This offseason could quietly become one of the most important chapters in Giannis Antetokounmpo’s career. The Milwaukee Bucks are coming off a first-round loss to the Indiana Pacers, and with Damian Lillard injured and the roster aging, Giannis has to consider whether his best shot at competing might be elsewhere.
Giannis is still under contract with the Bucks. Legally, the team can keep him, but in today’s NBA, stars usually get what they want. If he asks out, the Bucks may have no choice but to listen. And around the league, the idea of Giannis eventually moving on is starting to gain more traction.
If that moment comes, the Toronto Raptors could be ready. Doug Smith of the Toronto Star reported that both sides share interest and that the Raptors are equipped to make an attractive offer for the 30-year-old superstar.
“I don’t know if it will happen but I do know there is mutual interest between Antetokounmpo and the Raptors. The wild card is the cost. But I also think the Raptors are uniquely placed to make an attractive offer that won’t ruin their franchise or roster.
I would make the case that a logjam at the wings makes them deep enough that if they had to pay even two out of Gradey Dick, Ochai Agbaji, Ja’Kobe Walter, RJ Barrett, Jonathan Mogbo would still leave enough to fill out a pretty good team with promising young players still developing. Plus, they have all their picks, so giving a first-rounder every year for, say, four years, leaves enough.”
