The Milwaukee Bucks failed to get the job done in the NBA playoffs — making Giannis Antetokounmpo the focus of the next superstar that could be on the move. At times, it seems some would like to see the two-time MVP depart for a new team — like the Golden State Warriors
There was a transparent example of this occurring — featuring former NBA superstar Allen Iverson on recent an appearance on the “All the Smoke” podcast with Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes.
Iverson discussed which players he would love to play with — focused on Antenokounmpo. In doing so, Iverson mentioned how he would like to see Giannis leave the Bucks for the Warriors.
Iverson: “Giannis.”
Jackson: “I thought you were about to say KD (Kevin Durant).”
Iverson: “Oh nah, nah, nah! Yeah. I would love to play with KD. I love Giannis now. I love Giannis. I love Giannis. I’m trippin’ because I haven’t seen KD in a minute. I’m trippin’. I’m trippin’ hard. No disrespect to Giannis. I love Giannis.”
Jackson: “I hope he leaves too. Go to Golden State.”
Iverson: “That’s where I want him to go — Golden State!
Barnes: “It would be ugly.”
Iverson: “Yes. Yes. I would love him to go there. That’s where I want him to go. I want him to go to Golden State man.”
The possibility of Antetokounmpo departing from the Bucks to team-up with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson is fascinating to think about. Perhaps almost as intriguing as the idea of that combination being on the court is sorting through the logistics required to make it happen.
The Warriors would surely need to pull off a trade to land Antetokounnpo or use a sign-and-trade whenever he eventually becomes a free agent. This is the result of Golden State’s restrictive salary cap situation between the salaries of Curry, Thompson, Draymond Green, and Andrew Wiggins.
For the Warriors, the required compensation to pull off such a move would be much lower if Antetokounmpo makes it to free agency and outright chooses to sign with them. The Bucks would be in a position to be happy to receive anything on the MVP’s way out.
It’s difficult to envision the Warriors having the most attractive offer for Antetokounmpo if they were to compete with other teams to pull off a deal. Aside from the No. 2 pick in this year’s weak draft class, they lack rebuilding assets and Andrew Wiggins.
While there is a lot that needs to be sorted out about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks organization, what is known is the importance for the team to succeed next season. If they come up short…he could begin to look elsewhere.
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