he has a career assist percentage of 7.4). Sheppard remains behind Fred VanVleet in the rotation (VanVleet is expected to return to Houston on a multi-year deal), and Udoka even gave Aaron Holiday more minutes than he did. While Sheppard's shooting ability bodes well for his long-term prospects, his inability to crack the rotation in his rookie year is very worrisome. He deserves to be cut some slack though, as he's only 20 years of age. Advertisement The draft picks the Rockets are giving up aren't too valuable, either. Thus, if this is all it takes for the Rockets to acquire Antetokounmpo, especially after considering blockbuster trades in recent years (just take a look at what the likes of Rudy Gobert, Bane, and Mikal Bridges got for the Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, and Brooklyn Nets, respectively), then the Rockets should jump at the opportunity to acquire the Greek Freak and become a legitimate title-contending team. Grade: A+ Bucks must try to squeeze Houston dry as much as possible Troy Taormina-Imagn Images If the Bucks were to trade Antetokounmpo, the bare minimum return is an incredible young player (Sengun fits the bill, being an All-Star player in 2025), other young prospects they can build around, and a boatload of valuable draft assets. The Rockets, in ESPN's hypothetical scenario, are still holding back, however, and Milwaukee should make sure that they can squeeze them dry as much as possible. Advertisement Instead of Whitmore and Sheppard, the Rockets must ask for someone like Jabari Smith Jr. or Tari Eason — two pieces who have proven that they can contribute to a winning team in huge rotation roles. Jalen Green is also someone they could target, but Green's stock isn't exactly on the rise after a lackluster playoff run. Sheppard is someone who has a ton of potential, so his inclusion is something the Bucks can agree to, but Milwaukee has to do better than Whitmore. But it's the draft assets the Bucks are getting that make this fake trade so disappointing. The 10th pick of this year's draft is a meh return for Antetokounmpo, while the Rockets' 2028 first-round pick is not likely to have much value. The 2027 first-rounder via the Suns is better, but acquiring just one pick from that flatlining franchise is not enough. Whatever the case may be, this offer is better than most fake trades that are being put out there. Sengun is a legitimate building block who will keep them afloat, and if the Bucks decide to blow it up completely, he will command such a huge trade return by himself as well. At the very least, Sengun is a proven player who averaged 19.1 points and 10.3 rebounds last season, and as a starting off point in a potential trade with the Rockets, this is as good as it can get. But the Bucks must hold out for a better young prospect than Whitmore, and must find a way to ask for a more valuable pick down the line, if not outright ask for two to three more first-round picks. Grade: C+ Related: Sources: Lakers, Jazz have talked Rui Hachimura, John Collins trade Related: NBA rumors: How Kevin Durant trade saga impacts Jonathan Kuminga

Doubts emerge over Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo trade
Doubts emerge over Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo trade

Yahoo

time13-06-2025

  • Sport
  • Yahoo

Doubts emerge over Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo trade

After pairing Giannis Antetokounmpo with Damian Lillard, the Milwaukee Bucks felt that Doc Rivers was the head coach who could maximize the superstar duo's skill set. That apparently wasn't the case, considering the Bucks were eliminated in the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs. Making matters worse was the fact that Lillard suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during the postseason. With an injury that severe, the Bucks can't expect to have their All-Star back in the lineup at all next season. Lillard's absence will surely impact Milwaukee's chances to compete for a championship, but will one lost year prompt a trade request from the Greek Freak? Advertisement According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, while there was some early optimism from other teams that Antetokounmpo could become available, now that feeling has turned to doubt. 'Honestly, right now I'd say the prevailing sentiment from rival teams that I'm speaking to—around the combine two weeks ago, two and a half weeks ago—there was no shortage of optimism, of hope, of excitement from other teams that they were going to be able to potentially make an offer to get Giannis Antetokounmpo into their franchise, into their building. Of late, I'd say that that confidence has been replaced with skepticism. To a man, from talking to agents, team executives, whoever, there is not a lot of belief right now at this juncture. I've been told all along that if there is a decision, a formal decision made to shut or open the door on trade conversations for Giannis this summer, that it would likely happen closer to the end of June and when the offseason really, really begins.' Jake Fischer on Giannis Antetokounmpo The Bucks were reportedly even prepared to potentially use a lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, conducting extensive research on top NBA Draft prospects. Considering they don't have a selection until No. 47, any move into the top 14 picks would require a fairly significant trade. Shaking Antetokounmpo loose likely wouldn't have been easy anyway. Can you imagine how much backlash a small market like Milwaukee would face for trading one of their best two players in franchise history? Related: Toronto Raptors could pivot from Giannis Antetokounmpo trade for this multi-time All-Star Related Headlines

