Giannis Antetokounmpo: Assessing his best Free Agency destinations in 2021

After spending two seasons playing for Filathlitikos in his native Greece, Giannis Antetokounmpo was selected 15th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2013 NBA Draft. The then-teenager endured a difficult rookie season in the NBA, however, he soon improved his physique and was a regular starter by the 14-15 season.

Fast forward to 2016 and Antetokounmpo had already established himself among the NBA's best players, and the Greek star has been named as an All-Star in each of the past three seasons. The 2018-19 season was also Giannis' best to date as he guided the Milwaukee Bucks to the Eastern Conference Finals while also being named as one of the youngest MVPs in NBA history.

Antetokounmpo remains under contract with the Bucks for the next two seasons and is eligible to sign the largest contract in NBA history. Nevertheless, if Antetokounmpo hits free agency in 2021, he could generate a level of interest not seen since LeBron James hit free agency back in 2010. So, as speculation over Antetokounmpo's future continues to build, here we will assess his best potential destinations.

#3 Golden State Warriors

Giannis has been linked with a move to the Warriors

The Golden State Warriors lost Kevin Durant earlier this summer, although ESPN's Ramona Shelburne has reported that the franchise is already eyeing a superstar replacement in Antetokounmpo. With the Warriors set to move into their expensive new arena, it is no secret that the franchise is determined to compete for the foreseeable future.

Steph Curry is now in his 30s, while Draymond Green and Klay Thompson will join him next year. Due to this, the Warriors' current window to compete is limited, and the addition of a 26-year-old Giannis would set up the franchise to contend for the foreseeable future.

To sign Giannis, the Warriors will have to lose either Green or Thompson, although the organization demonstrated their ability to make tough decisions by trading Andre Iguodala earlier this summer. Curry should be willing to step aside just like he did with Durant, and the Warriors offer an intriguing option to Giannis.

#2 Remain with the Milwaukee Bucks

Antetokounmpo has the potential to become the best player in Milwaukee Bucks history

At this stage of his career, hitting free agency is Giannis' best option, although that doesn't mean that he has to leave Milwaukee. After all, Antetokounmpo has continually spoken of his gratefulness to the city that took him in as one of their own during his difficult rookie season.

On the court, the entire Bucks system is also built around the 24-year-old, and Antetokounmpo could dominate the Eastern Conference in the same way that LeBron James did for more than a decade.

The Bucks will struggle to recruit another top free agent to play alongside Giannis, although the team has drafted well in recent years - and there is no reason why the Bucks shouldn't be among the annual contenders. Ultimately, the Bucks have been a perfect fit for Giannis up until this point, and remaining with the team for his prime years is among the forward's best options.

#1 Los Angeles Lakers

Giannis would have the chance to establish himself as one of the Lakers' best players in history

The Los Angeles Lakers had been in turmoil for more than half a decade, although the franchise has finally turned the page by signing LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Lakers are now in a strong position to contend over the next two seasons, although LeBron James will be approaching his 37th birthday when Giannis hits free agency in two years.

Due to James' age, the organization will be desperate to sign Giannis to play alongside Anthony Davis - who is expected to sign a max deal of his own next summer. If Los Angeles renounce Kyle Kuzma, the team will also have enough cap space to land Giannis and keep James for the final year of his contract.

Even with James still around, Antetokounmpo would only face a short wait to become the new face of the franchise. Ultimately, joining the Lakers will put Antetokounmpo in the strongest position to compete for titles during his prime years, while also playing on the NBA's biggest stage.