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After another underwhelming showing in the NBA Playoffs, the Milwaukee Bucks enter their most important offseason in some time. Most NBA trade rumors have linked Giannis Antetokounmpo with a move away from Cream City. Although the Greek Freak talked about returning next season and building a winning culture, a lot can happen between now and when the offseason rolls around.
Milwaukee Bucks know that they need to add more star power but the finances remain a constraint with Giannis Antetokounmpo almost guaranteed to be offered a supermax.
NBA Trade Rumors: Could Giannis Antetokounmpo force a move away from Milwaukee Bucks?
Giannis Antetokounmpo himself would be wary of the situation and could very well weigh the pros and cons of playing for another contender. There's plenty for him to ponder and several factors could tempt him to force a trade away from the Milwaukee Bucks. Here are five of them.
#1 Playing with other superstars
The simplest of reasons is that moving away from the Milwaukee Bucks could allow Giannis Antetokounmpo to play with other big names in the modern NBA. He has a decent supporting crew right now but it's no match to the allure of playing with say, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
The 2020 Defensive Player of the Year has also been linked with Portland Trail Blazers and Dallas Mavericks. Imagine Damian Lillard and Giannis annihilating opposition teams. Imagine Luka Doncic serving up lollies for the reigning MVP and Kristaps Porzingis. It's too enticing an opportunity to pass on.
#2 No pressure to be the best player every night
It's not outlandish to claim that Giannis Antetokounmpo has carried the Milwaukee Bucks on his back for several years now. The roster is built around him and as such, is heavily dependent on how well he does each night.
The Greek Freak was nullified by the Miami Heat defense in the playoffs and the team invariably suffered. Yes, Khris Middleton is a reliable player too, but he can't drag Milwaukee out of a hole alone whenever need be.
Knowing that there's another superstar to step up in his absence would give Giannis Antetokounmpo enough confidence to play his own game on nights where things aren't working well. That option won't be afforded to him unless he joins another contender.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors - Milwaukee Bucks expected to target Chris Paul this offseason
#3 Milwaukee Bucks may not improve as much as NBA trade rumors suggest this offseason
The Milwaukee Bucks will definitely look to make some adjustments this offseason to provide Giannis Antetokounmpo more help. Several NBA trade rumors suggest that Chris Paul is a prime target.
Acquiring the veteran will benefit the team in more ways than just his on-court performances but it may not be enough to lead them over the hump. For starters, CP3's big contract will put the Milwaukee Bucks under salary trouble so they may not be able to acquire more useful pieces in the offseason.
Unless the team on paper convinces him that the franchise could go all the way, Giannis Antetokounmpo could consider asking for a trade.
#4 Financial situation
The most undeniable limitation is that at the end of the day, the Milwaukee Bucks are a small-market team. They're only the 19th most valued team in the NBA as per Forbes.
Maintaining the winning culture that Giannis Antetokounmpo has spoken of requires constant spending. And following the coronavirus outbreak, it's difficult to predetermine what the ownership's financial aspirations are.
If they aren't willing to fork out the moolah regularly, does it make enough sense for Giannis Antetokounmpo to bide his team with the Milwaukee Bucks, let alone commit his future there?
#5 Chance for Giannis Antetokounmpo to grow his portfolio
Here's the thing about big markets, they offer opportunities outside of basketball as well. That's why franchises in such markets are traditionally the go-to choice for superstars in free agency.
When Kevin Durant joined the Golden State Warriors, he also ended up making significant investments in Silicon Valley companies. His business decisions were definitely helped by him having local access. LeBron James' has his own production house SpringHill Entertainment which is expectedly based out of Los Angeles.
Although Giannis Antetokounmpo has enough time on his hands to think about a portfolio later, it's certainly an extra benefit of moving to a big-market team.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors - Kevin Garnett wants Brooklyn Nets to move for Zach LaVine or Bradley Beal
Guess the Lakers players!
