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Giannis Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee Bucks had a disappointing end to their season as the number one seed in the East crashed out of the second round of NBA playoffs after a loss to the Miami Heat. Following the defeat, NBA trade rumors surrounding Giannis's future did rounds in the media.
Mercurial forward Giannis Antetokounmpo was announced as the winner of the MVP award today. After his MVP win, Giannis Antetokounmpo addressed the media and confirmed that he would like to stay in Milwaukee for the foreseeable future.
Before this confirmation, there were multiple teams who, according to NBA trade rumors, were in a strong position to sign Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason. In this article, we will take a look at the teams who will now have to change their off-season approach as Giannis decides to stay with the Bucks.
NBA Trade Rumors: 5 teams affected by Giannis Antetokounmpo's decision to stay in Milwaukee
#1- LA Clippers
After a disappointing end to their campaign, LA Clippers were planning to make a coup for Giannis Antetokounmpo before the start of next season. With Paul George having injury issues in the past, the Clippers would have liked to add a more durable player to their roster. NBA trade rumors also pointed towards the likelihood of Giannis joining but after recent developments, it is safe to say the Clippers will have to pursue other alternatives.
#2 - Golden State Warriors
The Warriors have the second pick in the 2020 draft and were preparing a trade package to get reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Bay area.
Multiple NBA trade rumors suggested that Antetokounmpo was pushing for a trade to the Warriors, considering the organization's history of winning championships with multiple stars. However, with Giannis' commitment to the Bucks, the Warriors will have to alter their plans.
#3 - New York Knicks
The New York-based franchise has been looking to trade for a star player who could be the team's face for years now. After losing out on Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in free agency last year, the Knicks were targeting Giannis Antetokounmpo this off-season.
NBA trade rumors suggested that the Knicks were looking to make an offer to him as soon as free agency started. However, with Giannis Antetokounmpo now extending his time with the Bucks, the Knicks will have to lure some other superstar.
#4- Miami Heat
According to multiple NBA trade rumors, Miami Heat were the front runners in the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. Giannis could have formed a super team this offseason if he ended up joining the Miami Heat to team up with All-Stars Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.
However, with Giannis changing his mind, it looks like Miami Heat will have to convince Victor Oladipo and other notable free agents to join them.
#5- LA Lakers
Recent NBA trade rumors suggested that the LA Lakers were working on clearing cap space to accommodate Giannis Antetokounmpo's contract.
The LA Lakers were planning to offer a trade package to the Bucks with Kyle Kuzma and Danny Green. But after Giannis' announcement, the LA Lakers' wish of pairing up the 'Greek Freak' with Anthony Davis and LeBron James will not take shape, and they will have to explore other options.
