NBA News Roundup, Wednesday, Oct 23: Giannis Antetokounmpo hints at Milwaukee Bucks exit, Pistons won't rush Blake Griffin back and more

The 2019-20 NBA season finally got underway last night with a pair of thrilling games opening the season. Firstly, Pascal Siakam inspired his Toronto Raptors side to overcome a brave New Orleans Pelicans team that performed admirably without the injured Zion Williamson. Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard got the better of LeBron James and Anthony Davis as the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center.

The Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, and Brooklyn Nets are among the teams in action tonight, while plenty continues to happen off the court. So, following another busy day in the NBA, here is all the latest news and rumors you need to know for Oct 23.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo hints that he could leave the Bucks if they underperform

Giannis Antetokounmpo has hinted that his future in Milwaukee depends on the team's ability to contend

Earlier this month, Giannis Antetokounmpo stated that he wasn't willing to discuss his future until next summer out of respect for the Milwaukee Bucks. Nevertheless, in an interview that was conducted with Harvard Business School professor Anita Elberse over the summer, Antetokounmpo revealed that he would find it difficult to resign with the Bucks if they fail to contend:

I want the Bucks to build a winning culture. So far, we have been doing great, and, if this lasts, there's no other place I want to be. But if we're underperforming in the NBA next year, deciding whether to sign becomes a lot more difficult.

Antetokounmpo will be eligible to sign a new five-year, $253 million contract extension with the Bucks next summer. However, if he was to opt-out, Antetokounmpo would become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2021 and the reigning MVP would generate a huge amount of interest.

Dwane Casey willing to wait for Blake Griffins' return

Blake Griffin has been ruled out of the opening weeks of the season due to soreness

The Detroit Pistons will be without Blake Griffin until at least early November after the All-Star was ruled out due to soreness in his knee and hamstring. In the past, the Pistons have struggled when Griffin has been sidelined, although head coach Dwane Casey says that he won't rush the former Clippers man back:

We’re being very conservative with him and his soreness. We’re used to playing without him. Everybody has to be ready and that’s one of the reasons we went out and signed Markieff (Morris)... We’re used to life without Blake; we’d rather have him, but we’re used to life without him.

Griffin helped led the Pistons to the playoffs last season for the first time since 2016. Over 75 regular-season games, the 30-year-old averaged 25.5 points and 7.5 rebounds.

Salt Lake City to host 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend

LeBron James was among the talents at the 2019 All-Star Game

Earlier this week, it was speculated that the NBA would make an imminent announcement regarding the venue for the 2023 All-Star Game, and the league has now confirmed that the showcase event will be hosted by Salt Lake City.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver made the announcement earlier today at Vivint Smart Home Arena, praising Salt Lake City's rich basketball tradition:

Along with a rich basketball tradition, Salt Lake City has proven to be a world-class destination for large-scale events and sports competitions. I want to thank the Miller Family and the Utah Jazz organization for their commitment to hosting our All-Star festivities and to developing a program that will leave a lasting impact on the community.

All-Star Weekend sees the NBA's biggest stars come together for two-days of events that closes with the showcase All-Star Game. This season's edition will take place at United Center in Chicago on Sunday, Feb. 16.