Spurs might be unable to land Greek Freak
Spurs might be unable to land Greek Freak

Yahoo

time12-06-2025

  • Sport
  • Yahoo

Spurs might be unable to land Greek Freak

Spurs might be unable to land Greek Freak originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The San Antonio Spurs have been linked to their fair share of offseason moves. With Dylan Harper their assumed draft pick, Naz Reid a potential free-agency signing, and Kevin Durant, Lauri Markkanen, and Giannis Antetokounmpo all trade candidates, the Spurs can bolster their roster in a big way this summer. Advertisement Of course, Antetokounmpo is the most talented player expected to be on the move this offseason. After the Milwaukee Bucks lost in the first round of the postseason for the third season in a row, the Greek Freak could demand a trade. Unless he specifically asks out, the Bucks are not expected to entertain trade offers. If he does ask for a trade, however, Milwaukee is expected to land a historically large haul of talent and draft capital, kickstarting a rebuild. The Spurs certainly have the means to land him, although it will be costly and arguably not worth it in the long run. A recent report from a league insider suggests that Antetokounmpo has not yet asked out, and the Bucks are not eager to field calls. Advertisement "Right now, there is no Giannis Antetokounmpo trade market," declared Brian Windhorst. "There is no Giannis Antetokounmpo trade discussions. He has not asked for it. The Bucks are not looking to trade him." Giannis has been linked to the Spurs, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, and Toronto Raptors, although all of those teams might need to pivot to a different target, with Durant emerging as the best player. Check out the Inside the Spurs home page for more news, analysis, and must-read articles. Related: NBA Fans React to Latest Victor Wembanyama Update Related: Stephon Castle Must Improve One Thing to Stick With San Antonio Spurs This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.

Toronto Raptors trying to catch a ‘big fish' on NBA trade market
Toronto Raptors trying to catch a ‘big fish' on NBA trade market

Yahoo

time06-06-2025

  • Sport
  • Yahoo

Toronto Raptors trying to catch a ‘big fish' on NBA trade market

Three consecutive years of missing the NBA Playoffs, and the Toronto Raptors are prepared to make more significant changes. We've already seen them part ways with franchise cornerstones like Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, and OG Anunoby. What's next? Now, according to ESPN's NBA insider Brian Windhorst, the Raptors are prepared to go hunting for a 'big fish' on the NBA trade market. 'I don't want to get too far afield from this, but since this has come up, the Raptors are a team that is starting to make noise within the league about looking for a big fish. And, if you're an Eastern Conference team that's in the middle of the pack, you're looking at the teams in front of you going, 'Some of them may not be able to come together, may be able to stay together.' Boston is hurt, and so there are some teams that sniff the ability to make a move, and I think Toronto is one of those teams. And so naturally, any team that wants to make a move this summer, especially a team in the Eastern Conference, you're going to have Giannis on the board. But Toronto, I think, is going to try—from their initial conversations, teams in the league are getting the impression that Toronto is going to try to do something.' Advertisement Are the Raptors eyeing someone like Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo? If they're looking to reel in a big fish, why not start with the two-time NBA MVP? Yet, there's no guarantee that the Bucks will open up trade discussions involving the Greek Freak this offseason. Other possible choices include players like Phoenix Suns superstar scorer Kevin Durant. Then again, there's always the surprise no one saw coming, like when the Dallas Mavericks tarded Luka Doncic. Perhaps that's what Toronto is looking to find, trying to uncover a trade opportunity that few could anticipate. If so, that would open up a whole new world of possibilities. Would the New York Knicks already have interest in shaking up their core? It's only one of a long list of potential options this offseason, and it appears the Raptors are ready to pounce. Related: Former top-five draft pick eyes comeback and is drawing interest from multiple NBA teams

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